Supporting safe and balanced use of online apps

Conversations around children and young people’s use of social media, apps and connected technologies continue to grow, from screen balance and digital wellbeing to online safety and emerging technologies like generative AI. Helping young people navigate this space isn’t just about restricting access; it’s about ensuring they are supported by informed, confident adults who can set appropriate boundaries and provide guidance.

Hwb's app guides for parents and carers are designed to support these conversations. Covering a range of areas including gaming, social media, streaming, messaging and microblogging, the guides:

• explain how different platforms work

• highlight potential risks

• offer practical advice on safety settings and safer use

There is also dedicated guidance, based on CEOP Education advice, to help adults approach sensitive conversations with children.

By building their understanding of the digital world, parents, carers and practitioners can play a crucial role in creating the guardrails that shape a child’s online experience, supporting them to develop healthy habits, stay safe, and make informed choices.

New Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) campaign

You can also find more support from the ICO’s Switched on to privacy campaign. The campaign is designed to help schools support parents of 4 to 11‑year‑olds to talk about online privacy at home, complementing what children learn in school. It promotes three simple actions (Chat, Choose, Check) to help families build safe online habits and make informed decisions about sharing personal information.