Online Safety Advice for Parents

What age should a child start social media? It is a simple question without one universally correct age. A birthday alone does not tell you whether a child is ready to manage private information, cope with social pressure, question what they see or ask for help when something goes wrong. The design of the platform matters just as much as the age and maturity of the child. For families in the UK, the decision is also changing. The Government plans to prevent certain social med

For years, parents have been told how to make social media safer for children. Now a different question is becoming increasingly important: What can children use instead of social media in the first place? For families looking for social media alternatives for kids, the best answer may not be another social network at all. It may be a mix of safer ways to connect, create, play, learn and belong online. That question is particularly relevant in the UK. The Government has annou

Choosing a child’s first social app can feel surprisingly complicated. Many apps describe themselves as safe, private or suitable for children, but those words do not always mean the same thing. To choose a safe social media app for kids, look beyond the age rating. Check who can contact your child, whether accounts are private by default, how guardians are involved, what information the app collects and whether its design encourages healthy use. The safest option will not si

What You Need to Know About the Ban There is not yet a final, legally confirmed list that shows which apps will be affected by the UK social media ban. The government intends to use a model similar to the one introduced in Australia. Its current guidance names Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and X as examples of platforms included in that model. That makes these services likely to be affected, but being named as an example is not the same as appearing in final

Quick answer: The UK social media ban for under-16s is expected to start in spring 2027, but the government has not yet announced an exact commencement date. The first regulations are due to be presented to Parliament before the end of 2026 and must be approved before the new restrictions take effect. Last reviewed: 12 August 2026 Next scheduled review: October 2026, or sooner if the government or Ofcom publishes new information The key facts for parents about the Under 16 UK

When kids start exploring the digital world, it’s natural to worry about their safety online. Finding a social app that protects children while letting them connect and learn is a challenge many parents face. I want to share what I’ve learned about safe social apps for kids, especially for ages 6 to 10. These apps can help children build friendships, develop skills, and enjoy their time online without exposing them to risks. Why Safe Social Apps Matter for Kids Kids today g

Why Social Media Safety Matters for Kids Kids between 6 and 10 are at a stage where they are learning how to connect with others. Social media can help them build friendships and learn new things. But it can also expose them to risks like: Meeting strangers who might not have good intentions Seeing content that is not right for their age Sharing too much personal information without knowing the consequences Spending too much time online and missing out on real-world activi

Social media is everywhere, and kids are curious about it. But the usual platforms can be risky for young children. As a parent, I want to help kids enjoy online connections safely. That means finding or creating spaces where they can share, learn, and have fun without exposure to harmful content or strangers. Let’s explore what a safe social media alternative for kids looks like and how it supports healthy online habits. Why Kids Need Safe Social Media Spaces Kids today grow

Eye-level view of a child using a tablet with parental controls on screen Keeping kids safe online is a top priority for many parents today. The internet offers amazing opportunities for learning and fun, but it also comes with risks. Children aged 6 to 10 are curious and eager to explore, but they need guidance to navigate the digital world safely. I want to share some essential online safety tips for parents that can help you protect your child while encouraging healthy onl

We’re proud to partner with The Ad Village to help build a safer digital ecosystem for children. Together, we’re strengthening protections around advertising so parents can be confident that inappropriate products and messaging never appear in their child’s digital world.

Why Effective Parental Controls for Children Matter When kids start using devices, the internet opens up a world of possibilities. But it also comes with risks like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time. Effective parental controls help you manage these risks without turning the internet into a no-go zone. Think of parental controls for children as a set of smart boundaries. They let you: Filter content so your child only sees age-appropriate website

Social media often gets a bad rap, especially when it comes to kids and their screen time. But I want to share a different perspective with you today - the benefits of social media for children. When used thoughtfully, social media can be a wonderful tool for connection, learning, and growth. It’s not just about scrolling endlessly or worrying about what your child might see. There’s a positive side of social media that can truly benefit families, especially when we guide our

Helping children learn can sometimes feel like a big challenge. But it doesn’t have to be! When learning at home is fun, kids naturally want to explore and discover new things. I’ve found that mixing creativity with simple, enjoyable activities can make a huge difference. Whether it’s at home or on the go, there are plenty of ways to boost your child’s curiosity and skills without stress. Let’s dive into some friendly, practical ideas that can brighten up your child’s educati

The public debate is loud: social media is either “destroying childhood” or being unfairly demonized. Parents are stuck between ban it and let them roam. The evidence is quieter and more nuanced: there is no coherent scientific basis for blanket bans on digital access for children. What the research does support is age-appropriate, safeguarded access, plus clear accountability for platforms.

A full feature on our first Liaura Creators and the incredible learning value they bring to Liaura