The digital world has become a natural part of childhood. Tablets, smartphones and computers are now present in homes, preschools and public spaces, and even very young children come into contact with them. For a preschooler, the Internet is not only a source of cartoons and games, but also a space where their first social and cognitive experiences begin. That is why digital safety is no longer a topic “for later”, but a part of everyday care for a child’s development.
Do young children really need support and rules in the online world?
Yes. Preschool-aged children are not yet able to distinguish safe content from harmful content or to predict the consequences of their actions online. This is not a lack of intelligence, but a natural stage of development. Clear rules and the presence of an adult create a digital environment in which a child can explore without being exposed to danger.
What is digital safety for a child?
Digital safety is a set of actions, rules and skills that protect a child in the world of technology. It includes protection from inappropriate content, excessive screen time, unsafe contacts and loss of privacy.
It also means teaching a child that the Internet is a space of real people and real consequences, not just colorful images.
What do a preschooler’s first steps in the online world look like?
For a young child, the digital world usually begins with games, videos and educational apps. This is a form of fun, but also learning – the child discovers colors, sounds, shapes and the first basic logical rules.
It is crucial, however, that these experiences are:
– short,
– age-appropriate,
– always under the supervision or control of an adult.
What risks can appear online?
Digital risks are not always obvious. Even children’s apps may contain advertisements, inappropriate content or addictive elements.
The most common risks include:
• exposure to content not intended for children;
• excessive stimulation and concentration problems;
• difficulty distinguishing fiction from reality;
• developing dependence on screen-based stimuli.
Can technology support a child’s development?
Yes, if it is used consciously. Well-chosen educational apps develop memory, hand-eye coordination, language skills and logical thinking. It is important, however, that screens do not replace relationships, physical movement and play with other children.
Technology should be an addition, not the center of childhood.
How can healthy digital habits be built from an early age?
The most effective tool is the example set by adults. A child learns by observing how parents use their phones or computers.
What works well includes:
• setting specific times for screen use;
• talking about what the child sees online;
• watching and discussing content together;
• clear rules about when and how devices are used.
Do all children react the same way to digital stimuli?
No. Some children calm down easily after watching a cartoon, while others become overly stimulated. Individual sensitivity means that screen time should be adapted to the child’s temperament and needs.
Digital safety is not only about protection from threats, but also about attentiveness to a child’s emotions and behavior.
Why is digital education an investment in the future?
Children who learn from an early age how to use technology safely and consciously will find it easier to navigate the world of information later in life. They understand the limits of privacy, can choose valuable content and are less vulnerable to digital manipulation.
This is a skill just as important as reading or counting.
FAQ – questions and answers
- Should a preschooler use the Internet?
Yes, but in a limited and supervised way. It is about quality and safety, not about the amount of time. - How much time can a child spend in front of a screen?
Short sessions are recommended, ideally no longer than 20–30 minutes a day, depending on the child’s age and sensitivity. - Are educational apps safe?
If they are age-appropriate and checked by an adult – yes. - Can a child choose content on their own?
At this stage, no. It is the adult’s role to filter and select materials. - Are online cartoons different from those on TV?
Yes, because the Internet also contains uncontrolled content and therefore requires greater attention. - How should you talk to a child about what they see online?
In a simple and calm way, asking what they liked and what they understood. - Are bans effective?
Clear rules and shared agreements work better than complete bans. - Is digital safety only about blocks and filters?
No. Above all, it is about relationships, conversation and an adult’s presence in the child’s digital world.
