Technology is part of everyday life. And that means even very young children are using shared devices to watch videos or to play simple games.
For children under the age of five, technology can offer fun and support learning. It also brings risks. Children at this age are curious, quick to click, and unable to recognise danger.
That’s why parents and carers play a vital role in making screen time safe, purposeful, and age appropriate.
Finding what works for your family
Managing technology with young children can feel overwhelming, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This guide is here to help, but it’s not about strict rules or perfection. Every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
The goal is to find an approach that feels right for you – one that balances safety, learning, and everyday life. Start with small steps, adapt as you go, and remember that progress matters more than perfection.
Common risks for under-fives
Young children don’t yet have the skills to navigate online spaces safely. Some of the most common risks to them include:
- autoplay traps – video platforms often play the next clip automatically, which can lead to children seeing content that isn’t suitable for them
- inappropriate content – even child-friendly apps can show adverts or videos that aren’t suitable for this age group
- accidental purchases – in-app purchases and pop-ups can tempt children to click, leading to unexpected costs
- inappropriate use – young children may explore their bodies using cameras or devices without understanding privacy or boundaries
- sharenting and image misuse – parents might share images online while others might take and misuse children’s photos. That can create long-term privacy and safety issues
- overuse – long periods of passive screen time can affect children’s sleep, play, and development.
Understanding these risks helps parents take simple steps to protect children while still enjoying the benefits of technology.
What do experts say about screen time for under-fives?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommendations for younger children by age group:
Children under one year old
Screen time is not recommended for infants, apart from being in video calls with family members who may live further away.
Children aged between one and two years old
For one-year-olds, sedentary screen time (using screens while sitting down eg to watch TV or videos or play computer games) is not recommended.
For two-year-olds, sedentary screen time should be no more than one hour per day – and less is better.
Children aged between three and four years old
Children of this age should be spending no more than one hour a day on sedentary screen time and less time is preferable. When they are sitting down and using devices, it’s best for children to be engaged in reading and storytelling with a caregiver.
The WHO's recommendations highlight that screen time should be limited and purposeful. It’s not about banning technology completely, but about making sure it supports children’s development rather than replacing play, conversation, and movement.
Seven practical steps for safer screen time
There's lots you can do to help keep things safe, from checking device settings and choosing suitable apps to supervising children when they are online.
1) Supervise and stay involved
Keep devices in shared spaces and supervise use. Young children can easily stumble across upsetting content, even on platforms designed for families. Sitting with your child while they use technology turns screen time into a shared experience and helps you spot problems quickly.
2) Teach simple safety actions
Show your child what to do if something feels wrong. A simple rule like ‘turn the device over and bring it to me’ gives them confidence and keeps you in control.
3) Set up devices safely
These steps can help reduce risks and give you peace of mind. Before handing over a device, check the settings:
- enable parental controls
- switch off in-app purchases
- turn off location settings
- on streaming platforms, such as YouTube, set up child accounts.
4) Avoid autoplay traps
Switch off autoplay on video platforms. This helps stop children from being drawn into endless clips and reduces the chance that they might see content that isn’t suitable for them. You can usually do this by going into the platform's settings or playback options and toggling the 'Autoplay' feature off.
5) Choose age-appropriate apps and sites
Look for platforms designed for young children and explore them together. Trusted apps often include educational games, songs, and stories that support learning.
6) Make screen time purposeful
Introduce technology in a purposeful way for activities like singing rhymes, drawing, or cooking together. It’s best to limit passive viewing and encourage active engagement, which supports development.
7) Limit screen time
It’s better for children to use devices in short, supervised sessions than for long periods of time. Encourage them to take breaks for play, conversation, and movement.
Supervision and family rules
Supervision is the most effective way to keep young children safe online.
Being present while they use devices means you can guide them, answer questions, and step in quickly if something goes wrong. It also turns screen time into a shared experience, which can make it more enjoyable and purposeful.
Clear family rules help too. If you have older children as well, building family rules can be particularly helpful for setting consistent expectations across all ages.
Consider creating a simple family agreement that sets out expectations for everyone. This might include:
- technology-free mealtimes
- no screens in bedrooms
- asking permission before posting photos
- limits on daily screen time.
Writing these rules down and following them as a family makes expectations clear and shows children that everyone plays by the same standards.
Role modelling healthy habits
Children learn by watching adults. If you take breaks, avoid oversharing, and follow family rules, they’re more likely to do the same. Try:
- putting your phone away during meals
- talking about why you limit your own screen time
- showing that you enjoy offline activities like reading or playing outside.
Role modelling isn’t about being perfect – it’s about showing balance and making healthy choices visible.
Quick activities to introduce technology purposefully
You can include devices in fun activities with your child. Here are five ideas.
Watch an online video together and sing or talk about the characters
Choose a short, age-appropriate video with your child, then ask questions such as ‘Which character was your favourite?’ or sing along to make it interactive.
Search for a recipe or craft to do together
Let your child help type a word or choose a picture, then make the recipe or craft together, talking about each step.
Use devices to set timers for activities or tidy-up time
Ask your child to press the button to start the timer and make it fun by cheering when the timer goes off.
Introduce them to Techosaurus – our online safety dinosaur
Techosaurus is aimed at younger children who are starting to use technology and the internet, and keeps the conversation around online safety positive.
You can watch a video of the story Techosaurus saves the school, or buy the book from our online shop.
Once you've shared the story with your child, talk about what happens when Techosaurus sees something scary online. Asking questions like ‘What would you do if that happened to you?’ can help start conversations about feelings and choices online.
Do a family video call together
Try arranging a short video call with a trusted family member or friend so your child can see how it works in a safe setting. Let your child help press the button to start the call or wave hello.
This can be an opportunity to talk with your child about why video calls should only be with people they know and trust.
Support and advice for you
If you’re worried about what your child has seen online or need advice on setting boundaries, we can help. You can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
And while under-fives are unlikely to use Childline themselves, it’s a helpful resource for older children and there are many ways they can access support.
More advice and support on online safety
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