If your child is around eight or nine, you’ve probably noticed a shift. Suddenly, the iPad apps that used to keep them happy for twenty minutes feel "for babies." They aren't just playing games anymore; they are looking for social currency.

In third grade, the playground talk shifts from what you did to what you watch and what you own in the digital space. This is the crossroads. One path leads to a healthy, moderated discovery of the internet; the other leads to a Robux fueled dopamine loop and exposure to content they aren't quite ready to process.

This is the year kids start saying things are "Ohio" (meaning weird or cringey) and talking about Skibidi Toilet. It sounds like nonsense—and mostly, it is—but it’s how they signal they belong to the "big kid" internet.

For most third graders, Roblox is the sun their digital world orbits around. It’s not one game; it’s a platform with millions of games.

Learn how to set up Roblox parental controls effectively

This is the year YouTube Kids usually dies. They want the real deal. They want MrBeast. MrBeast is mostly fine, but the "copycat" channels that follow him into your child's algorithm are often loud, obnoxious, and filled with "pranks" that are just borderline bullying.

Third grade is when the first few kids in the class get a smartphone. It’s usually a hand-me-down iPhone with no restrictions. This creates a massive divide. You’ll start hearing, "But Brayden has a phone!" Pro tip: They don't need a phone. They want a way to text. If you want to bridge the gap, consider a "dumb" watch or a highly restricted tablet, but the "Third Grade Phone" is almost always a recipe for drama.

Check out our guide on the best first phones for kids

You want to give them "cool" media that feels mature but doesn't actually expose them to the toxic side of the internet. Here is the curated list for the 8-to-9-year-old pivot.

If you are going to let them spend two hours on a screen, this is where you want them. It’s a masterpiece of physics and problem-solving. It’s "cool" enough for the playground, but it’s a solo experience that avoids the toxicity of online lobbies. It’s basically digital LEGOs on steroids.

Third grade is the prime era for the "obsessive series." Wings of Fire is the current heavyweight champion. It’s got dragons, it’s got lore, and it’s got just enough "edge" (dragon battles) to feel like a big-kid book without being inappropriate.

When they age out of Paw Patrol but aren't ready for Stranger Things, this is the sweet spot. It’s high fantasy with complex characters and actual stakes.

If your kid is obsessed with Roblox, point them toward Scratch. It’s a free coding platform from MIT. It allows them to build their own games. It turns them from a consumer who is being "played" by an algorithm into a creator who understands how the gears turn.

Ask our chatbot for more creative alternatives to gaming

At age 8 or 9, their brains are physically changing. They are becoming hyper-aware of social hierarchies. This is why "brain rot" content like Skibidi Toilet spreads so fast—it’s an inside joke for an entire generation.

The Strategy:

Third grade is when kids get "brave." They might try to bypass your filters or search for things they’ve heard about on the bus.

Learn more about common Roblox scams and how to avoid them

You’re going to hear a lot of slang. "Rizz," "Sigma," "Ohio," "Skibidi." None of it is inherently "bad," but it is a sign that your child is consuming a lot of short-form video content (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels). This content is designed to shatter attention spans.

If you notice your child becoming irritable when they aren't on a screen, or if they "zone out" in a way that feels different than just being tired, it’s time to lean back into "analog" wins.

Analog Wins for 3rd Graders:

Third grade is the "pre-game" for middle school. You are moving from a "manager" role (where you pick every app and show) to a "consultant" role.

You can't keep the world out forever, but you can give them the tools to navigate it. Don't panic about the "brain rot." Just make sure it’s balanced with high-quality experiences like The Wild Robot or building something on Scratch.

Take the Screenwise Survey to see how your 3rd grader's habits compare to your community