Ask any parent what it’s like to raise a kid today, and we’d likely tell you modern childhood seems much more complex—and perilous—than when we were young. Thanks to increased peer pressure, massive technological advances, and on-demand access to virtually anything via click or tap, kids today face a wider array of choices and decision-making opportunities than we did when we were their age.
As parents, we hope we’ve instilled strong values and resilience in our children so they’re always able to make good decisions. But how can we be sure they’ll do the right thing, especially when we’re not around? While there’s no magic formula, here are 10 tips to help your kid make smart decisions—even when you’re not there.
1. Start conversations about smart decision-making early.
The earlier parents initiate conversations about how to make good decisions with their kids, the better. Explaining to your child what it means to make a good decision and why it’s important can set them up for future success. Kevin Zoromski, a psychologist and early childhood development expert says, “Give children choices as part of their day and as part of their typical routine. They will look forward to having some say over what they get to do in the household and you will establish their sense of responsibility as important decision-makers.”
2. Role-model smart decision-making behaviors.
Kids learn through observation and patterning the behaviors of people in their lives, especially their parents. Modeling good decision-making behavior will help reinforce your life lessons. Show your kid that you are honest, responsible, and accountable for your choices. “You are your child’s first and most important role model,” said mental health expert Ketsupa Jirakarn. “[Kids] are always observing and learning from you every day—even when you are unaware of it. So, make sure you practice what you preach.”
3. Set clear expectations and boundaries.
Let your kids know what you expect from them in terms of making smart decisions. For older kids, this could include things like always telling you where they are going, not using illicit substances like drugs and alcohol, and staying away from dangerous situations. “Children are more likely to accept the limits you set and are more likely to want to meet your expectations (i.e., be responsible) when you provide a warm, caring, and supportive relationship that underlies the discipline you impose,” according to a report from The Center for Parenting Education.
4. Practice makes perfect.
Give your child opportunities to practice smart decision-making. This could involve giving them small choices, such as what to wear to school or what to eat for dinner. It also could involve giving them bigger choices, such as whether to join a sports team or what to do with their allowance. By empowering your child to learn about the consequences of their choices through smaller actions, they will feel more empowered when making bigger decisions on their own.
When your kid makes a mistake, don’t immediately swoop in to fix the problem or resort immediately to punishment. Help them understand why a misstep was a consequence of not making the best decision, and then talk about how they can make a better choice next time. According to a report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Reframing mistakes as opportunities from which we can learn—rather than failures alone—can help us feel like we are capable and in control. Reframing can also help us handle future mistakes more effectively.”
6. Develop their critical thinking skills.
Learning how to think critically and independently requires self-awareness (i.e., knowing strengths, weaknesses, and values) as well as problem-solving skills. Encouraging your child to think through a decision and come up with a solution can further nurture and develop their critical thinking skills. “In childhood and adolescence, the body goes through many physical changes, but there are also many changes in how we think, feel, and behave, and in our motivations,” according to a report from Frontiers for Young Minds. It’s through repeated trial and error that kids develop the necessary skills to thrive into adulthood.
7. Help them understand risks.
Some decisions have few consequences, while other decisions are highly consequential. Teaching your child the difference between big and small choices, and understanding the risks associated with some decisions will mitigate the chances of bad outcomes. For example, teach young kids about the risks of eating too much junk food or overdoing it with screen time, and teach older kids about the risks of cyberbullying and underage drinking.
8. Nurture emotional intelligence.
Talk to your child about the choices they’re facing and help them understand the different options and the potential consequences of each choice. Teaching them how to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed decisions as well as helping your child understand and manage their emotions and how to make decisions that are in line with their values will serve them well. “Emotional literacy starts at birth when babies can just bond with [their parents] and connect on just that level. And it continues to evolve,” said Dr. Michele Borba, parenting expert and author of Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing.
9. Be supportive and consistent.
As parents, being supportive and consistent with our reactions to our children’s choices will help ensure they make smart ones, even when we’re not present. If you sometimes let your child get away with making a bad decision, they will be less likely to take you seriously when you expect them to make good choices without you. Additionally, when your kid makes a good decision, be sure to praise and validate them. “Youth who experience more positive interactions with parents are better adjusted. Indeed, consistency in parenting—primarily consistency in discipline—has been linked to more positive youth outcomes,” according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.
10. Practice patience and understanding.
It takes time for kids to learn how to make smart decisions. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t always and immediately make the right choices. Even when your kids are old enough to make decisions themselves, they still need your patience and understanding. Be there to talk to them, offer advice, and help them deal with the consequences of their decisions.
If you think you have to choose between never caving on the topic of a cell phone or letting your child tumble freely into the tech abyss—think again. Turns out, not all phones will turn your kid into social media junkies or video game addicts. Some cell phones will do just what they’re supposed to do, i.e., help you communicate with your child.
According to a report from Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, the average age at which most kids get a cell phone is 10, with most parents reporting they got their kids a device to connect with them and keep them safe (especially when they’re away from home). The report also said that while many parents worried beforehand about a phone having negative effects, it usually did not live up to those fears (especially when the phones were filtered and supervised).
But before you hand over the keys to the cellular kingdom, consider what sort of freedom you want your kids to have: Do you want them to have a phone only for calling and texting, or are you OK with a few games and apps? Do you want to be able to control the phone’s every feature—or do you just want a remote view of the action? We tried out the top options on the market in order to bring you the pros and cons of each one.
Best Phones for Little Kids: Watches
Phone watches are great because of the obvious—they’re physically strapped onto your child’s body. That means you don’t have to worry (as much) about whether the phone will be left at school or dropped onto the ground. They’re also usually limited in features, so your kid won’t be glued to the screen all day long. And while you could shell out nearly $500 for an Apple watch, there are less expensive options that are designed for younger wearers.
Gizmo Watch (Verizon)
Verizon
Verizon's sleek little smartwatch is designed specifically for kids. It's waterproof, durable and easy to navigate—plus kids will love fun (but limited) features like a step counter, exercise games and a voice changer.
Pros:
Parents can set up to 10 contacts that kids can call or text (and nobody outside of that list can contact your child or be contacted by your child)
Has GPS location tracking and geofencing that can alert you if your child leaves a predetermined area
No apps or internet access
Has a few simple games—including a jumping game and a voice changer—but not so much that your child will be occupied with the screen for too long
Parent app can track child, see step count and view battery level
Check-In button lets kids ping parents with their location
Disney edition has video calling, a camera, and a game that lets kids "interact" with their favorite Disney characters
To-Do list helps kids stay organized and accomplish tasks
Cons:
Must open Gizmo app to text or view texts from child (you can't just text from your phone's messaging screen)
10 contact limit will be frustrating as child gets older and wants to call or text friends
No keypad for texting, so child must use preset messages or send voice recordings to communicate via text
Camera and video calling are only available on the Disney edition version of the watch
When making or taking a call, the small speaker on the watch makes it hard to hear in crowded/noisy places
May be distracting in class (since it's strapped to your child's arm instead of in a backpack)
Cost: $100 for basic watch; $200 for Disney edition—plus $10 a month for data/ cellular coverage.
