Young children today are growing up in a world where digital technologies and online platforms continue to evolve and become more embedded in their everyday lives. Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children learn to navigate these online spaces safely, in a way that allows them to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of being online. This report describes research exploring the online lives of children aged 3 to 10 through the perspectives of their parents and carers. It draws on a national survey conducted in September 2025 with more than 2,000 parents and carers of young children in Australia.

Key findings

• Parents/carers say almost all children aged 3 to 10 have been online at some point. 
• According to parents and carers, nearly all young children who had been online did so for fun and entertainment.
• Parents and carers use the internet not only to help manage the demands of modern parenting, but also to have fun and connect with their young children.
• Concerns about young children going online are front-of-mind for parents/carers and two thirds described negative feelings, with worry and anxiety dominating.  
• Most parents/carers talk to their children about online safety and risks, though some sensitive and emerging topics are less likely to be discussed.

The report concludes by outlining how these findings can be translated into practical actions. These actions can help to ensure all parents and carers are empowered with confidence, knowledge and resources needed to support children to safely navigate an evolving digital world. 

A report on the survey methodology is also available.