Today’s parents are raising children in a world where it is common for even a ten-year-old child to own a smartphone. Gaming apps, messaging platforms, YouTube, artificial intelligence chat tools and school digital devices have now become a part of children’s everyday lives. The big question is how much online freedom should children be given, and at what age? Experts believe that this is not just a matter of screen time, but a bigger issue to children’s digital literacy and psychological safety.

Why is parental responsibility increasing?

David Smith, CEO of Silicon Valley High School in Los Angeles, who works on technology-based online education, says that children today use multiple devices simultaneously. Parents are no longer managing just one mobile screen, but an entire world of apps, games, and online communities. With so many platforms designed to keep kids occupied for long periods of time, the responsibility of parents is greater than ever.

Will just ban be enough?

However, online freedom, when given the right way, can also be beneficial for children. The Internet provides children with new information, creativity and learning opportunities. A large 2017 European study published in the Journal of Communication included 6,400 children and their parents from eight countries. It was found that parents who talk openly with their children instead of restricting them develop better digital skills and safe online habits. Research also shows that too much restriction can reduce children’s ability to learn and build confidence.

When is it necessary to set limits?

Experts believe that the decision to give children online freedom should not be based only on age. According to David Smith, two children of the same age may have very different understanding and ability to take responsibility. If a child is open about their online activity, tells their parents if they notice something is wrong, and follows established rules, it shows that they can handle more digital freedom. However, if a child starts hiding online activity, becomes increasingly irritable, or can’t control screen time, he or she may need more limits.

Why is it important to talk to children?

A 2023 study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior involved nearly 3,000 parents and children. It found that parents who talked openly with their children had a more accurate understanding of their children’s real online life. Whereas parents who relied solely on monitoring apps and technical supervision often made false excuses. Experts say that building a relationship of trust with children is more important than any parental control app.