There are lots of positives to being online for children, from staying in touch with friends to learning about the world.
There are some challenges, too, and the online world can be tricky for children to navigate. For some it can become overwhelming trying to keep up with friends, and the pressure can mount.
Noticing how your child is affected by being online is the first step in helping them manage their wellbeing.
You can:
- manage the content that your children see
- ensure the interactions they have are suitable
- manage how long they’re online, in balance with other activities.
There are several things you can do to help support a child, including using specific apps and checking app settings.
How much time should children spend online? And is it OK to make a mistake? Take our online wellbeing quiz with your family and see if you all agree!
Six tips to improve your family’s online wellbeing
1. Screen-time savvy
Spending less time on screens can help improve sleep, mood, and relationships – but it’s not just about cutting back. It’s about making screen time more meaningful.
Start by talking with your child about how they use their devices. Are they doing homework, watching videos, chatting with friends, or playing games? Understanding this helps you set realistic boundaries together.
You could:
- create screen-free zones at home, like the dinner table or bedrooms
- use wellbeing settings on apps such as Instagram and TikTok to track usage and set reminders to take break
- try ‘do not disturb’ mode during homework or bedtime to reduce distractions and improve focus
- encourage regular breaks and offline activities and practice these as a family.
It’s all about balance. Helping your child reflect on how they feel after using screens can guide healthier habits.
2. Navigate the negative
Children can come across upsetting or harmful material online, from inappropriate content to online hoaxes and depictions of violence. These experiences can affect their mood, self-esteem, and sense of safety.
To help your child feel empowered to take control of their online space, you could:
- explore safety settings together to learn how to mute, block, or report harmful accounts or content
- explore privacy and content filters together – many platforms allow users to block specific words or topics
- encourage them to follow accounts that make them feel good, inspired, or supported
- let them know it’s okay to step away from content that doesn’t feel right.
Remind them that their online space should feel safe and positive – and that they can always come to you if something worries them.
3. Seeing isn't believing
It’s easy for children to compare themselves to others online, especially when they’re constantly seeing polished photos, filtered videos, and highlight reels of other people’s lives.
To help your child build a healthy perspective, you could:
- talk about the filters and edited images that don’t always represent reality
- discuss how people tend to share only the best parts of their lives - not the everyday ups and downs
- encourage critical thinking by asking questions like, ‘Do you think that’s real?’ or ‘How does that post make you feel?’
If your child feels like they’re missing out or not measuring up, reassure them that what they see online isn’t the full story. Building this awareness can help protect their self-esteem and reduce feelings of anxiety or inadequacy.
4. Mistakes happen
If your child makes a mistake online, such as getting into an argument or sharing personal information, be understanding. Mistakes are part of their learning.
We encourage talking regularly with your child about online safety, instead of having a one-off chat. can help keep them safe online. Having these regular conversations helps build trust and keeps the door open for future discussions.
This is part of building digital resilience – the ability to bounce back from challenges and make safer choices online. It helps your child feel more confident and supported in their digital world.
5. Take the lead
Children learn by watching the adults around them. That means your own online habits matter.
You can be a positive role model by:
- taking breaks from screens and avoiding negative content
- keeping your passwords safe and private
- talking about what you’ve seen online – depending on your child’s age, you could discuss trustworthy and untrustworthy sites and sources
- asking your child before sharing their photos online – show them what you’re posting and sharing online to check they’re comfortable with it.
When you lead by example, your child is more likely to follow your advice and feel supported in making good choices online.
6. Get chatting
Regular conversations about your child’s online life can make it easier to talk about tricky topics later. You know your child best, so choose an approach that suits them.
Some things to consider:
- give them time and space to think about what’s being discussed – let them talk without blame, judgement, or interruption
- pick a comfortable environment and a relaxed moment – this helps them stay calm and open
- try to understand how they spend time online – being dismissive or negative might shut down the conversation.
Our online wellbeing quiz could be a great way to start chatting. You can answer the questions together and use them as a springboard for deeper conversations.
See how these families reacted to our top tips
Childline: here to support online wellbeing
Childline is here for children and young people up to and including the age of 18. The website has lots of advice, including:
As well as resources to help children manage pressure and relax:
Young people can also contact a Childline counsellor by phone or 121 messaging.
See how these families manage their online wellbeing together
