Safe and balanced media use — Media, 4–6 years
Media can be useful and enjoyable, but children need help choosing when, where and with whom to use it. We learn simple habits for safe, healthy use.
Use media with care
Using media with care means stopping to notice how it affects you and keeping safe while you use it. We can choose a suitable programme, sit in a good place and tell an adult if something is confusing, frightening or private.
Why do we need limits?
Screens and sounds can hold our attention for a long time, even when our eyes, body or sleep need a break. Rules about time, content and asking an adult are not punishments. They help media fit alongside play, movement, rest and people nearby.
A safe media plan
Nora wants to watch a short animal video. First, she asks her dad to choose one with her. Next, she sits a little away from the screen and watches one video. When it ends, she tells him about it, turns it off and goes outside to play.
“Just one more” can grow
When a video is exciting, asking for one more feels natural because we want to know what happens next. But the next choice can keep pulling us along. Agree on the stopping point before you begin, and ask an adult to help when stopping feels difficult.
Media as one part of the day
Media can help you hear a song, see a faraway animal or talk to family who live elsewhere. It works best as one part of the day, alongside meals, sleep, movement, making things and face-to-face time. An adult can help choose what fits now.
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