One of the moments most parents now dread is the first time their child asks for a smartphone. Despite the many dangers we know social media and unfettered internet access can pose for children, it is not unusual for kids as young as primary school age to have them – and as a parent the pressure not to let your child be 'left out' can be immense.
Growing movements and government action
Movements such as Smartphone Free Childhood have been growing in strength, with hundreds of thousands of parents vowing to delay getting their child a smartphone until at least 14, and social media until 16. The government has recently said it will introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England.
However, whenever your child does end up with a smartphone, your priority as a parent is keeping them safe – and this includes handling the deluge of AI-created and misleading content online.
New research highlights the scale of the problem
Over half of children have believed AI-generated content to be real, according to new research from Tesco Mobile. Many are unknowingly sharing misinformation. Rachel Higgins, CEO of Internet Matters, shares expert insight into what parents should do.
Top tips for parents
Pause before sharing
Encourage kids to stop and think before responding to anything they see online. Children are often exposed to fast-paced, attention-grabbing content that encourages quick reactions rather than reflection. Their brains are still developing impulse control, meaning they are more likely to react quickly rather than think things through. Creating a small 'pause moment' helps interrupt this automatic response and gives them space to reflect.
Question the content
Edited images, dramatic headlines or 'too good to be true' content often signal misinformation. Children are particularly drawn to content that feels emotional, entertaining or shocking - but this is also how misinformation spreads most effectively. Helping children recognise when something is designed to provoke a reaction can reduce the likelihood of them believing or sharing it.
Check the source
Teach children to look at who posted it, when it was posted and whether trusted sites are reporting the same thing. As AI-generated images and videos become more realistic, children can struggle to distinguish fact from fiction. Teaching simple habits like checking the source and comparing information helps build long-term digital judgement. Creating a calm, judgement-free environment is key - allowing children to open up if they have worries.
Think critically together
Fact-check content side-by-side with your child to build their confidence and digital judgement. Children do not develop critical thinking skills in isolation - they learn them through conversation and guidance. Exploring content together helps them understand what to think about.
Talk it out
If something feels off or upsetting, kids should talk to a trusted adult instead of keeping it to themselves. Children are more likely to seek help when they feel safe and supported, but may stay silent if they feel embarrassed or unsure. Creating a calm, judgement-free environment is key, with regular conversations making it easier for children to open up when they need support.
Normalise mistakes online
Let children know that everyone is fooled by misinformation sometimes - even adults. Share your own experiences of seeing misinformation online and how you responded. This reduces shame and defensiveness, making them more open to learning and correcting themselves.
Encourage healthy skepticism - not fear
Help children question content without becoming anxious or distrustful. Children are increasingly aware that not everything online is real and is often created to generate engagement. But without support, this can lead to confusion or anxiety. Framing skepticism as curiosity helps build confidence without fear.
Focus on skills, not surveillance
Parental controls and screen limits can help, but they do not teach judgement. Children will eventually navigate digital spaces without oversight, so the goal is to equip them with the skills they can use independently. Focus on guiding your child to think critically about what they can trust online to prepare them for the long-term rather than relying solely on monitoring tools.
Keep the conversation ongoing
One-off conversations are not enough. Children's digital environments change constantly, so regular, low-pressure check-ins (e.g. at dinner or after screen time) help reinforce skills and keep communication open.
