Families with English as an Additional Language
Child safety guidance for families where English is an additional language, with practical advice on navigating digital safety across language barriers.
If English is not your first language, navigating online safety for your children can feel especially challenging. Terms of service, app settings, school communications, and safety guidance are often available only in English. This page helps you take practical steps regardless of language barriers.
Why this matters
Language barriers can mean missing important safety information from schools, misunderstanding app privacy settings, or struggling to have safety conversations with children who may be more fluent in English than their parents.
Quick wins
Use your phone's translate feature to read app privacy settings
Time: 10 minutes
Ask your child to show you how their apps work
Time: 15 minutes
Set up parental controls — the visual guides on this site work across languages
Time: 20 minutes
Common challenges
App settings and terms are in English
Use your phone's built-in translation features to translate screens. Ask your child to help you set up safety settings together — this also teaches them responsibility.
School safety communications in English only
Ask your child's school if translated materials are available. Many schools can arrange interpreter support for safeguarding conversations.
Children more digitally fluent than parents
Your parenting instincts are still your greatest asset. Set clear family rules even if you don't understand every app. Focus on the 'tell me if something feels wrong' message.