Makers of the Gabb watch promise to offer "tech solutions without distractions." That means a phone watch that lets your kid call or text 10 pre-determined contacts, plus GPS tracking to keep your child on a digital leash while they're out in the world.
Pros:
No internet or apps to distract little communicators
Step-counter helps encourage your kid to be active
Parent app lets you designate "safe zones" and notifies you if child has left a zone
Can text child from outside of the parent app, meaning a designated contact doesn't have to download the app to use texting features
Lock mode lets you lock the phone during school hours (though the emergency contact is always available)
Gabb Go feature lets kids set goals (for doing chores, step count goals, etc.) and earn digital "coins" to redeem for preset rewards (which are set by parents in the app)
"Digital pet" feature lets kids take care of a watch-sized "pet" in exchange for digital coins; new pets are added as kids achieve their goals
Cons:
10 contact limit will be frustrating as child gets older and wants to call or text friends
No camera (though this could be seen as a pro)
No keypad for texting, so child must use preset messages or send voice recordings to communicate via text
Small speaker on the watch makes it hard to take calls in crowded/noisy places
For some kids, it may be distracting in the classroom (since it's on their wrist and not in a backpack)
Cost: $100; Wireless contracts start at $10 monthly
Remember the days when a phone was just a phone? Some phone-makers want to bring that era back, so you can give your child a simple phone without all the distractions. With these phones, your kid won’t be able to load TikTok if they tried.
Gabb Phone (Gabb Wireless)
Gabb Wireless
The Gabb phone is the perfect "first phone" for kids who can handle having a phone instead of a watch (I.e., they're not going to leave it at school or a playground the first week of using it). Sleek and straightforward, Gabb uses a modified ZTE touchscreen smartphone to give kids calling and texting capabilities without internet, gaming or social media features. Kids will love the way it looks and feels (you'd never know it wasn't a "real phone," says our tester); parents will love that their kids can't do much more than use it to communicate.
Pros:
The simple interface offers only a few options: Calling, texting, music (you have to load it onto the phone from your computer or by texting the phone music files), FM radio, camera, calculator, voice recorder, calendar and clock (with stopwatch/ timer)
Battery lasts a long time (reportedly 16 hours of talk time or 18 days on standby!)
GPS location tracking with location updates
Locate Phone function plays a sound on the phone to help your child find the phone when it's lost in your home
No Internet, streaming video or app store
The 8-megapixel camera is good for a $100 phone (though low-light photos are unimpressive)
Comes pre-activated; you can start using it as soon as you turn it on
Cons:
Parents can't set contacts or control who calls the phone (though parents can block certain callers or calls from unidentified numbers)
Parents can't see who kids are messaging and what is being said in messages (unless they look at the call/messaging history on the phone itself)
Parents can't block the use of the phone at certain hours
Kids (especially tweens and teens) may balk at the idea of a phone that doesn't do much more than call or text
Cost: $100 (plus monthly cellular contract, which starts at $18 a month)
2001 called and wants its phone back. If you can get your kids on board with the retro vibe of this old-fashioned flip phone, the Daisy is a great way to give your kids a phone for the sole purpose of keeping in touch. That means, they can talk and text—but that's about it (Note: Don't bank on long texting conversations as the small touch screen makes it tough.). If zero-distractions is what you're going for, it doesn't get more basic than this.
Pros:
Sole talk and text features keep distractions to a minimum
No Internet access, e-mail or app store
SOS button on the back of the phone can be useful in emergencies
Works with most major carriers
Small and easy to fit in even a small pocket
Folding design keeps the screen a bit more protected
Cons:
Your kid may flat-out refuse it because it looks like a "Grandma phone" (though watching the new Matrix movie might help)
A small touch screen keyboard makes texting more difficult
The 2-megapixel camera is unimpressive
Expensive for such a basic phone
Cost: $195 (plus whatever your carrier charges for adding a phone line)
Best Phone for Giving Your Kids Apps… but Not “Those Apps”
Pinwheel Phone
Pinwheel
Billing itself as a "phone that grows up with your child," the Pinwheel may be the best of both worlds for your little techie: It has tons of apps for your kid to peruse—but they're only apps deemed educational or enriching by Pinwheel's team of curators. "Using a phone as entertainment doesn’t set kids up well for success," said Pinwheel's "Chief Mom" Shelley Delayne. "Using it as a tool to help manage their life, using it for communication, using it to learn new skills — those benefit a kid."
That means YES to Kindle, Chess and Scratch, and NO to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Parents are given the control to pick and choose from the more than 250 curated apps and decide which—if any—should be available on their child's device.
Pros:
Parents can add Pinwheel's therapist-approved apps to their child's phone as they deem appropriate (or have no apps at all!)
No access to the Internet, social media or an app store
Parents can monitor text and call history
Parents can set time limits for phone use (such as turning it off during school hours or at bedtime)
Kids will agree that the sleek design makes Pinwheel look like a "real phone"
Parents must approve all contacts
GPS tracking and geofencing can keep digital tabs on your child
Partnered with Bark to monitor messages and e-mails for dangerous, predatory or suicidal behaviors
Cons:
The parental control app is a bit confusing, making it hard to quickly see what apps have been put on the device
More expensive than some other options (up to $329 for the phone, plus a $15 a month Pinwheel subscription in addition to your carrier's data/cellular fee)
Older kids may still resent the fact they can't use social media or games of their choosing
Some loopholes may allow kids to get onto the internet (via links sent in e-mail, for instance)
Cost: $149-$329 depending on the model you choose (plus $15 a month for a Pinwheel subscription and whatever your carrier charges for an added phone line)
Best Phone for Older Kids Who Deserve a Little Online Freedom
Aqua One
Cyber Dive
Are you ready to give your kids a no-holds-barred phone but still nervous about what they may say or do with that freedom? The makers of the Aqua One phone by Cyber Dive believe kids (mostly older) should be allowed to do what they want on their phones—as long as their parents have complete oversight. That means, on the Aqua One, that while parents can't block messages or apps, they can see exactly what kids are doing on their phones at all times.
