Supporting Our Young Children in a Digital World
Dear Parents and Carers,
At WMB, we believe every child deserves the very best start in life. Many of our nurseries are proudly based in vibrant, diverse communities where children grow up surrounded by rich languages, cultures, and experiences. We see this diversity as a strength.
In the Early Years, we know that children learn best through warm, responsive relationships. Before they learn from screens, they learn from the important adults in their lives.
That is why we say: Parents and carers are children’s First Digital Guides.
Our children are growing up in a digital world, but they are still very young. They need guidance, boundaries, reassurance, and connection.
An Early Years Approach to Online Safety
Young children are naturally curious. They explore by touching, tapping, watching, copying, and asking questions. They are not yet able to judge risk or understand online dangers. Their brains are still developing, and they depend on trusted adults to help them feel safe and make sense of what they experience.
For children who are still developing English, online spaces can sometimes be confusing. They may not fully understand what is being said in a video or game. They may not yet have the vocabulary to explain something that frightened or puzzled them.
In Early Years practice, we call this co-regulation — children borrow our calm, understanding, and guidance while their own skills are still growing.
They need us alongside them. To support families, we use a simple framework to guide safe and healthy digital habits.
The G.U.I.D.E. Approach to Online Safety
✔️ G – Go Together
Young children should not explore digital spaces alone.
Sit with your child while they use a device. Watch together. Keep screens in shared family areas rather than bedrooms.
When digital experiences are shared, children feel safer and adults are better able to supervise and support.
✔️ U – Understand What They See
Children do not always understand what appears on a screen.
Ask simple questions:
• “What is happening here?”
• “How does that make you feel?”
Explain new words in your home language if that feels most natural. Watch their facial expressions and body language.
Helping children understand what they see reduces confusion and builds language skills.
✔️ I – Intentional Use
Use technology with purpose, not habit.
Choose age-appropriate content. Turn off autoplay where possible. Avoid screens before bedtime.
Children under five learn best through:
• Hands-on play
• Outdoor exploration
• Storytelling
• Singing and rhymes
• Role play
• Conversation
Technology should complement development — not replace rich, real-world experiences.
✔️ D – Discuss and Repeat Simple Rules
Even very young children can learn simple safety messages through repetition.
For example:
• “We only talk to people we know.”
• “If something worries you, tell a grown-up.”
• “Always ask before clicking.”
In the Early Years, repetition builds understanding and security.
✔️ E – Example Matters
Children learn by watching the adults around them.
When they see adults putting phones away to talk, listen, and play, they learn that relationships come first.
Small changes make a big difference:
• Put devices away during family time.
• Turn off screens during meals.
• Be fully present during play.
Healthy habits begin with us.
✔️ Working in Partnership
In the Early Years, safeguarding is a shared responsibility between families and practitioners.
If your child:
• Mentions something unusual online
• Seems unsettled after using a device
• Repeats unfamiliar language
• Shows changes in behaviour
Please speak to your child’s keyworker or a member of the nursery team. We are here to support you.
There is no judgement — only partnership.
✔️ Final Message
Being a child’s First Digital Guide does not require perfect English or advanced technical knowledge.
It requires:
• Presence.
• Conversation.
• Consistency.
• Care.
When families and practitioners work together using the G.U.I.D.E. approach, we create a protective circle around every child.
Together, we can help our children grow not only academically strong, but emotionally secure, socially confident, and digitally aware.
✨ Secure Your Child’s Place
Spaces are limited for our new term. Give your child the best possible start in a caring, stimulating environment where their confidence and skills will blossom.
📞 Call us today: 0161 205 9067
📧 Email: info@wmbchildcare.co.uk
