“My kids have devices, what did I just do?” If you’re like me and grew up around 1980, you are probably saying to yourself our parents had it so easy with us. We were able to be out at all times of the night and if we were home by the time the streetlights came on, we were good. In today’s digital age, children are navigating a vast and sometimes treacherous online world. As parents, it is our responsibility to guide them safely through these cyber seas. Well what powerful tool do we have at our disposal? Parental controls. As a parent of two wonderful children, my wife and I were constantly worrying about what our kids were downloading, watching, and having access to. In this post, we’ll explore three compelling reasons why every parent should embrace these digital guardians.
What are parental controls?
Parental controls are software tools to help you monitor & block websites, apps, or foster healthier bedtimes with screen time. Parental controls are all around us, you can use them in your TV to block content & purchases. Mobile devices have adopted more governance for parents to manage. New model routers can even block apps on your kids TV’s. Haha, my kids hate it, but it’s amazing. Later we’ll have some reviews on third party apps that let you even monitor messages you’re kids are sending based on keywords.
Shielding Kids from Inappropriate Content
The internet is a double-edged sword. While it provides valuable educational resources, it also exposes children to harmful content. Parental controls act as a protective barrier, filtering out inappropriate material such as violence, explicit content, and cyberbullying. By setting age-appropriate restrictions, parents can ensure their kids sail in safer waters. If you have recently purchased a router, you may want to check your admin console. Some of these new routers have parental controls built in to a certain extent. Watch out for my next post and I’ll go more in depth.
Managing Screen Time and Balancing Real Life
Excessive screen time can disrupt family dynamics and hinder healthy development. Parental controls allow you to set time limits on devices, encouraging a balance between online activities and real-world interactions. Whether it’s homework, family dinners, or outdoor play, these controls help maintain harmony in the household.
Guarding Against Online Predators and Strangers
The internet is teeming with both friendly faces and hidden dangers. Parental controls enable you to monitor your child’s online interactions, block suspicious contacts, and track their digital footprint. By doing so, you create a safer environment, reducing the risk of cyberbullying, grooming, and other threats. Android & iOS have some parental control features via app and work phenomenal. I’ll be demoing these soon.