Guidance for parents of 8-10-year-olds
At this stage, children are becoming more tech savvy and using a range of devices to socialise with friends online. There may also be pressure on them to join new platforms and explore new interests.
See digital safety tips for 8-10-year-olds below.
Research from 2023 shows that most children at this age watch videos online. 64% of 6-10-year-olds use YouTube while 27% use TikTok, despite the requirement that users be 13 or older.
As children grow, they use their devices more for socialising and keeping in touch with friends outside of school. 30% of children in this age group use WhatsApp, which allows them to do these things. However, the minimum age to use WhatsApp in the UK is 16.
Minecraft and Roblox remain favourites for 8-10-year-olds. This age is more likely than younger kids to play games online, which means they might communicate with people they don’t know.
As children grow, more of them report feeling like they experience too much screen time. It is what they most report experiencing at this age and nearly 3/4 of parents worry about it.
You can set time limits for devices and apps to help encourage regular breaks. Additionally, helping them use their screens in meaningful ways — such as for creating or learning — can help their time online feel more meaningful.
In-game spending is the second-highest experienced online harm children at this age. However, while the experience of this harm increases with age, parents are less worried than with younger children.
Set or review purchase settings in apps, games and online stores (such as Google Play), and talk to your child about why they’re important.
Viewing violent content is the online harm third-most experienced by 8-10-year-olds. It can include content they find themselves or that others send to them.
Set parental controls and restrictions to limit the content your child might see in videos, games and on websites. Also, talk to them about why some content is not appropriate and what to do if they see something violent online.
Children at this age might transition from YouTube Kids to the regular YouTube platform. You can create Restricted Accounts for those aged 9+ to help them safely explore more.
More than half of children at this age watch Netflix. It’s important to create separate user accounts to ensure your child only streams content appropriate for their age, maturity and development.
Although WhatsApp requires users in the UK to reach 16 before using their platform, plenty of 8-10s still do. If they use the platform, ensure they understand how to stay safe. Familiarise yourself with WhatsApp safety settings and disable options for strangers to contact your child.
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See related advice and practical tips to support children online.