Should I limit my child to younger-children's apps?

Match the platform to your child's developmental level and supervision needs, not chronological age. A supervised, age-appropriate platform is almost always better than a 'cool' platform they cannot navigate safely.

My adult child still has a learning disability. Does this advice still apply?

Yes. Adults with learning disabilities continue to face higher risks of online exploitation and scams. The same easy-read, rehearsed, trusted-adult model works at any age.

Where can I get easy-read materials?

Mencap, Photosymbols, and many local authorities publish easy-read online safety guides. We provide a printable summary in the downloads section.

Online Safety for Children with Learning Disabilities

Online safety that works at your child's reading and reasoning level — easy-read rules, real-life rehearsal, and supportive structure.

Overview

Children with learning disabilities have the same right to online life as any other child — to friendship, fun, music, games, and being part of the world. They also need online safety support that meets them where they are, not at a reading age they cannot yet access. Most standard 'be careful online' material is written above the reading level of many children with learning disabilities.

This guide assumes your child is online and should be online, and focuses on practical, repeated, supportive routines that build genuine safety skill over time.

Starting from strengths

Many children with learning disabilities are exceptionally good at sticking to clear rules, asking trusted adults for help, and being honest about what is going on. These are real online-safety superpowers. The aim is to make the rules clear enough and the helpers visible enough that those strengths can shine.

Common challenges and what helps

Difficulty reading long terms, warnings, and policies

Use easy-read versions of family agreements and platform rules. Mencap and Photosymbols provide easy-read templates. Read warnings aloud together when something pops up.

Trusting authority figures or 'official-looking' messages

Teach a simple rule: 'Anything official, we look at together.' Keep the rule small and consistent rather than testing it with complex examples.

Wanting to please new online friends, sometimes to the point of agreeing to things they do not understand

Rehearse a single, easy phrase: 'I need to ask my grown-up first.' Practise it often, in calm moments, until it is automatic.

Difficulty distinguishing real and fake — adverts, scams, AI images

Watch videos together and play 'is this real or pretend?' as a game. Make it fun, low-stakes, and frequent.

Practical steps

•Use easy-read family agreements with pictures, short sentences, and clear rules.
•Keep the trusted-adult contact list visible — printed on a card or pinned by the device.
•Use device-level supervised accounts (Apple Family, Google Family Link) appropriate to your child's developmental, not chronological, age.
•Block unknown contacts on all messaging apps; build a known-friends list together.
•Rehearse 'I need to ask my grown-up first' in calm moments, weekly.
•Watch 'is it real or pretend?' video clips together regularly.
•Keep devices in shared family spaces where you can see screens.

Conversation starters

Phrases that help

Can you show me your favourite app today?
Has anyone asked you to do something online that felt strange?
What is our rule when someone asks for a photo?
Who is on our 'always tell' list at home?
Shall we make a picture card of the most important rules?

Working with school

Ask for online safety to be part of your child's EHCP or SEN support plan, with materials at the right reading level. Mencap (0808 808 1111) supports families through the EHCP process. Share what works at home with school — and ask them to do the same — so your child meets consistent rules in both places.

Signs to take seriously

!Sudden secrecy about a device, app, or 'friend'.
!Unexplained gifts, money, vouchers, or game items.
!A new contact who pushes for video chat, photos, or in-person meeting.
!Sleep, appetite, or mood changes you cannot otherwise explain.
!Your child telling you 'someone said not to tell you'.

When to escalate

If anyone has asked your child for photos, video, or to meet up, report to CEOP at ceop.police.uk and call 101. Call 999 if there is immediate danger. Mencap (0808 808 1111) and the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) can also help. For advocacy on SEN provision, IPSEA's helpline (0800 018 4016) can support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · This page is educational guidance, not a substitute for clinical advice, safeguarding professionals, or emergency services.

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.