Online Safety in the Early Years
Ofcom's 2026 research tells us that 84% of 5yr olds go online, with 24% owning their own phone. With digital media use becoming increasingly normal in the early years, it is crucial that parents, early years educators and teachers are all informed and proactive about ensuring children's safety and wellbeing when using devices. Take a look below for some resources that can support you with this.
NEW: Ofcom Stats 2026
2026 Ofcom Data on Technology Use 0-5yr olds
Download these slides, which highlight some key statistics from the latest 2026 Ofcom report on media attitudes and habits of children in the early years. They include some useful reflections and signposting for parents and practitioners.
Early Years Professionals and Teachers
Policy Guide for Online Safeguarding & Digital Media Use
Use this policy guide to help you reflect on your use of digital media and online safeguarding in your setting.
Online Safety Audit for Early Years
Download this audit to assess online safeguarding in your early years setting. For school-based settings, please visit onlinesafetyaudit.lgfl.net for our school-based audit
A Child's Digital Day
With so much focus on the risks and harms, what does good use of technology look like in the Early Years? Download this guide, created in partnership with Islington, to support you.
AI Toys - Just because we can, doesn't mean we should
Read our blog on the emergence of AI toys and our recommended advice on whether to provide these to children.
Early Years Digital Media and Online Safeguarding Charter
Use our free Digital Media and Online Safeguarding Charter to show your setting's commitment to ensuring all digital technology used is safe and supports children's development
AI Image Manipulation
How do you protect children's (and staff's) images from being harvested and digitally manipulated by AI, creating a significant safeguarding risk? Read our advice to learn more.
Undressed Video and Resources
Access these free resources to support children in EYFS understand key messaging about not getting undressed whilst using a device
Online Safety Resources
A huge bank of resources for curriculum delivery, policy development and much more. Use the advanced filter to search by 'EYFS'
Screen Use, DfE Guidance
Access this guidance from the Department of Education for early years settings on safe a responsible screen use
Understanding "Screentime"
Not all screentime is equal. Find out about different types of digital media use and how educators can maximise the positive impact on children of using technology
Digital Media Use in the Early Years Podcast
Listen and watch this podcast with Blossom Educational about digital media use in the early years and what settings can do to support children and parents
Media Use by Kids 0-8 Years
Take a look at the 2025 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids 0-8 yrs
Resources from Young Children in a Digital Society
A suite of practical resources for parents and educators interested in helping children live well and safely with digital technologies.
Digital Childhood – Updated Report
This report illustrates how growing up in the digital environment directly impacts a child’s developmental trajectory. It explores what we know about child development and the major digital interactions and their impact on children at that age.
eSafety Early Years program for educators
Lots of great resources on online safety in the early years from Australia.
Parents
Parentsafe
Direct parents to this dedicated website developed for them to access information about safeguarding, including security controls and much more
Ready to use presentation to use with parents
Take a look at and amend this slide deck to deliver a helpful session to parents about online safeguarding. The slides contain specific info about early years device use.
Resources for educators to use to help parents
We have collated some of the best FREE resources available for educators to use to support parents with their online safeguarding at home.
Young Children and Screen Time
A one-page guide with tips for parents and professionals on optimising screen time and content for young brains
