Earlier this week, the BBC reported that many teenagers don’t see the harm of social media, even though many admit they were given a smartphone too young.
This echoes a concern almost every parent has today. Smartphones and tablets are landing in children’s hands earlier and earlier. Yet the skills to use them wisely, understanding risks, balancing screen time, and building safe online habits, come much later.
Parents see the risks: poor sleep, social pressures, and the mental health impact of endless scrolling. But children often see only the fun, friends, games, videos, without recognising the dangers.
So how do we bridge this gap between freedom and responsibility?
The Growing Tension Around Smartphones and Social Media
- Kids see freedom, not danger. Many children don’t recognise the risks of oversharing personal details, late-night scrolling, or stumbling across harmful content.
- Parents feel out of their depth. As one parent in the BBC article noted, even simple practices like introducing a “digital sunset” (switching devices off before bed) were new to them.
- Schools are stepping in. In Jersey, for example, schools have banned phones during the day. Parents and teachers welcome the move, but it doesn’t solve the bigger challenge: what happens at home?
This is where families need more than just rules. They need a clear, consistent digital parenting strategy that works both in school and at home.
Helping children navigate the online world safely builds lifelong skills and peace of mind for parents.
Why Bans and Blocks Alone Don’t Work
For years, parental controls and online safety tools focused on restriction:
- Block the app.
- Ban the phone.
- Cut the Wi-Fi.
These tactics may help in the short term, but they don’t prepare children for the future. Because the truth is simple: you can’t monitor every click, and you won’t always be there to stop every risk.
Sooner or later, your child will have to make digital choices on their own. And when that time comes, they need more than bans, they need skills.
A Better Way: Building Digital Readiness
At Young Minds App, we believe digital parenting isn’t about restriction, it’s about readiness. That means giving children the tools to understand risks, practise safe habits, and gradually earn independence in a supportive way.
Here’s how our approach works:
Safety with understanding
Yes, harmful content is blocked. But we also explain why. Children start to recognise risks themselves, rather than relying only on parents to enforce rules.
Habits through encouragement, not fear
Bedtime Mode, Study Mode, and Digital Sunset routines help children develop healthy daily habits, without constant conflict or nagging.
Freedom that’s earned
Children gain more responsibility step by step, as they show they’re ready. Parents stay involved, but kids learn to lead their own digital choices.
Trust over conflict
Shared dashboards and guided check-ins keep conversations open. Parents don’t have to play “bad cop”—they can guide instead of policing.
Practical Online Safety Tips Parents Can Use Today
Even without technology, there are simple steps every family can take to build healthier digital habits:
- Introduce a digital sunset. Turn devices off at least an hour before bed. This helps children sleep better and reduces late-night scrolling.
- Talk about the “why.” When you set a boundary, explain the reason, whether it’s about sleep, safety, or concentration. Kids are more likely to respect rules they understand.
- Start early. Don’t wait for teenage years. Begin teaching healthy habits with your child’s very first device. That’s when routines are easiest to form.
- Model good behaviour. Children copy what they see. If parents also practise balanced screen time, kids are more likely to follow suit.
- Make it collaborative. Involve children in setting rules. Shared decisions feel fairer, and are more likely to be followed.
Final Thought
Many children simply don’t see the risks of life online, but with the right guidance, they can learn to recognise and manage them, building smart safety, lifelong skills, and peace of mind for every parent.
Parents Also Ask:
What age should a child get their first smartphone?
There’s no universal “right” age, but many experts suggest waiting until secondary school (around age 11–13). What matters most is whether your child has the maturity to handle responsibility, such as following routines, respecting rules, and recognising risks. Starting with parental guidance tools can make this transition smoother.
How can I keep my child safe on social media?
Start by using privacy settings, limiting who can contact your child, and discussing what’s safe to share. More importantly, have regular conversations about why these boundaries exist.
What is a “digital sunset” and why does it matter?
A digital sunset means switching off devices an hour before bed. It improves sleep, reduces overstimulation, and gives families time to connect offline. Parents in the BBC article highlighted this as a simple but powerful way to improve children’s wellbeing.
