Childline: The friendly dinosaur Techosaurus helps families with tricky technology conversations for young children
Our Childline counsellors speak to young people every day who have concerns about something they’ve seen or experienced online.
With screen use increasing rapidly for some of our youngest children – and with that their exposure to online harm – it has never been more vital to understand and meet the unique needs of babies and young children.
Recently, new Government guidance was issued which advised under-fives should spend no more than an hour a day on screens. The guidance is based on studies which show extended exposure to screens at a young age can impact on a child’s language development and have negative impact on sleep, physical activity, creative play and interaction with others.
The guidance also recommends families should ensure young children avoid fast-paced, social media-style videos, toys and tools that use artificial intelligence, and to keep bedtimes and mealtimes screen-free.
Online safety is not only an issue for older children and teenagers – early education and support are key to preventing harm and helping parents and carers protect their children and build a healthy relationship with technology as they grow.
To help parents and carers the NSPCC has created Techosaurus, a friendly dinosaur who can help families have those tricky conversations with their children about using technology and the internet.
Techosaurus can help your children to form healthy online habits, routines and behaviours from an early age and build basic knowledge and skills related to online safety.
You can find out all about Techosaurus and access resources which will help you guide your children at www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/techosaurus/
Alternatively, if you’re struggling with screen-free activities for toddlers, the NSPCC’s Look, Say, Sing, Play programme encourages games with young children that aid their early development and build family bonds.
You can sign up for weekly tips which can give you ideas of how to interact with your children whether it’s bathtime, bedtime or you’re washing up. To find out more about Look, Say, Sing, Play go to www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/look-say-sing-play
Adults with concerns about children can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or go to childline.org.uk