Children view the internet as an excellent hub for learning, entertainment, and easy communication with peers. But is it safe for them? Being the realm of knowledge and interaction without boundaries, the internet can be a dangerous place for kids. Based on a survey by the United Nations, over one third of youth in 30 countries experience cyberbullying. Of this, 1 in 5 skip school after online harassment. The most distressing online threat is sexual abuse. 80% of children in 25 countries report encounters of being sexually exploited online. So, how can parents make internet surfing experiences enjoyable and safe for their young ones? Leverage parental controls to filter and block inappropriate content. You can also determine time limits for browsings. Block apps with explicit media and manage the content different family members see. Below, we’ll discuss how to use parental controls effectively to keep your kids safely online.
Use Device Restrictions
Smartphones are the common medium for cyberbullying, with over 25% of teenagers reporting being bullied repeatedly while using their cell phones. True, devices (smartphones, tablets, and laptops) are perfect for accessing information while on the go. However, when they have zero limitations, your child can become a victim of cyberbullying. They could find unsuitable content and engage with it. Using parental controls or third-party apps helps restraint your child from interacting with strangers, bad content, and downloading inappropriate apps.
For example, on Apple devices, you can regulate access to non-child friendly apps. Prevent in-app purchasing, inappropriate games (those that depict violence, frightening or sexual scenes), and sharing photos and location. While Android devices lack in-built restrictions, you can use Google Family Link or set controls on Google Play. Each device has different control features. So, evaluate settings on your family’s devices, including Kindle and game consoles, then create different profiles for your children. That way, you can customize controls by age and internet experience to ensure they engage with age-appropriate media.
Block Adult Websites And Communicate
A 2023 Teens and Pornography report reveals 73% of teens aged 13 to 17 have watched pornographic content on websites or social media. 44% of these teens admit they had searched for sexual videos intentionally, a concerning issue for parents. So, apart from limiting app downloads on devices, use content blockers on browsers? You can install a simple extension like BlockerX to block sites on Chrome, for example. This will help prevent websites that display content designed for adults only from popping up on search engines. If your children consume YouTube videos, create accounts for them on YouTube Kids, for safer online engagement.
Blocking adult content alone isn’t enough to secure online spaces for children. Have an open discussion with your children about why you’re using website blockers. Explain to them the dangers of exposure to pornographic material. You could also establish a family rule, like using the computer in a shared space. This way you can monitor their internet activities. When young ones understand why you’re setting boundaries, including protecting personal data, boosts their awareness of potential internet risks and how to stay safe.
Use Router Controls
Another effective way to improve child safety online is controlling internet access through your router. Some routers have settings that allow you to limit internet usage across devices in your home. For example, you could block websites with adult media on kids’ devices directly on the router. List names of website you want to block on the router’s administration console to filter them. Maybe you want to schedule hours when your children should surf the internet. You can do that by setting timelines on the router. This prompts the internet work to be switched on and off at set times. The internet can also pause when a specific time limit is reached to ensure kids practice healthy screen time habits.
With just a tap on devices connected to the internet, kids can access valuable information, social interactions, and entertainment. But they can also stumble on harmful, adult media or connect with online predators. Combining a mix of parental controls is crucial in keeping children safe online. Consider setting up gadget restrictions, use content blockers on browsers, and control internet access directly on your home’s router.
