Ages 10-11
Children are approaching the transition to secondary school. Cyberbullying peaks in late primary/early secondary, and once children are established on social media, algorithms rapidly learn and serve content optimised for engagement rather than wellbeing.
53% of 10-year-olds own their own smartphone (Ofcom 2025)
1 in 5 children aged 8-11 have had an experience online that upset them (Ofcom 2025)
Cyberbullying peaks in late primary/early secondary. Children at this age may not recognise bullying behaviour or may be reluctant to tell adults for fear of losing device access.
Once on social media, algorithms rapidly learn and serve content optimised for engagement, not wellbeing. Children can encounter harmful content (self-harm, eating disorders) within 20 minutes.
Know your school's online safety policy. Attend parent sessions. Coordinate device rules with other parents in your child's friendship group.
Establish the habit early: "You won't get in trouble for showing me something that worried you online." Make yourself the first port of call.
"Has anyone ever said something unkind to you online? Have you ever seen someone being mean to someone else online?"
"What information is safe to share online? What should we keep private?" (Guide: Name, age, school, address, photos are all private)
Min age: 13
Risk
Highly addictive algorithm, DMs, inappropriate content
Action
Should not be used under 13. If discovered: enable Family Pairing, restrict DMs, enable screen time.
Min age: 13
Risk
Algorithm-driven content, comments, live chat
Action
Use YouTube Kids until 13. Enable Restricted Mode. Disable autoplay.
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For immediate help: • 999 — if someone is in immediate danger • Childline: 0800 1111 — free, confidential support • CEOP — ceop.police.uk for online exploitation
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