Digital Parenting

If you have ever wondered how much screen time should kids have, you are far from alone. Screens are now part of childhood. Children use them to learn, play, talk to family, create things, watch programmes, explore interests and increasingly to communicate with friends. That can make the usual question — “How many hours is too many?” — surprisingly difficult to answer. For younger ch ildren, current UK guidance does provide some clear numbers. For school-age children, however

Screen time can mean almost anything. It can mean an hour of endless short-form videos. It can also mean video-calling a grandparent. It can mean scrolling through a feed designed never to end. Or composing a song. Drawing a picture. Building a game. Learning about wildlife. Solving a puzzle with a friend. Looking something up, then going outside to explore it. Those experiences may all involve a screen. But they are clearly not the same. For parents trying to make sense of p

The UK’s planned social media ban for children under 16 will depend on platforms being able to distinguish children from older users. That makes UK social media ban age verification one of the most important—and most sensitive—parts of the new rules. Parents understandably want to know whether children will need identity documents, whether adults will also face checks, and what will happen to any personal information collected. Some details have now been confirmed. Others, in

Cyberbullying can enter family life very suddenly. A child may become upset after receiving a message, withdraw from a friendship group or reveal that something embarrassing has been shared about them. Parents often feel pressure to act immediately—and to fix everything at once. But your first response does not need to be perfect. It needs to help your child feel safe enough to keep talking. We wanted to create some cyberbullying advice for parents to help them navigate this

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

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

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.

What do your children know about the online world? How often do you speak about it? Social media is everywhere, it’s difficult to avoid, and kids are naturally curious. They want to get involved if their friends are using it; they want to know what’s happening. Talking to kids about social media is important - keep reading to learn how. So how do we keep them safe without the constant arguments about what they can or can’t do online? It’s all about trust, communication,

At Liaura, our goal is to share the positive side of social media for children – the side that is fun, creative and educational. Our app brings all the good things together, allowing children to explore the online world, stay connected with friends and family and provides an opportunity to explore creativity and learn new skills. Liaura Journeys Unlock your child’s potential through Liaura Journeys. From learning material about careers, and gaining confidence, to understand

Smartphones and social media are part of growing up in 2025, but with constant connectivity comes a big question for parents: what is all this screen time actually doing to our children’s health and wellbeing? A new UK-wide research project–a Cambridge University children smartphone study is investigating the answer, and it could shape how schools, families, and even the government approach online safety in the upcoming years. Why This Study Is Important Back in 2019

As parents, we want our children to enjoy the benefits of being online, without stumbling into the dangers. The first step is to be aware of the risks. So, let’s break down everything you need to know about staying safe online and how to make it a team effort between you and your child.