A personal perspective from a digital agency founder and parent

Online safety is something we think about a lot in our house.

I have two boys, aged 7 and 11. And even though I work in digital, this is something we are still figuring out and do not always get right. That feels important to say up front.

These are just my takeaways so far. Like many aspects of parenting, people will have different views, different boundaries, and different approaches. This is not a rulebook. It is simply what we have learned along the way, shaped by good advice, a few mistakes, and ongoing conversations.

For parents who do not work in technology, I can only imagine how much harder this can feel.

The challenge of growing up online

Screens are not inherently bad. They help children:

  • Stay connected with friends
  • Explore interests and creativity
  • Relax and have fun

But without intention and guidance, they can also introduce real challenges. Exposure to inappropriate content. Online bullying. Too much screen time. Disrupted sleep. Distracted eating. And the pressure to always be available.

One lesson has become clear for us. Online safety is not about locking everything down. It is about building habits, trust, and understanding over time.

A few things that have helped us

Again, this is just our experience so far. It will not be perfect for everyone.

1. Settings and structure matter

Parental controls are not a silver bullet, but they are an important foundation.

Clarity helps children understand expectations and reduces friction later on.

2. Stay involved, not reactive

Some of the most useful conversations happen before there is a problem.

  • Check in regularly, not just when something goes wrong
  • Play together sometimes and understand the games and platforms they use
  • Talk openly about what they see, who they talk to, and how it makes them feel

Curiosity works better than interrogation.

3. Use the tools available

You do not have to do this alone.

  • Use built in parental controls and reporting tools
  • Use AI tools to help explain settings or identify risks
  • Lean on trusted organisations who specialise in child online safety

Good guidance already exists. You do not need to reinvent it.

4. Think long term and aim for balance

This has probably been the hardest part.

  • Balance fitting in with friends against the impact of screen time
  • Encourage screen free meal times

Research shows that eating while distracted by screens can make it harder for children to recognise when they are full. Over time, this can contribute to unhealthy eating habits and overeating, particularly when it becomes routine. Organisations such as Children and Screens and the World Health Organization have highlighted links between distracted eating, screen use, and wellbeing.

  • Support healthy sleep routines

Screens before bed can affect sleep quality, which has a knock on effect on mood, behaviour, and learning.

Rather than aiming for rigid rules, focus on habits. The goal is to help children build a healthy relationship with technology that lasts beyond childhood.

Trusted support and advice

If you are looking for practical, reliable guidance, these resources are a good place to start.

UK resources

Worldwide resources

If you are setting up new devices for children over Christmas, these official guides are genuinely helpful


Apple devices

(iPhone, iPad, Mac)

Android devices

(Phones and tablets) 

Windows PCs

Mac computers

Gaming consoles

Xbox

PlayStation

Nintendo

UK trusted setup guides (excellent summaries)

 

Final thoughts

Online safety is not about perfection. It's about conversation, trust, and showing up consistently. If this post helps even one family have a better conversation, it has done its job.