"Parental control software is a band-aid solution to a massive wound. It creates a facade of safety," said Cyber Dive CTO and co-founder Derek Jackson. "It results in children exploring on their own, figuring out ways to circumvent the controls, and being exposed to new things that they don't know how to interpret or understand. They aren't as ready for the firehose of information that the internet provides because of parental controls."
Jackson said that instead of controlling kids, it's better to give parents access and teach kids mindfulness. "When a schoolmate sends your child a nude photo on Snapchat, you no longer have to worry about never finding out," he said. "Instead, you can be the one to start the conversation with your child; not from a place of judgment, but a place of understanding and acceptance."
Pros:
Parents can see all the child's activity on the phone, including social media posts, text messages across various platforms, call history, etc.
Parents can keep track of every app the child downloads
Kids are given daily "mental health checks" (such as showing them emojis and asking which describes their feelings) which parents can see
Parents are given a list of frequently-used words, which can help in better understanding their kids
GPS location tracking
Parents can be armed with information to have honest discussions with their kids
Kids may be less likely to post offensive or questionable content since they know Mom or Dad is watching
The phone—and future phone replacements—are free
Cons:
While the phone is free, the $69 subscription is expensive
May not prevent online addition or help develop healthy phone habits
Parents may be torn as to how to handle what they see—and still allow the unlimited phone access
Kids may feel like they're being "spied on" when parents see private messages or content (though this should be understood and discussed from the beginning)
Parents can't pause internet or set time limits/ bedtime etc.
Cost: The phone is free; $69 per month subscription
Parents have control with this phone that is perfect for kids dipping their toes in for the first time. Troomie uses real phones with locked-down features that include the pre-loaded KidSmart OS that can be controlled through the Troomi Parent Portal.
Geared towards nine to 12-year-olds, the Samsung phones are meant to grow with your budding tween and prepare them to responsibly use them as they mature. They offer military-grade security, and no social media apps or addictive games.
Pros:
Use Troomi SafeListing™ to eliminate unwanted calls and texts
Opt for text-only messages or enable picture texting and group chats
No app store on the phone, but parents can add through the Parent Portal
Completely remove the internet, or introduce it using the KidSmart browser
Most apps only work on Wifi
Cons:
Purchasing the phone is expensive
Older kids may not like the fact that they cannot use traditional apps
The phones can be large and bulky
Cost: $180 for the phone, with monthly plans starting at $15
Do you have an old phone your kid is dying to inherit? Ready to upgrade your iPhone and want to give your child your current device? You don't have to buy a new phone to keep your kid safe online. There is a multitude of phone/message filtering apps and devices to choose from—whether you want to block particular apps, read your kids' text messages, or pause the internet when your kid wants to play Roblox after school instead of doing homework. Here are our favorite apps and devices:
Bark - Bark monitors texts, emails, YouTube and 24+ different social media platforms for signs of potential issues like cyberbullying, adult content, online predators, drug use, self-harm, depression, and suicidal ideation—and will notify you immediately if any of these are detected. It also allows you to block apps that you don't want your child using or set particular times they can use them.
Circle Home Plus - An external device that attaches to your router and lets you set screen time limits, pause the Internet, and filter content across every device in your home. You can also set a "Safe Search" and "YouTube restricted" mode that keeps explicit content off your child's devices. Want to reward your child with screen time? There's a “By Reward Only” feature that'll give your child more time or app play when you deem it as "earned."
Available for $129 (purchase includes 1 year, then $9.99/month after the first year) at meetcircle.com
Screentime for iPhone - Available on all iPhones, Screentime can block apps or websites you don't want your child to visit and set bedtimes or "downtime" hours. You have to do this from the device itself, but it's password-protected, so kids won't be able to change the settings unless they see you tapping the code.
Google Family Link - For Android or Google phones, Family Link lets you view app activity, set screen time limits, filter specific websites, and get reports showing how much time kids are spending on their favorite apps (and what time of day they're doing it). You can also block apps your child wants to download from the Google Play Store, as well as block in-app purchases.
Available on all Android devices for free. For more information, click here.
Being a child in today’s world is very different than just a decade ago. Kiddos have traded in toys for cell phones, playtime for screen time and hanging out with friends in person for texting and FaceTime. It has not only changed the way they interact and play but also shifted the type of gifts they’re now asking for—because if you don’t have the latest phone or tablet, who are you?
If Grandma and Grandpa give your youngsters the next gadget to add to their tech arsenal this holiday season, you want to ensure their new present doesn’t expose them to potential harm. By having so much technology at their fingertips, the world has truly become their oyster, along with the dangers of the internet that comes with it.
That’s what Bark, a parental control app, is hoping to change. Founded in 2015 by CEO Brian Bason, who’s a dad of two, Bark helps parents monitor everything their kiddos do on their phones. From text messages and emails to YouTube and over 30 social media platforms, parents and guardians can have insight into what their children are actually seeing online. In 2020 alone, Bark analyzed 2.1 billion messages and has been able to help protect 5.9 million kids.
The app, which has won awards from The National Parenting Center, Mom’s Choice Awards, and National Parenting Product Awards, was created with the assistance of renowned child psychologists, digital media experts, law enforcement professionals, and youth advisors. As a result, Bark has built an advanced algorithm technology that can detect signs of violence, online predators, adult content, cyberbullying and more.
Receive Alerts Directly to Your Phone
If a child engages with unsuitable content, such as a worrisome website or game, or receives a potentially harmful message, parents are notified with emails and text alerts, thanks to Bark’s 24-hour detection services. The algorithm is also trained to detect slang terms and emojis that kids use today to communicate.
To help parents address tough situations, Bark provides expert recommendations from child psychologists on what steps to take after a particular alert, how to talk about it and more.
Select Your Preferred Monitoring Levels
In each category (sexual content, profanity, etc.), Bark users have the option to select one of three monitoring sensitivity levels (relaxed, moderate, or strict) and can be selective of which alerts they want to see and how. According to Bark, the average parent will receive concerning alerts within 24 hours after signing up.
With 42% of children spending over 30 hours a week on their phones, it can become almost a part-time job for parents to keep track of all that their youngsters are doing on their devices. Bark helps by making sure parents receive alerts about anything concerning, so they don’t have to manually look through every single keystroke their child has made.
Say Goodbye to Tech Overload
As kids spend more time glued to their phones, parents may also want to cut back on screen time. Fortunately, Bark helps promote a healthy balance. It allows families to limit the amount of time spent on the internet by setting customized device use rules for school time, bedtime and free time.
