Growing up online: Parenting young children in the digital age

• According to parents and carers, almost all children aged 3 to 10 (97%) have been online at some point and most (94%) had been online within the past four weeks preceding the survey.  
• Young children commonly access the internet via tablets, smart TVs, smartphones or gaming consoles and many (51%) are only allowed to go online when supervised by a parent.  
• According to parents and carers, nearly all young children who had been online (96%) did so for fun and entertainment. Other common reasons include for learning (71%), information (42%) or homework (42%).
• Parents and carers use the internet not only to help manage the demands of modern parenting, but also to have fun and connect with their young children. In the four weeks preceding the survey, most parents and carers had used the internet at least once per week to keep their child busy so they could have a break or some downtime (66%), worked from home or did chores (65%), or to have fun or connect with their child (64%).
• Concerns about young children going online are front-of-mind for parents and carers. When asked how they feel about their children going online, most (67%) described negative feelings, with worry and anxiety dominating.  
• Though positive feelings were rarely mentioned unprompted, when prompted with a list, nearly all parents and carers of young children who had been online (96%) reported that their child experienced at least one benefit from being online.
• Although parents found supporting their children’s online safety challenging, most had used a range of strategies to help keep their children safe online.
• Most parents and carers talk with their children about online safety and risks, though some sensitive and emerging topics, like what to do if they see sexual images online or algorithmic influences, are less likely to be discussed.
• Parents’ views on their children’s online activities and their digital parenting practices evolve as children age.

The report concludes by outlining how these findings can be translated into practical actions. These actions can help to ensure all parents and carers are empowered with confidence, knowledge and resources needed to support children to safely navigate an evolving digital world. 

This research draws on data from eSafety’s ‘Young Children’s Internet Use’ survey. The research aimed to build on our understanding of the prevalence and nature of internet use among young children outside of formal childcare, preschool or school settings.  

A total of 2,008 parents of children aged 3 to 10 took part in the survey. To best reflect a nationally representative sample, parents were recruited to quotas in relation to their child’s age and gender, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, state or territory, location, and socio-economic area.

eSafety’s Parents section has information and resources for parents and carers to help children stay safe online, including family tech agreements and conversation starters for more sensitive online safety topics.

eSafety’s Kids and Young People sections provide useful information to help children and teens stay safe online.

eSafety's Social media age restrictions hub provides information for young people and families to help them understand and adapt to the changes following the implementation of the age restrictions.