8–10 years
Supporting upper primary children as they seek more independence online and encounter a wider digital world.
Children aged 8–10 are growing in confidence and independence. They are likely using the internet for schoolwork, gaming, and watching content. Peer influence becomes stronger, and many will begin asking for social media accounts or their own phone. This is a critical stage for establishing trust-based conversations about online safety before the teenage years.
What's typical at this age
- • Developing critical thinking skills but still prone to believing what they see online; media literacy education is important.
- • Social relationships become central; children may experience their first taste of online drama, exclusion, or peer pressure.
- • Growing desire for privacy and independence, which needs to be balanced carefully with ongoing supervision.
- • Capable of understanding rules and consequences, making this a good time for a collaborative family digital agreement.
Key risks at this age
Conversation tips
Peer pressure to join social media
Try saying: "I know it can feel like everyone else is on it, and that's frustrating. The age limit is 13 for a reason — let's find other ways you can stay connected with your friends for now."
Avoid: Avoid dismissing their feelings with 'you're too young' without explanation — this closes down conversation.
What personal information means
Try saying: "Your full name, school, address, and photos are all personal information. Once they're online, you can't take them back — so we always check before sharing."
Avoid: Avoid assuming they understand what 'personal information' means in practice — children this age often don't realise a school uniform in a photo is identifying.
Dealing with unkind messages
Try saying: "If someone sends you something mean or makes you feel bad, save it and show me. We'll work out what to do together. It's not your fault."
Avoid: Avoid telling them to 'just ignore it' — this minimises their experience and discourages them from coming to you in future.
Recommended boundaries
No social media accounts until at least age 13, in line with platform terms of service.
Children under 13 are not developmentally equipped to manage the social dynamics, data-sharing, and content exposure that social media entails.
Online multiplayer games must have voice and text chat disabled or restricted to approved friends only.
Open game chat is one of the most common ways unknown adults make contact with children in this age group.
Never share real name, age, school, location, or photos in any online environment without parental approval.
Children at this age are beginning to interact more widely online and may not yet grasp how information can be pieced together to identify them.
Warning signs to watch for
Becoming secretive about online activity or creating accounts you didn't know about.
Have an open, non-judgemental conversation. Review devices together, check for hidden apps, and revisit your family agreement.
Changes in mood after using a device — becoming withdrawn, anxious, or upset.
Gently explore what happened online. Check for signs of bullying or exposure to upsetting content, and consider reducing unsupervised access temporarily.
Using language, jokes, or references that seem too mature for their age.
Ask where they heard or saw it without being accusatory. Review their content consumption and tighten filters if necessary.
Key statistics
- 33% of 8–10 year olds in the UK have a social media profile, despite being below the minimum age. — Ofcom Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report 2024
- Over 50% of children aged 8–10 play online games with people they don't know offline. — Internet Matters Annual Report 2024