The app also allows parents to pause access on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks when children need downtime for homework, dinner or just a moment without their phone.
Block Inappropriate Website and Games
Parents can also turn to the web filtering features to block specific websites or website categories, like streaming and gaming. So if Roblox or Fortnite is a no-go in your household, you can easily restrict access. If your child does attempt to visit a restricted site or app from the designated block list, you’ll receive an alert notifying you about the issue.
Limit Access to App Stores
App Stores can be made off-limits to youngsters who may have gotten their hands on it in the past—and accidentally purchased a good number of games without your approval. Not only does this save your wallet and you from headaches, but it helps you decide what they’re able to engage with.
Check Your Kiddo’s Whereabouts to Help Keep Them Safe
After the 2018 devastating school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl., Bark extended its services to all K–12 public and private schools in the nation at no cost. Parents can also turn to the app’s check-in feature to ensure their child’s safety by sending a notification to their phone that requests a response.
Bark has also recently released a new location sharing feature that alerts parents whenever their child arrives at, or leaves, a specific location.
While adults cannot control the entire internet, they can use Bark to create healthy guardrails for their children and make sure they know when their child may be in danger.
Sign up for Bark today and start your seven-day free trial, so you can have peace of mind while your child is online. Learn more about Bark and its mission to keep children safe in this video here.
Are today’s kids harder to parent? A new study found that most Americans think so, thanks to the prevalence of technology in our everyday lives. But what to do about it?
In a survey of 2,000 American parents, 80% agreed parenting is more challenging than it was 30 years ago due to technology and 86% said kids grow up faster thanks to tech. They also reported that their kids spend an average of 43% of their free time connected online. COVID-19 has boosted that trend, with four in five parents saying they’ve allowed their kids more screen time during the pandemic.
What’s the most worrying online issue? Parents said that negative interactions on social media (55%) were most concerning, followed by inappropriate content (54%). Cyberbullying (38%) and violent video games (23%) were also listed as reoccurring concerns.
Most parents surveyed said that it was their responsibility to monitor their kid’s online activity. They achieve this by employing a family media plan (43%), implementing daily screen limits (43%) using parental control software (42%) and reinforcing “screen free zones” around the house (36%). The study was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Smith Micro Software.
Need some more tips on how to keep your kids safe in the digital age? We’ve got them! And remember, quality screen time makes a world of difference, especially since tech isn’t going anywhere. After all, it also has plenty of benefits!
Today is the last day to find great deals on Amazon Fire Kids Pro tablets, Amazon Fire Kids tablets and more for Amazon Prime Day!
Have a kid? They’re probably into screens. Of course, we are too, because technology expands our world, connects us and is fun! If you love the latest and greatest like us, you already know the tech gurus at Amazon make impossibly good tablets for younger kids, ages 3-7, with their line of Fire Kids tablets. Good news: Now we don’t have to be bummed once they age out of this innovative device—Amazon is rolling out all-new tablets that are tailored to older kids, ages 6-12! Amazon has our backs, too, because if you have a Fire Kids tablet, you can upgrade to Fire Kids Pro through the Amazon Trade-In program with a 20 percent discount. Read on to learn more about what makes the new Fire Kids Pro tablet line jaw-droppingly cool.
The all-new Fire Kids Pro tablets for kids ages 6 to 12, come with a 7-inch, 8-inch HD or 10-inch HD screen.You can expect these new tablets to look less like a toy compared to the original line for younger kids. The protective case is slimmer (dare we say, cooler?) and includes a kickstand to prop up the tablet and a home screen that looks more like the one you’d use. Aside from the grown-up look and feel, the available content is geared towards the older set, too, with a wider selection just for them (including music!).
Smart(er) Web Browser
More independence for them with less worry for you: The Fire Kids Pro web browser includes a setting that gives kids open but filtered access to the web. Now they can explore on their own with guardrails, research for a school project, or just chill out with a favorite movie. Bottom line: This tablet is now multi-functional and super practical!
Profiles with Fire Kids Pro offer three levels of restrictions: limited, moderate and full. By default, the tablets use moderate restrictions, with tighter filters on web browsing and no access to in-app purchases or expanded content. Built-in controls are designed to help filter out inappropriate sites and you can block specific sites as you see fit. And there is another ally on your side—the Parent Dashboard! Here you can set time limits, see what sites they're visiting and for how long, establish learning goals, set a bedtime, block or allow specific sites and more—so you (are still) the boss.
Expanded Amazon Kids+ Content
Fire Kids Pro comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which includes a huge selection of premium entertainment and educational content that older kids are drawn to. Kids can choose from thousands of apps, songs, Audible books, games including Teen Titans Go and Asphalt 8, books like Keeper of the Lost Cities andChronicles of Narnia, PG and PG-13 videos hand-selected by the Amazon Kids team, plus educational content from National Geographic, Rabbids Coding, LEGO® and more.
In addition to Kids+ content, Fire Kids Pro tablets include access to a digital store so kids can request apps like Disney+, Spotify, Minecraft, Zoom and more. Once their request is sent, parents have the final say, approving purchases and downloads.
Fire Kids Pro also includes a music row with stations like iHeartRadio Family. Kids can choose from an array of curated playlists like Acoustic for Kids and Homework Inspiration, as well as live radio stations—rock on!
Hot feature alert: Kids can stay in touch and on top of school projects with the Fire Kids Pro, by making and receiving voice and video calls over Wi-Fi! This feature is available for kids to call contacts with a Fire Kids tablet, Alexa-enabled device, or the Alexa app. Parents have to approve the contacts and have visibility into calling history. Now kids can easily chat with friends to collaborate on homework or stay in touch with family. Kids can make announcements like “I’m done with my homework” from the tablet to Alexa-enabled devices at home—pretty cool, Amazon!
You Are in Control
Yes, this is a “more mature” tablet, but it comes with parental controls so you can customize your kid's experience, no matter where you are! With Amazon's Parent Dashboard you can control options from anywhere and make changes to access, view their activities, set time limits and more, all through your desktop or mobile phone without touching the tablet.
The Fire Kids Pro tablet is smart tech that grows with them, by adjusting the parental control preference as your kids age up. Why does that matter? It makes this device super flexible, fitting all types of parenting styles and kids' ages! You can also approve or deny purchases from the digital store. Kids can request apps from the digital store, then parents review requests and grant approval to app download or purchase, so no surprise charges—now you can let your kids explore without stressing about what they're doing and where they're going because you are in control of it all (but that can be our secret... ).
Fire Kids Pro comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ with access to over 20,000 books, movies, TV shows and other kid-friendly content curated by Amazon—wow. That is a massive amount of content, and we are impressed!
