Are they old enough?
Are they old enough
How to navigate key online milestones for your child — from first devices and screen time to smartphones and social media.
Parents and carers play a key role in guiding their children as they first encounter the online world, learn through exploration and play, and start social interaction.
Should your preschooler be using online devices?
With a few sensible rules, managed access and guidance, even very young children can enjoy the benefits of being online (streaming favourite shows, using educational apps, sharing photos with family and friends).
How much time should my child spend online?
There’s no magic number. Choose what’s right for your child and your family. Consider:
- Your child’s age and maturity.
- Their learning needs and your family routine.
- How involved you are in what they do online.
- The quality and nature of what they are doing.
Quality matters as much as quantity — engaging, educational media with your involvement can be just as important as limiting time.
Is your child old enough for a smartphone?
Smartphones put the online world in the palm of their hand. The right age depends on maturity and your routine. Ask yourself:
- Do they show good sense of responsibility and stick to rules?
- Do they understand actions and consequences?
- Will they come to you (or a trusted adult) when worried or upset?
- What are the rules about when and where they can use it (e.g. not at night)?
When are they ready for social media accounts?
Readiness depends on age and resilience. Most services set 13+ minimum ages (partly due to COPPA), while some platforms are designed specifically for children. Check each service’s rules.
What are the benefits and risks of using social media?
- Anonymous communication
- Content sharing
- Encrypted communication
- Gaming
- In-app or in-game purchasing
- Live streaming
- Location sharing
- Messaging / online chat
- Online relationships
- Photo / video sharing
- Voice chat
- Video calling
Key questions to help determine your child’s readiness for social media
Can they handle negative online experiences?
Look through public profiles and feeds together. Discuss how people behave differently online and teach them how to filter abusive comments, block and report.
Do they understand protecting personal information?
Explain what personal information is (e.g. mobile number, school name, photos in uniform) and why it matters. Remind them that sharing this can allow others to identify or contact them.
Do they know how privacy settings work?
Show them how to set privacy on each service and talk through the settings you use yourself.
Do they know what is safe to share?
Talk about checking in, tagging, posting nude/sexual or offensive content and why some things are not acceptable to post.
Do they know how to report abuse?
- Cyberbullying complaints (especially if under 18).
- Image-based abuse (sharing intimate images without consent).
- Child sexual abuse material — report and work with law enforcement for removal.
Set clear, fair rules together
Agree on how devices and accounts can be used so everyone knows the boundaries. You might cover:
- What they can post (look at examples together — pros and cons).
- How often they should post.
- How comfortable you are with them checking social media.
Follow their accounts or befriend them so you can observe and support. Keep most conversations about concerns offline to avoid embarrassment and encourage openness. Aim for balance — guidance and support without unnecessary intrusion.
This material has been adapted with permission from the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner . Permission to adapt content does not constitute endorsement of material by the eSafety Commissioner.