New Life Ed program tackles online risks for early learners
Friday, 15 May 2026
At Bright Gems Childcare, digital devices are already a common part of many children’s lives, something educators see reflected every day.
“We see children who are very familiar with digital devices from a young age and are using technology before they’ve fully developed their communication and social skills,” says Bianca El Helou, Co-Owner of Bright Gems Childcare.
“That’s why it’s so important to start building healthy screen habits and safe online behaviours early.”
That reality is one of the reasons Bright Gems recently became one of the first early learning centres in New South Wales to participate in Harold’s Safe Screen Time, Life Ed’s new digital safety skills module for children aged 3–5.
Delivered by specialist Life Ed educators, the play-based session helps little learners begin developing the skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital world safely, confidently and responsibly.
For many children, the content immediately connected to their own experiences.
“I’m only allowed 20 minutes on the iPad a day,” shared Tony, one of the young participants at Bright Gems, proudly reflecting on the healthy screen habits already being encouraged at home.
Why digital literacy starts in the early years
Life Ed NSW Chief Executive Officer Terese Hooper says the new module responds to the growing role technology plays in children’s everyday lives.
“Many preschoolers are engaging with the online world long before they own a device,” she said.
“Digital technology is already part of their everyday learning and play, which is why it’s so important to start building the foundations for safe and healthy habits early.
“By introducing these concepts in the early years through play-based learning, we can help children develop the confidence and skills to make safe choices as they grow.”
Responding to a growing need
The module comes as new research from the eSafety Commissioner highlights just how early young children are engaging online:
- 81% of parents say their 2–5 year old uses the internet
- 89% of four-year-olds would click on a potentially harmful pop-up
- 73% of four-year-olds would share their name and address online
- 70% would disclose their age online
Developed in consultation with Early Childhood Australia and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), Harold’s Safe Screen Time helps children learn to:
- Manage screen time in healthy ways
- Recognise when something online feels unsafe
- Understand body clues and warning signs
- Practise help-seeking behaviours with trusted adults
Building safe habits from the start
Using storytelling, songs, games and Healthy Harold’s familiar guidance, the program introduces these concepts in a way that is engaging and developmentally appropriate for young learners.
The launch of Harold’s Safe Screen Time strengthens Life Ed’s whole-school approach to cyber safety and respectful relationships – supporting children to build digital safety skills from the early years through to Year 6.
For many early learning centres like Bright Gems Chester Hill, it’s a timely and valuable addition.
As children continue to grow up immersed in technology, programs like Harold’s Safe Screen Time are helping ensure they build the skills to navigate it safely from the very beginning.