Worried about drops and bumps? Don’t be. Fire Kids Pro comes with a slim but sturdy case in cool colors and fun prints to keep it protected. Even the case is genius. It features a built-in kickstand which is ideal for hands-free video-watching, game-playing, video chatting and more. The best part? All Fire Kids Pro tablets include a two-year worry-free guarantee; if it breaks, return it and Amazon will replace it free—you just can’t go wrong here.
Social media is like riding a bike—just make sure you give your child a helmet, knee pads, training wheels, and a whole lot of instruction.
I’ve researched the dangers of social media, including conducting a study on recruitment into sex trafficking through social media. Yes, social media can be very dangerous—particularly with little supervision. So, most are surprised when I allow my children, at age 10 and 11 to use social media instead of waiting for the more accepted age of 13. Before getting all judgy, hear me out.
When the magic age of 13 hits, there is a lot that is going on with your child. Developmentally this is the age when children seek independence, crave having their own space, rely on friendships over family, value privacy and may even dabble in rebellious behaviors. This happens whether we want it or not—they are hardwired for this—it is part of their natural development.
If social media is introduced during this time, parents may have a hard time monitoring, exploring together and many children will attempt to push boundaries. In contrast, my 10 and 11-year-old still find me tolerable, and even (dare I say), cool on some days. They still feel close to the family, eagerly share about their school days, and have a healthy fear of the world. I know that in a couple of short years, that could all change and I may miss my opportunity to lay down some critical groundwork in their ability to safely navigate social media.
So, to their surprise and excitement, we embarked on the ride of social media together—equipped with training wheels, knee pads, a helmet, and strict instructions on where and when to ride the bike. We started off slow, I instructed them along the way, I was there to caution them, I let them have some independence, we processed any mistakes they made, they were aware of the dangers and trusted me to guide them. We also have a lot of fun—I have my own Tik Tok account, we watch together, I try to dance, they are embarrassed by my comments, I learn about their friends, and I have valuable insight into their life. They also know the stakes—any purposeful wrong move and the bike goes in storage.
I know that by the time they are 13, when I ever so slowly let my hand off the back of the bike seat, they are equipped with the knowledge to steer independently. While I will always make them wear the helmets of parental control, time limits, and privacy settings, I will take off the training wheels and knee pads and trust that the practice we have had will keep them safe.
So, if you get a disapproving glance or are questioned “Your kids are on Tik Tok?” just say “Sure, it’s just like riding a bike.”
Hello! I am a mom to three children, ages 11,12, and 20 and happily married to an awesome guy! Professionally, I am a psychologist and Life Coach, and founder of Brave Embrace, a practice focusing on female empowerment. We are a sports-oriented family and enjoy learning, growing, and laughing through every opportunity!
It’s no surprise that we’re spending more time than ever in front of a screen. Children spend an average of up to six hours a day in front of a screen, and teens spend up to 9 hours! “Where in the world did they pick up these toxic habits?” I ask myself, looking up from my screen.
Today, you can’t avoid screens completely. But internet dependence is a growing problem for kids and adults around the world. Because your brain continues to develop until you’re around 25 years old, children and teens are more at risk of developing an addiction to tech. I don’t think anyone parent wants to sit next to their tween at a Tech-aholic Anonymous meeting—is there such a thing?
It’s more important than ever to raise your child with a healthy relationship with technology. To be honest, limiting screens is something that would benefit even us adults.
Signs Your Kid Needs a Digital Detox
Technology addiction is a real medical concern. Much like you can become addicted to smoking, you can get addicted to being in front of a screen. With social media apps like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok generating literally thousands of videos and posts per minute and draining time from your child’s life, a digital detox may be needed.
Having too much screen time can show up in your child in a lot of different ways:
Weight gain or weight loss
Irritability and increased aggression
Impulsive behavior
Mood swings
Low grades in school
Issues falling and staying asleep
Poor body image
Social issues such as difficulty communicating face-to-face
Researchers are unsure whether these behavioral problems cause screen addiction, or if children with behavioral problems simply gravitate towards electronics. Either way, too much screen time can harm your child’s cognitive and social development.
How to Limit Screen Time
1. Set Screen Time Expectations. The first thing you need to do before giving your child screen access is to set expectations and rules on how to use it. Giving your child freedom as they grow is an important part of development. But you also need to be their protector and limit access to things that could harm them until they’re old enough to make decisions themselves.
For younger children, your tech rules could focus on how many minutes of screen time per day they can have. And consequences could be losing screen time or the device for a day. Since older children will have more freedom, the rules will be a bit different. Discuss expectations about what types of sites to stay away from, why they should keep their device in a public space, and what time in the evening they should put screens away.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, screen time is up in many homes. With more schools switching to a virtual classroom, children are stuck at home in front of a screen the majority of the day. That screen time adds up quickly. Make sure you stress the importance of time away from screens whenever possible.
2. Use Tech to Fight Tech. It’s not just you—parents all over the world are struggling to get their children off of screens. Thankfully, most cell phones now have parental control features to limit screen time and control what apps your child can access. App stores have lots of options you can download that will get your child to finally look up from their screens. The Activate Fitness app will only let kids unlock games after reaching an activity goal like doing jumping jacks or running up a flight of stairs. Qustodio can track your child’s location and screen unwanted internet content like pornography. A simple search for parental control apps will show just how easy it can be to limit your child’s tech time.
3. Go Outside. One of the easiest ways to get your kid off their phone is to take them outside! Whether you’re going on a bike ride in your neighborhood or on a hike in the mountains, your kids will be forced to be off their devices. The lack of cell service and WiFi in the mountains also helps limit their screen time. Make sure you’re abiding by safe social distancing guidelines because of COVID-19 concerns. This means staying at least six feet away from hikers whenever possible, choosing a trail close to home, and wearing a face mask when near other hikers.
4. Create Screen-Free Zones. Just like many adults like to keep their bedroom a T.V.-free area, creating screen-free zones around your home can help limit your child’s screen time. Areas like bedrooms, the kitchen table, and the car are great screen-free zones. Removing screens from bedrooms will also help them get more sleep, have better quality sleep, and prevent mental health problems such as depression. Mealtimes and car rides are a great way to connect as a family. It’s important to have these family bonding moments, and time away from devices can give your child’s brain a much-needed rest!
Remember that children learn from their parents. If you set a good example and follow similar screen time limits, your child will be more likely to follow your lead.
