The online world, explained for little ones.
Digital safety for young children is about building habits that will protect them for life. This guide gives parents age-appropriate tools, scripts, and settings for children ages 6–9.
Who it’s for: Parents of children ages 6–9 getting their first devices or using family devices.
What’s inside: Age-appropriate app recommendations, first device setup, screen time frameworks, simple privacy conversations, and how to introduce online rules that stick.
Format: 5-page PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions parents ask most about digital safety for children ages 6 to 9.
How much screen time should a 6–9 year old have?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consistent, parent-set limits for children ages 6 and older rather than a specific hour cap. Most family therapists suggest 1–2 hours of recreational screen time on school days and up to 3 hours on weekends for this age group. Content quality and whether it is passive or interactive matters as much as total time.
Is YouTube Kids safe for young children?
YouTube Kids is safer than standard YouTube but not fully curated. Inappropriate content occasionally passes its filters, and the autoplay feature can expose children to content parents did not choose. For maximum safety, enable "Approved Content Only" mode in the parental settings, which restricts viewing to channels and videos you individually approve.
When should I give my child their first device?
Most child development experts suggest waiting until at least age 8–10 for a first dedicated device, and even then starting with a basic tablet rather than a smartphone. A shared family device in a common room is a safer first step than a personal device for children ages 6–9, giving parents visibility without restricting the child's digital curiosity.
How do I talk to a young child about online strangers?
Use the same framing as offline stranger safety: people online are strangers unless you know them in person. Teach your child to never share their name, school, address, or photo with anyone online without asking a parent first, and that if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell you immediately and will never be in trouble for it.
What apps are safe for children ages 6–9?
Safe digital activities for ages 6–9 include YouTube Kids with parent-approved channels, Khan Academy Kids, Duolingo for Kids, age-appropriate games like Toca Boca and LEGO apps, and video calling with family members. Avoid social media, public chat features, and any app that allows contact with strangers until the child is older and family rules are established.
