Unsafe contact
Games, messaging and social apps can allow contact from people your child does not know.
Children's device safety
A practical guide for parents and carers.
Children use phones, tablets, computers and gaming consoles for school, entertainment and keeping in touch. This page explains the main risks and the settings, habits and family decisions that can make those devices safer.
This is not about reading every message. It is about setting devices up properly, limiting unnecessary access and making sure children know what to do when something feels wrong.
What can go wrong.
Risk depends on a child's age, the device and how they use it. Start with the areas that apply to your household rather than trying to control everything at once.
Account theft
Reused passwords, fake login pages and shared security codes can lead to stolen accounts.
Scams and purchases
In game currencies, fake giveaways and saved payment cards can result in unexpected spending.
Privacy and location
Photos, profiles, apps and games can reveal a child's name, school, routine or precise location.
Harmful content
Search, social feeds and chat can expose children to material that is not suitable for their age.
Lost or infected devices
A lost phone, unsafe download or missed update can expose photos, messages and family accounts.
Bullying and harmful messages
Repeated cruel comments, exclusion or threats in games and group chats can affect a child's wellbeing.
Sleep and screen time
Unmanaged screen use and overnight notifications can make it harder to switch off and rest.
What parents can do.
Use this as a starting point. Settings should be reviewed as children get older, devices change and new apps are added.
1
Set up each child with their own account
Use the correct age, keep the parent account separate and avoid sharing the main family password.
2
Turn on automatic updates
Update the operating system, apps, browser and gaming console software as soon as updates are available.
3
Use a screen lock and account protection
Set a PIN or biometric lock, use unique passwords and turn on MFA for email, gaming and social accounts.
4
Review privacy and app permissions
Limit camera, microphone, contacts, photos and location access to apps that genuinely need them.
5
Set parental controls on every device
Cover phones, tablets, computers, consoles, smart TVs and the platforms used to download games or apps. Set age-appropriate content and screen-time limits where useful.
6
Control chat and spending
Decide who can contact your child, require approval for purchases and avoid leaving payment details saved.
7
Back up important photos and schoolwork
Check what is included in the backup and make sure recovery details belong to an account the family can access.
8
Practise reporting and recovery
Show children how to block and report accounts, take a screenshot and ask a trusted adult for help.
9
Secure the home Wi-Fi and connected devices
Change the router's default administrator password, keep it updated and use the strongest Wi-Fi encryption available. Use a guest network for visitors; if your router supports it, consider a separate network for smart-home devices.
Family rules
Settings work better with a conversation.
Controls are useful, but they do not replace clear expectations. Children are more likely to ask for help when they know they will be listened to and the first response will be to solve the problem.
Personal informationAgree what must not be shared, including full name, school, address, passwords and security codes.
Contact from other peopleDecide when a child should block someone, leave a chat or tell an adult.
Kindness and bullyingAgree how to respond to repeated hurtful messages: save useful evidence, block or mute the account, report it and tell a trusted adult.
Downloads and purchasesRequire permission before installing apps, buying items or following giveaway links.
Location and photosCheck whether posts, photos or apps reveal where the child lives, studies or spends time.
No blame for asking for helpMake it clear that scams and manipulation are designed to catch people out and that early help matters.
If something happens
Deal with the immediate risk first.
- Stop contact and spending. Leave the chat, block the account and contact the bank if money or card details are involved.
- Keep useful evidence. Save usernames, links, messages and screenshots before deleting anything.
- Secure the account. Change the password from a trusted device, sign out other sessions and review recovery details.
- Check the device. Remove unknown apps, install updates and run the device's security scan.
- Report serious harm. Use the platform reporting process and contact eSafety or police where appropriate.
Consultation add on
Create a family device action plan.
A children's device review can be added to a Home Cyber Safety Check. We work through the devices, accounts and services your family actually uses, agree priorities and record what needs to change.
Book a sessionYour action plan can include
a device and account list
priority settings to change
app, chat and purchase controls
home Wi-Fi and connected-device checks where relevant
backup and account recovery checks
family rules to agree at home
steps to take after an incident