5. Be Consistent in Enforcing Your Rules. Don’t let your child wear you down when it comes to enforcing your screen time rules. If you give in to their begging, it shows them that rules don’t matter and they can eventually get anything they want! Make sure that all adults in the house are on the same page in what the screen time rules are.
Remember: your child is essentially a tech addict! Withdrawal symptoms like anger, pouting, or crying can happen when you start limiting their screen time. You know what’s best for your child—and that can mean you will make decisions they don’t like. But it’s important for their development that you stick to your guns.
Natasha is an avid writer, storyteller, and dog-lover. Her work has carried her from the bustle of New York at Inc. Magazine to the Santa Fe deserts at Outside Magazine. She enjoys writing about family-focused and community-centered stories.
This is sponsored content from our partner. The reviews and opinions published are solely ours.
Between games, videos and ever-changing viral trends, the internet is constantly vying for your kids’ attention and offers up plenty of challenges for parents. How can you be sure where they’re headed is parent-approved, enriching and worthwhile?
It’s undeniable that going online has so much to offer—content that sparks creativity, inspires kids to try a new skill or teaches them about the world. To satisfy their curiosity and minimize your stress, parental control and content customization are key, and exactly why we are loving the YouTube Kids app! Here are 8 reasons why you should give it a go.
YouTube Kids was created to give kids 12 and under a more contained environment making it easy and fun for them to explore on their own. Videos on YouTube Kids are family-friendly, even the ones that come up in search. You’ll select content levels based on your kid’s age (4 & under, 5-7, 8-12) which means your preschooler will see videos about counting instead of multiplication. And thanks to online creators, there is always something new to learn, do, and enjoy!
2. It’s easy for kids to navigate!
The YouTube Kids app is made specifically for kids, including kid-friendly design and fun graphics. Whether they’re on a computer, tablet or phone, large buttons and simple categories make it easy for kids of all ages to independently pick content. Putting them in charge of what they watch helps little ones explore their own interests!
3. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to kids or families
Unlike most websites and apps, YouTube Kids puts the control in the hands of parents and makes their experience fully customizable. When you create your YouTube Kids account, you can choose exactly how you want to use the settings and controls. You can keep it simple by adjusting your settings to show your kids videos based on their age, or you can design an entire afternoon of online enrichment by selecting approved content and adjusting timers for learning!
4. Approve what your kids can watch
If you want complete control over what your kids are watching, you can also use an “Approved Content Only” mode that allows kids to watch videos, channels or collections that are hand-picked and approved by you, meaning you can set your child’s profile to only show crafts content for some at-home art inspiration.
Trusted partners and the YouTube Kids team create “collections” of videos and channels, with everything from Sesame Street to science experiments, and you can make entire collections available when using the “Approved Content Only” mode.
5. Limit screen time—not imagination
With YouTube Kids, you’re in control while your kids are empowered to explore, discover new interests, learn, grow, and play in a safer, curated environment.
We’ve all caught ourselves spending a little too much time scrolling—kids included! When creating individual profiles for each child, parents can set a timer to limit the time kids spend on the app and help them build their own healthy screen time habits.
6. Block content—not curiosity
If you need a break from Baby Shark or another glitter explosion, YouTube Kids also lets parents block a single video or an entire channel, and makes it easy to update the settings on an individual profile at any time.
7. You can relax while they fearlessly explore!
Customizable settings enable parents to confidently allow their kids to explore new videos, discover new interests and develop new talents along the way! Content that shows up in their feed isn’t just filtered by you, it’s constantly updated by YouTube Kids to ensure videos are family friendly.
8. It’s free and can be used on the go!
Yes, you read that correctly! YouTube Kids is free to use, with the option to upgrade to an ad-free version. When you create one account, you can access profiles across multiple devices, including phones, tablets, computers and even a television.
Thanks to parental controls and engaging content, YouTube Kids is a great way for kids to learn more about themselves and the world around them, all guided by you! Learn more at YouTube.com/Kids!
Parenting in a digital age isn’t for the faint of heart. We know it’s vital to set boundaries when it comes to screen time for kids, but how do we begin to sort through the hundreds of ways our kids might be consuming media each day? From apps that help you block what comes into your home to software that alerts you when something might be amiss, we’ve rounded up the best services and apps for parental control to help you do just that. Keep reading for our rundown on the best tools a parent can have in their back pocket (and on smartphones, Kindles, laptops and more), below.
Circle Home Plus
iStock
The Circle Home Plus device connects with your Wi-Fi router to manage every device on your home network. Use the Circle App to operate Circle and manage connected devices everywhere.
What It Does: From mobile phones and tablets to smart TVs and video game consoles, Circle lets you set screen time limits, pause the Internet, and filter content across every device—all from one app. The Safe Search option defaults Google and Bing searches to remove explicit content from their results, making searching kid-friendly. The company has just launched a “By Reward Only” feature for apps or screen time categories. Parents are now able to ensure chores and other duties are completed before kids can gain access to apps or other things like gaming, and can set up daily requirements as needed.
What It Doesn't Do: While Circle does filter website access based on user profiles, it doesn't filter content found in those websites. For example, Circle can limit access to Netflix, but it doesn't filter what a family member is able to watch on Netflix. However, you can set up parental controls available from Netflix to filter its content. Additionally, Circle doesn't track what family members are searching for on sites like YouTube, Google, or social media sites like Facebook or Instagram. Circle can see the domain that is being accessed but can't tell what is being searched for there.
Available for $129 (purchase includes 1-year, then $9.99/month after the first year) at meetcircle.com
FreeTime Unlimited
Amazon
FreeTime is a browser built from the ground up for Kindles, Fire Tablets, Android phones and some Echo devices to give kids a personalized web experience, limiting access to only permitted websites and web videos.
What It Does: Amazon's FreeTime subscription lets parents pay a flat fee for access to over 13,000 pieces of child-friendly content (books, games, TV shows, movies and educational apps) from trusted sources for kids ages three through 12. It also includes strict parental controls that keep kids from spending too much time playing games and watching movies, or doing it when they shouldn't be.
What It Doesn't Do: FreeTime doesn't give you feedback about searches, nor does it track texts, emails or any social media interactions. The control lies in providing your kids with curated content on the front-end of their digital experience.
Available on amazon.com for $2.99 a month for Prime members and $4.99 a month for non-Prime members. Annual subscriptions are also available, and many earmarked devices come with the first year's subscription, free.
Qustodio is software that is downloaded as an app onto every device you want to monitor.
