Why Start at Age 7? The Science Behind Radish’s Approach

Parents often ask us: Why do Radish books start from age 7?

Why not younger, when children are already using tablets, or older, when they’re asking for a phone?

The answer lies in how children’s thinking and emotions develop around this stage of life.

From about age 7, children begin to shift in how they see the world. Developmental research (Berk & Roberts, 2009) shows that before this age, children are largely egocentric: they understand their own feelings, but find it harder to step into another person’s perspective. By 7, something powerful changes.

They become more able to:

• Recognise emotions — not just their own, but those of others.

• Interpret causes — why someone might be sad, frustrated, or left out.

• Experience deeper social feelings such as compassion, empathy, and understanding.

In other words, this is the age when children can begin to connect the dots between actions, feelings, and relationships.

Why this matters for digital life

When it comes to technology, these skills are not optional extras — they are the foundation for safe, healthy use.

Think about the kinds of challenges kids face online:

• A friend leaves them out of a group chat.

• They see a video designed to provoke anger.

• They’re tempted to post something for attention without thinking of the impact.

Navigating these situations requires empathy, perspective-taking, and critical thinking — all of which begin to blossom around age 7.

That’s why Radish starts here. It’s the moment when stories about fairness, friendship, and decision-making can really land — sparking meaningful conversations that prepare children for the digital world ahead.

Why not start younger?

Of course, younger children also benefit from stories, play, and guidance. But the type of learning is different. Before 7, children absorb habits and routines, but abstract reasoning and empathy are still limited.

You might tell a 5-year-old “it’s not kind to leave someone out,” and they can repeat the rule — but at 7, they can begin to understand why. That deeper understanding is what turns rules into lasting values.

Why not wait until the teenage years?

By adolescence, smartphones and social media often feel unavoidable. But waiting until then means children are practising empathy and decision-making for the first time in high-stakes digital environments.

It’s like learning to swim by being thrown in the deep end. Starting at 7 gives children a chance to practice these skills in safe, guided ways — through stories, conversations, and everyday scenarios — before the digital pressure ramps up.

The Radish approach

Radish books are designed for this window of development. Each story uses vegetable characters in relatable situations — cheating in a race, dealing with jealousy, being tempted to take a shortcut — to spark conversations between parent and child.

When read together, these stories do more than entertain. They open up space for questions like:

• “How do you think that character felt?”

• “Why do you think they acted that way?”

• “What would you have done?”

These conversations help children practice perspective-taking and empathy in ways that stick.

Planting seeds for digital resilience

Starting at age 7 isn’t arbitrary. It’s strategic. It’s when the brain is ready, curiosity is high, and children are still open to talking with parents.

By beginning here, Radish helps families build the social and emotional foundation that makes later digital challenges less overwhelming.

Because when the time does come for a phone, children won’t just know how to swipe — they’ll know how to pause, reflect, and choose wisely.

And that’s the kind of preparation no app can teach.