As we come to the end of another beautiful year — a year of growing babies, curious toddlers, and parents doing their absolute best — it’s the perfect time to pause and think about what it means to keep our children safe and well in the digital world.

Here at the Maroroi Project, we remind parents: online safety begins long before a child ever touches a screen. The habits we build now, when our kids are tiny and soaking up everything around them, will shape the way they navigate technology for years to come.

So as we wrap up 2025, let’s strengthen our digital foundations with 10 simple, practical, and culturally grounded ways to protect and guide our little ones — the Maroroi way.

1. Start with less screen time and more real-world connection

For babies and very young toddlers, think newborn to about 2 years old, everyday interactions — cuddles, stories, talanoa, outdoor play — are what build the brain. Let screens take a back seat so that bonding, movement, and conversation can take the lead.

2. When you do use screens, sit with them

If you show your child a short video or story, make it a shared experience. Laugh together, explain what’s happening, and talk to them as they watch. Co-viewing helps little children understand what they see and feel safe doing it.

3. Create small “device-free zones” at home

Bedrooms, meal tables/areas, and bedtime routines are the best places to protect from screens. These moments help your child settle emotionally, sleep better, and build strong family rhythms.

4. Keep limits simple — and realistic

Don’t stress about perfection. Even a simple family rule like “screens only after outdoor play” or “20 minutes a day max” creates healthy structure. Consistency beats strictness.

5. Choose safe apps and switch on parental controls

Not everything made for kids is safe for kids. Avoid apps with ads or chat functions, and turn on child profiles or safety modes on devices. This small action protects from hidden risks.

6. Model healthy digital habits

Your child is watching you — always. When you put your phone down intentionally and choose to be present, you teach them what digital wellbeing looks like before they can even speak it.

7. Protect your child’s privacy (and other children’s too)

Be mindful when posting photos of your kids online. Turn off location settings, avoid sharing identifying details or sharing in real time, and ask before posting pictures of other children. Privacy is a gift we give our children.

8. Talk about feelings and “big things” early

Even toddlers can learn simple safety skills:

“Tell mummy if something scares you.”
“Come to daddy if someone asks you to take a photo.”

Safety conversations begin with small words and big love.

9. Fill their days with play, storytelling, and culture

Our Fijian way of raising children — outdoors, with family, through story and song — naturally protects them. Active play and cultural connection build resilience and confidence far better than any digital tool, especially in countries far away from home like England, Scotland or Wales.

10. Know where to go for help

If something online ever feels unsafe, you’re not alone. The Online Safety Commission in Fiji and child protection services in the UK are there to support you. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not failure.

A Message from the Maroroi Project as 2025 Ends

Parents, you have done so well this year.

In a world where technology is moving faster than ever, you’ve continued to show up with courage, curiosity, and heart. Every small choice — switching off a device at dinner, watching a video together, checking an app before downloading it — builds a safer digital world for your child.

As we step into the new year, let’s continue to raise children who are not just tech-savvy, but caring, confident, and protected.

Maroroi means to guard, to keep safe, to protect with intention.
And that is exactly what you are doing — one loving, mindful moment at a time.

Until next time,

A