What It Does: Qustodio is designed to let you see what your kids are browsing, what apps they've been using, and set limits on their access. It filters content such as pornography, tracks time spent on social media, and shows what your child has searched on YouTube. You're also able to physically track the device, which makes keeping up with Junior a little easier. For Androids, Qustodio also reveals who your child calls and texts, allows you to read SMS, block contacts, and receive panic alerts from your children if they find themselves in harm's way.
What It Doesn't Do: Some of Qustodio's most wow-worthy features are limited to Androids, which is bad news for iPhone/ iOS users if you want to check what's going on in your child's Facebook account, see call logs, read texts and exert influence on their contact lists.
What We Like: According to Dr. Nicole Beurkens, a clinical psychologist and brand ambassador to Qustodio, "ongoing communication and education about safe and unsafe behavior are important, whether it's online or offline." She explains that parents should "never, ever give a child of any age an internet-connected device without discussions about expectations, rules, and basic parental controls." And, "fostering a trustworthy relationship with your children about digital wellness allows them to learn how to stay safe online, and makes it more likely that they will bring problems or concerns to your attention if they do arise." The bottom line? You protect them by preparing them, and by talking about their experiences online.
Available on qustodio.com from $54.95-$137.95/ year. Pricing varies by number of devices covered.
Securly offers families protection via The Hub—a plug-in tool that filters, monitors, and protects every device that connects to your home network—and Go—an app for mobile devices that filters all online activity, no matter what network your child’s device is on.
What It Does: The Hub allows you to create a customized WiFi experience for your children. With personalized profiles for every child, you can monitor and filter content on an age-appropriate level for each one. Schedule offline time, select levels of security, add filters and make sure every guest that steps in your home follows your online rules with The Hub's WiFi-level monitoring. Go lets you view your child’s recent searches and site visits, plus reports on videos watched. It allows you to pause the Internet and set limits on their personal devices when they're away from home, and it flags activity related to signs of bullying, self-harm, and other concerning content.
What It Doesn't Do: The Hub and Go don't track texts, report on or analyze exchanges in social media platforms, or dig deep into search terms used by kids on the Internet. kid-generated searches or content other than Internet searches.
Available on plugnplayhub.com for $59.99. No monthly or yearly subscription.
This Android Parental Monitoring App uses smart tech to detect issues in your children’s lives by looking at how they use their phone, then gives you a heads-up so you can act sooner rather than later.
What It Does: Jiminy's mission is to create an open space for communication between parent and child. Jiminy's looking for patterns in online activity—you'll get alerts for social issues such as bullying, drama or loneliness, concerning content and interests (sexting and adult content, vaping, gambling, etc.), and toxic phone usage and game addiction—will help you understand how your kids use their phones, so you can set healthy limits. When Jiminy spots patterns that add up to something it thinks you might want to know about it, it notifies you. For example, they count how many messages are exchanged a day, with whom, and in what directionality, and use changes to this pattern to spot things like fights, crushes, or bullying. Then, it provides you with tools to have conversations about these issues, and information to understand how they might affect your child.
What It Doesn't Do: Jiminy does not show you specific messages, photos or sites that your child has visited. It doesn't lock anything on your child’s phone or use your child’s data for anything else. You can't use Jiminy to set screen limits or curb entertainment time.
What We Like: Tal Guttman, CEO of Jiminy, adds that when we think of effective parental controls, "we want something that gives parents the information they need to understand and navigate their children's digital lives, but also respects the child's place in all of this. Ultimately, parental awareness is an ongoing process, and having a broad view of your child's digital life is key to creating an open place for conversations about what they experience online."
Available on Google Play with a free trial, then for $9/ month.
We all know Norton as the go-to for keeping computers clean of speed-draining viruses and privacy intrusions, so it's no surprise that their Family Premier operates on multiple platforms—including software-based subscription services and a mobile app—with a varied approach to keeping kids safe online.
What It Does: The central feature of Norton Family Premier is its web content filter, the component that keeps kids from accidentally (or deliberately) visiting inappropriate websites. Additionally, you can view a child's most active categories and every site they access, then sorts through the list to flag questionable activity. You can also filter online activity by category, device, and time range. Norton Family's time supervision works on Android, iOS, and Windows. It also allows you to view a map with pins to know where your child has been, and when. You have the option to block apps and record usage data on those that are allowed for monitored Android devices (iOS is different. You'll need to keep them from downloading apps, instead of blocking them with software). Norton Family can monitor what videos your child watches on YouTube and Hulu, but only on web browsers, not in the Android or iOS apps. Just block these apps if you are concerned about activities on those platforms.
What It Doesn't Do: The app does not include geofencing functionality, so you can't set it up to alert you when your child leaves certain geographical boundaries. It also can't automatically notify you when a child's location changes. Norton Family can no longer monitor your child's SMS messages or restrict calling contacts. Norton Family is unable to monitor activity on other networks such as Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok (you can see how frequently your children log on to Facebook from their PCs, and the name they use on their profiles, but not what happens within the site). It doesn't support Macs.
This Web-based app for Android, iOS, and Kindle devices currently focuses on supporting platforms where kids directly send and receive messages, such as social networks, messaging apps, and email. It does monitor browser history on iOS and Android devices along with browsing on Chrome using the Bark for Chrome extension, but the true utility of Bark is its ability to flag concerning content within apps that tweens and teens use.
What It Does: Bark monitors texts, emails, YouTube, and 24+ different social media platforms for signs of potential issues like cyberbullying, adult content, online predators, drug use, self-harm, depression, suicidal ideation and more, for the whole family. It sends you automatic alerts via email and text when Bark’s algorithms detect potential risks, so you don’t have to comb through every post and text.
What It Doesn't Do: Bark doesn’t offer website blocking or the ability to set limits on screen time. And while it doesn't have geofencing or GPS capabilities, it does have a check-in feature. Once connected, you can ask your child to check in, and Bark will notify them and request a response.
The Net Nanny® Family Protection Pass is a software bundle and app that allows you to monitor and protect up to 20 devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers.
What It Does: Net Nanny provides filtering and monitoring of web content for up to 20 devices, plus it gives you the ability to schedule screen time and track your child's location. On the Internet, Net Nanny detects the contextual usage of words and will either allow or block websites based on the preferences customized for each individual user (for instance, it will allow content with "breast" if used in a medical context, but not if it detects pornographic material elsewhere on the site). Unlike some software that operate on a "blocked site versus unblocked site" list, Net Nanny uses technology to evaluate in real time the content that is found each time a page is reloaded.
What It Doesn't Do: Net Nanny protects your children by patrolling the Internet, and while it allows parents the options to block apps, it doesn't provide text or social media monitoring and flagging.
