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Set up safe guide

Set up safe guide

A teen and his mum look at a smartphone.

Advice for parents and carers

We know it can be tough to stay on top of kids’ smartphone use, especially if they are just starting their digital journey.

So, we’ve put together simple but practical things you can do today to take action and keep them safe.

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A teen and his mum look at a smartphone.

Only have 5 minutes?

Quickly do these 3 things to help children stay safe with their smartphones and other devices. Then, when you have more time, you can explore the safety resources below.

Set broadband and mobile network controls

All broadband and mobile network providers have in-built safety controls to keep your child safe at home and on the go. Explore yours to get your child set up safe.

see how-to guides

Review their downloaded apps

Regularly take a look through your child's device to see which apps they use most. Discuss any apps you don't recognise, and set boundaries around downloading new apps.

Visit apps guide

Talk about their favourite apps

Whichever apps your child uses on their smartphone or other device, ask about why they enjoy them. Talk about their safety, how they get support and what they like doing.

Conversation starters

Online guidance to set up safe

Setting parental controls, agreeing on digital rules and having online safety conversations can empower your child to take ownership of their online safety and tackle any issues they face.

Which phone is best for children

First connected device guide

Get personalised online safety advice

Stay on top of online safety issues and the latest safety settings.

Get your toolkit

Check your child’s smartphone or tablet is set up safe with our 5 top tips

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ABC Checklist graphic

The ABC Online Safety Checklist

There can be a lot to remember about online safety, so we’ve created the ABC Online Safety Checklist to make it a little more accessible. See the steps you can take based on your child’s age.

A girl with a smartphone and worried expression.

Be Challenge Aware: Resource hub

Viral online trends attract many children and teens. Most are harmless, but some challenges can be dangerous. Visit our hub to learn how you can keep children safe from dangerous online challenges.

Step-by-step parental controls

From setting screen time to blocking unwanted apps, set up controls to help you take charge.

A family uses different devices with a green tick icon beside them.

Your digital family agreement

Agree ground rules for using devices in and out of the home with this template.

4 different children of different ages and backgrounds using technology

Age-specific advice guides

Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, these guides give you tips to keep your child safe as they grow.

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Things to know about smartphone safety

Before agreeing to get your child their own smartphone device, there are some things to keep in mind to minimise risk and enhance the benefits.

Social media is for ages 13 and over

Most social media and entertainment platforms require users to be 13 or older. This includes platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Pretending to be older will leave children open to risk.

Many platforms have family or parent modes

TikTok has Family Pairing, Snapchat and Instagram have their own Family Centres and Roblox has Allowed Experiences controlled via a Parental PIN. All of these features are safety tools that you can set up to keep your child safe on their smartphone.

Playing games is a part of socialising

Online games apps like Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft are often about community and socialisation, not just playing games. The ability to chat and communicate with others means it's important to review in-game safety before they play.

Smartphones have in-built safety settings

Android devices come with Digital Wellbeing while Apple devices come with Screen Time. Individual companies will have additional safety settings — like Samsung Kids or Google Family Link. Set these features up to improve your child's smartphone safety.

Social media platforms have in-built safety settings for teens

If your teen is honest about their age, they will benefit from additional safety on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Pretending to be an adult means they miss out on these features.

There are a range of messaging apps to follow

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that children use. However, users must be 13 or older to use it. Additional messaging apps like Telegram might have different age requirements to safety considerations that you should look into.

SEE SMARTPHONE SAFETY TIPS 

More advice for online safety

Explore additional guides to help children take ownership of their online safety while using smartphones and other devices.

Online safety: Facts & advice

From cyberbullying to pornography, stay on top of online issues to help keep kids safe.

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Social media advice hub

Explore the benefits and risks to help young people experience more positives.

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Video games advice hub

Learn how children can benefit from online games and what you can do to minimise risks.

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Tech & Kids series

Learn how to help kids benefit from the latest tech with insight and advice from experts across fields.

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A little girl uses a smartphone.

Digital resilience toolkit

Help children learn to deal with and recover from potential online issues.

A photo shows three children sitting outside and using devices. Choosing the right apps can support wellbeing and balanced screen time.

How to choose apps for kids

Get tips for choosing new apps to help children balance their screen time.

A child uses different tech devices on the floor.

Guide to buying tech

Learn about the devices and tech that can best support children’s safety.

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