Age-Based Advice

What matters at each age — 5-7, 8-12, 13-15, 16-17 — with simpler language and more controlled settings for younger children.

Please do not upload, email or paste suspected child sexual abuse material to this site. Report it directly to the IWF, CEOP or police instead.

🧸 Ages 5-7 — first steps

Children this age are explorers. Keep it simple and controlled:

• Stay with them — co-use devices in shared spaces; no solo devices in bedrooms.
• Use YouTube Kids with search off, and age-appropriate apps only (no social media — most require 13+).
• Teach the basics: "Don't talk to strangers online", "Tell me if something feels wrong", "Never share your name, school or photo".
• Parental controls on everything — see the Parental Controls guide.
• Simple message: "If something scary or confusing happens, come and tell me — you're not in trouble."

🎒 Ages 8-12 — independence begins

This is when gaming, group chats and the first social apps appear. Predators target this age group hardest:

• Gaming safety is essential — chat to "friends only" or off; see the Gaming guide.
• No public accounts — private profiles, no location, no DMs from strangers.
• Talk about grooming in plain language: "Adults who pretend to be kids online are dangerous. Never keep secrets with an adult."
• Set screen-time and bedtime limits — sleep is non-negotiable.
• Check in regularly — ask who they play with and what apps they're using.

📱 Ages 13-15 — the risky years

Social media, sexting pressure, sextortion and scams all peak here. Respect their growing independence while keeping guardrails:

• Sextortion is a real threat — talk about it directly: blackmailers use threats and shame; paying never ends it.
• Never send intimate images — even to a boyfriend/girlfriend; once sent, they're out of your control.
• 2FA on everything, especially email — stolen accounts are how scammers reach friends.
• Keep the conversation open — they need to know they can tell you anything without blame.
• Know the routes: CEOP, IWF, Childline 0800 1111, Report Harmful Content.

🎓 Ages 16-17 — young adults

More freedom, more exposure — financial scams, fake jobs, crypto offers, and deeper grooming risk:

• Financial scams target them now — fake jobs, "investment" offers, crypto, rental scams. See the Scams guide.
• AI and deepfakes — cloned voices, fake celebrity offers; check before trusting.
• Grooming still happens — "relationships" with much older adults online are a red flag, not a compliment.
• Digital footprint matters — future employers and universities check social media.
• Support is still there — Childline is for under-19s; The Mix for under-25s; Papyrus for under-35s.

💙 One rule for every age

"If something online feels wrong, tell a trusted adult — you will not be in trouble."