5–7 years
Helping early primary school children navigate their first independent encounters with technology safely.
Children aged 5–7 are starting school and beginning to use technology more independently — often for homework, games, and watching videos. They are naturally trusting and may not yet understand that not everything online is true or safe. This is the ideal time to build foundational digital literacy skills through gentle, consistent guidance.
What's typical at this age
- • Beginning to read and write, which opens up new interactions with on-screen text, search, and messaging.
- • Highly trusting of authority figures and on-screen characters; vulnerable to misleading content and adverts disguised as games.
- • Developing a sense of fairness and rules, making this an excellent time to introduce family agreements around device use.
- • Peer influence is growing; children may come home wanting apps or games they've heard about at school.
Key risks at this age
Conversation tips
What to do if something scary appears
Try saying: "If you ever see something on the screen that makes you feel worried or upset, just close the lid and come and tell me. You will never be in trouble for telling me."
Avoid: Avoid reacting with shock or anger when they show you something concerning — this teaches them to hide things instead.
People online aren't always who they seem
Try saying: "Some people on the internet pretend to be someone they're not, just like dressing up in a costume. That's why we only talk to people we know in real life."
Avoid: Avoid overly frightening language like 'bad people will find you' — this creates anxiety rather than awareness.
Asking before downloading
Try saying: "Before you download anything or click 'yes' to something, come and check with me first. It's like asking before crossing the road."
Avoid: Avoid assuming they understand what downloading, permissions, or pop-ups mean — explain each concept simply.
Recommended boundaries
No more than one to two hours of recreational screen time per day, with regular breaks.
Children this age need ample time for physical play, reading, and creative activities alongside any screen use.
No unsupervised messaging, voice chat, or social media of any kind.
Children aged 5–7 cannot reliably identify manipulative or inappropriate communication from strangers or even peers.
All app downloads and in-app purchases require parent approval.
Children at this age do not understand financial transactions and can inadvertently spend significant sums or install unsafe apps.
Warning signs to watch for
Quickly switching screens or hiding the device when an adult approaches.
Calmly ask what they were doing. Reinforce that devices are used in shared spaces and review browsing history together.
Talking about an online 'friend' you don't recognise from their offline life.
Ask open questions about who this person is. Check the app or game they met through and review privacy and chat settings immediately.
Noticeable drop in interest in activities they previously enjoyed, replaced by screen fixation.
Reintroduce structured offline activities and review whether screen time limits are being consistently enforced.
Key statistics
- 38% of 5–7 year olds in the UK use a tablet to go online. — Ofcom Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report 2024
- One in five children aged 5–7 has encountered something worrying or nasty online. — Internet Matters Annual Report 2024