Technology is a double-edged sword; on the one hand, it gives us more utility and enhances our lives; on the other, it opens up new dangers and risks, especially to young people online. If your child uses a cell phone, you need to ensure they are protected and educated about them.
Parental Controls
When it comes to protecting children online with their cell phones, there are two options, you can use the in-built parental controls on the phone, or you can download an app. In the settings, you will find settings that allow you to restrict certain domains, prevent downloads, and more.
The trouble with the in-built parental controls is they can be changed by your child if they are tech-savvy, so while these controls might be fine for younger kids, you might have to download an app for older ones. A Family Orbit app will help you track phone calls and much more.
Monitor Usage
Monitoring your child’s usage is sensible, but it’s also a delicate balance to strike because you don’t want to take away their autonomy or ruin the trust between you. That said, it’s important for their safety and wellbeing that you understand the nature of their cell phone usage.
Start with a conversation. It’s fine to tell your child that you want them to have a cell phone for their lives, but you need to monitor it for their safety. Talk to them about the kind of websites you are happy for them to visit and reach an understanding that doesn’t feel like cell phone policing.
Monitor Apps
Sometimes apps are a better idea than the parental controls on a cell phone or operating system, that’s because cell phone apps provide more parental control options and are easier to secure than built-in settings. The apps from Family Orbit offer plenty of functionality for parents.
Choose the cell phone app that suits you best, then optimize the settings according to the decision you have made with your children. These apps can prevent them from visiting certain websites and downloading apps; it will also give you a notification if blacklisted words are used.
Shield Kids
When you are choosing an app to protect your child’s cell phone, make sure it is COPPA protected. COPPA stands for Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, which is the policy protecting the data of children under the age of thirteen. So you can shield kids using COPPA.
When the app you invest in is protected by COPPA, it means that any website that tracks or shares your child’s data can only do so with parental consent. Data transactions are what keep the digital economy operating these days, but there are risks associated with data sharing.
Educate Them
Lastly, there is no better way to protect your children online or with their cell phones than by educating them to be responsible and to make the right choices. Take social media, for example; children need to understand the risks of sharing and who to add to their accounts.
Do you let your kids use a cell phone and do you have rules they have to follow?
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