Available on netnanny.com from $39.99 for one PC/ Mac desktop per year to $89.99 for up to 20 devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire).
Relay
courtesy Relay
So what do you do if you're children are protected on their home devices, but you're not ready to give them their own cell phone—though you need a way to communicate with them when you're apart? Relay is a screenless cell phone created to give parents a way to communicate with and track their children's movements, without exposing them to the Internet, apps, unapproved callers.
What It Does: Relay offers walkie-talkie-like communications, GPS tracking, geofencing—where you can set up geographical safe zones and get notified when your Relay enters and leaves), and a SOS feature that allows kids to send emergency alerts from their device directly to your smartphone.
What It Doesn't Do: Relay doesn't have SMS, Internet access or ways for your kids to communicate, other than to you (or the smartphone or Relay devices you approve and add), so it doesn't provide feedback on usage, and it doesn't limit screen time since there is no screen.
Available at relaygo.com for $49.99 +$9.99/a month service fee.
With Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time, you can block or limit specific apps and features on your child's device. Additionally, you can filter explicit content (which can block playback of music with explicit content, and movies or TV shows with specific ratings), block purchases and downloads, and change your privacy settings simply by going to Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for explicit content, purchases and downloads, and privacy. You can prevent adult web content, add specific websites to a blocked list, restrict Siri web search, and set restrictions on multiplayer games, screen recordings and adding friends.
Available on all iPhone, iPad, & iTouch Devices for free. For more information, click here.
Family Link lets you set digital ground rules remotely from your own device. View their app activity and get reports showing how much time they’re spending on their favorite apps. You can see daily, weekly or monthly reports. Manage their apps with the help of notifications that let you approve or block apps your child wants to download from the Google Play Store and manage in-app purchases. You can also hide specific apps on their device, all remotely from your own device. Plus, you're able to see their location and set limits on screen time.
Available on all Android devices for free. For more information, click here.
Kindle Fire offers several parental control settings under your child's profile, including daily goals & time limits, add content, remove content and smart filters.
Whether you’re using Google Search, Bing or Yahoo, SafeSearch can help you filter sexually explicit content from your results. When SafeSearch is on, it helps filter out explicit content in search results for all your queries across images, videos, and websites. Implementing Google SafeSearch in one browser does not set it up in all browsers. You must go into each browser (Safari, Firefox, Chrome, etc.) separately and get Google SafeSearch set up on each.
Available on most search engines for free. For more information, click here.
Common Websites and Systems Parental Controls Links
Did you know that many websites have their own parental control settings, just waiting to be activated by those in the know? Below, find information on activating the built-in parental controls of some of the most commonly visited websites.
Just as we strive to keep our kids safe every time they cross the street or go to the playground, it’s up to us as parents to keep them safe online, too. From classic common sense to the era’s latest parental control apps like Qustodio, read on for 10 ways to manage healthy digital diets for the whole family.
1. Model a well-balanced tech lifestyle. Like everything else we teach our kids, we start by showing them: how to walk, how to use a spoon, and—as we take photo number 5,428 in a constant chronicle of their young lives—how to use tech. If we never bring our phones to the dinner table, we may avoid future power struggles about screen-free spaces. If we step away from checking email when we know it’s time to power down for the day, they will see how much we value connecting “in real life” and will have loads of practice when it’s time for them to manage their own “online” and “IRL” lives.
2. Talk about why screen time needs to be monitored. When we expect our kids to make their beds or clear the table, we are teaching the personal responsibility they will need to lead independent and organized lives. If they understand the dangers associated with tech use, they may be more motivated to maintain a safe online space as well—with privacy settings, thinking before they post, and doing their best not to let online activities hamper their physical activity or emotional health.
3. Come to an agreement on the amount of screentime they’ll have. After adding up watching shows, using the computer for homework, as well as any phone, app, or game use, decide together what a healthy amount of screentime might be. For guidance, turn to parental control app Qustodio, a true hub of data and info., via both an online dashboard and Parents’ App, that makes it easy to understand what kids are up to on various devices and help them make smart choices—a skill they always need IRL too. Rather than just preventing or logging screen time use, Qustodio puts you in the driving seat with various cross-platform functionalities while helping you advocate for an open and healthy digital lifestyle for the whole family.
Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here.
4. Give your kids agency—and accountability.
Setting rules for and as a family also ensures your kids feel part of the process. Go a step further and outsource some of the rule making: download a digital contract that everyone in the family can sign with a sense of ownership and abide by if rules are broken.
5. Keep up your digital fluency. Check in with the latest findings and age-appropriate recommendations from the World Health Organization about sedentary behaviors like screen time. Discover the content that can add value to our children’s lives when they are online with the help of trusted organizations like Common Sense Media. And just as you have an eye on the horizon for your child’s next developmental milestones, think about what your elementary school kid might be interested in as a tween (we suggest reading educator Ana Homayoun’s Social Media Wellness: Helping Teens and Tweens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World.)
6. Remind them of natural—and irreversible—consequences. The internet doesn’t come with a giant “delete” option, and kids should know what might result from conducting online lives unchecked. Share the news when Harvard acceptances are revoked because of poor or offensive online choices. Talk about it. As your kids start using social media especially, see if they open up about their own online etiquette or gauge their thoughts about what their friends post.
7. Decide which apps you’re comfortable with them using. Maybe you’re OK with YouTube, but not TikTok. Or vice versa. Either way, be explicit about which apps your kids may or may not be allowed to use. Qustodio also makes it easy to stay up to speed on what your kids are doing online (you can even see exactly what they are searching for and watching on YouTube, too).
As parents we often love data, and that is just what Qustodio delivers, from reports on internet activity to child location capability. Qustodio also gives added peace of mind with the ability to set limits on games and apps, monitor social media use, block inappropriate content in real-time, all while providing the talking points and questions to ask to maintain open communication about device use.
Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here.
8. Continue to watch with them. Just as our kids learn from watching us, we can learn a lot from watching them. Sit down together for their current favorite movie or check in on homework. See how they navigate online, what websites they visit, and what they want to watch. You may learn something new while continuing to encourage that spirit of openness.
9. Check in with other parents. As kids conduct increasingly independent lives at school and with friends, you can expect them to be one step (or several) ahead of your own experiences—and device-use is a whole new frontier. Talking to parents, especially with older kids, about what they have dealt with in the digital landscape (i.e. “finsta” accounts) will help us meet our kids where they’ll need us.
10. Don’t forget a digital detox! Unplug! Go screen free! Get outside! Encourage it as a family and individually. Be it a certain hour of the day or day of the week, make it a habit to disconnect in order to reconnect.
Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here.
