The mere fact that tech giants Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were strict about limiting access to their children’s tech devices must tell us as parents that perhaps we should be managing our own kids on the internet, writes Laurel Pretorius. Read on about digital parenting and how to filter and protect kids online.
While the internet offers endless opportunities for learning and entertainment, it also exposes children to a multitude of harmful risks. It therefore goes without saying that managing and filtering our children’s internet use, from toddlerhood through their teen years, is vital and requires a nuanced approach. This means being open-minded about the latest technology while being vigilant and imposing strict boundaries.
Let’s explore the most up-to-date methods to ensure your child’s online safety and take a look at some good apps available for content filtering.
STARTING EARLY: TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
For the youngest internet users, parental control is paramount. In fact, we believe at this very young age, when their brains are like little sponges, children should not be on the internet at all. Nevertheless, if you are going to introduce them to electronic devices so young, here’s how you do it:
- Use device settings
Built-in Controls: Most smartphones, tablets, and computers come with built-in parental control settings. Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link are comprehensive tools that allow you to manage app usage, set screen time limits, and block inappropriate content.
Safe Browsing: Enable safe browsing modes on all devices. Browsers like Google Chrome offer SafeSearch, which filters out explicit content from search results.
- Only allow child-friendly platforms
YouTube Kids: This app provides a curated experience with content appropriate for children. Parents can customise the experience by setting age-appropriate content filters and usage timers.
PBS Kids and CBeebies: Both platforms offer educational and age-appropriate content designed specifically for young children.
PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE: BUILDING AWARENESS
As our kids grow, their curiosity grows too, and so should our measures to protect them, especially when it comes to technology. Here’s how we can make sure they are safely surfing the net:
- Use parental control apps
Qustodio: This app offers extensive features, including web filtering, screen time controls and activity tracking across devices. Parents can block specific websites and apps while monitoring their child’s online activity.
Net Nanny: Known for its effective content filtering, Net Nanny allows parents to block inappropriate content categories, monitor social media usage, and receive real-time alerts.
- Educate and communicate
Digital Literacy: Start conversations about online safety and digital citizenship early on in their lives. Teach them about the importance of not sharing personal information and how to recognize inappropriate content.
Interactive Tools: Use games and activities that promote digital safety awareness. Websites like Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) provide great resources and lessons tailored to young children.
TWEENS AND TEENS: ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBILITY
As our children enter their teen years, they seek and need more independence. Balancing supervision with trust is crucial. It’s important to communicate to them from the get-go that they will continue to be monitored by you for their own protection.
- Use advanced monitoring tools
Bark: This app uses advanced algorithms to monitor texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying, sexual content, and other threats. Bark sends alerts to parents when potential risks are detected.
FamilyTime: This app provides comprehensive monitoring features, including location tracking, app blocking, and screen time limits. It also offers a panic button for emergencies.
- Open lines of communication
Regular check-ins: Maintain good, honest dialogue. Regularly discuss online experiences, emphasising the importance of respectful behaviour and the serious risks of sharing personal information.
Joint decision-making: Involve your teens in setting internet use rules. Collaborative rule-setting gives them a good sense of responsibility and helps them understand the rationale behind restrictions.
- Get them social media savvy
Privacy settings: Educate teens on adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see their content.
Reputation management: Discuss the long-term impact of their digital footprint and encourage mindful posting.
Be a good role model: Follow your tweens on social media and get them to follow you. This way you can keep an eye on their content and at the same time model sensible behaviour on your own pages. When they become teens, they will push away from you and there is a big chance they will set up secret accounts, which you won’t be privy to. Be aware of this and keep talking to them about their online safety.
TECHNOLOGY IS A DOUBLE-EDDGED SWORD FOR PARENTS
While it’s brilliant at providing tools to monitor and protect children, technology also evolves rapidly, necessitating constant adaptation. Staying informed about the latest parental control apps and internet safety strategies is vital. And managing your child’s internet use is a dynamic process that evolves as they grow. Educate them and communicate constantly but also use your gut instinct. If you feel your child isn’t handling technology well, take them off it or drastically limit them from using it until you know they can handle it better.
Stay proactive, stay informed, and remember that your guidance is crucial in helping them develop healthy online habits.
How do you handle your digital parenting? Tell us in comments below.
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