To allow or not to allow? - Nowadays, many parents have an urgent question about gadgets and the time their children spend in front of their screens. Yes, adults themselves can't see their lives without convenient apps - delivery, bill payment, cab calls, messengers. But in arguments with children, we refer to the fact that adult apps are useful. At the same time, children can not distinguish good resources from bad, and also go into games with their heads. We suggest to understand whether and, most importantly, how to limit the Internet for children. Below in the article we provide a list of useful applications for controlling access to the Internet.
The reading time is 5 minutes.
What is digital hygiene
To begin with, it is important for parents themselves to understand how to tell their children about the rules of behavior on the Internet. After all, it often happens that an adult gives a child a phone to watch cartoons. And after a while he discovers that he is already watching reviews of game bloggers. Which do not always adhere to the correct literary language. Or they mention things that the child doesn't need to know yet.
That's why you need to talk to your child about digital hygiene before you put a phone in their hands. What's that? These are rules on how to spend time safely on the Internet. Knowing simple rules, repeating them regularly with parents, the child will learn to protect their personal data and will be responsible when viewing content.
For example, various scammers often use children as their victims. It is not uncommon for children to get to know users in online games and fall under their influence. And this leads to various negative consequences - from hacking of personal data to problems with the law and even suicide.
What internet safety rules you need to know
First, parents should immediately talk to the child about how much time he or she can spend in gadgets. The fact is that children can not only browse social networks via the Internet, but also play downloaded games in his absence. Determine for yourself how much screen time per day in general you allow your child.
Secondly, do not hide from your child that parental controls will be installed on their phone. You will find a list of useful applications in the next subsection. In this way, the child will be psychologically responsible for what he or she does on the Internet. In addition, they will develop the habit of completing their activities before the limit expires.
Third, teach your children the following simple rules: never tell strangers on the Internet your personal data - address, phone number, full name; do not follow any links sent by friends or strangers in messengers and mail; download applications only from the official store; always tell an adult if you see something strange or scary; regularly change passwords in their accounts to protect them from hacking.
Finally, regularly discuss with your child what he or she watches, plays, and is interested in online. In this way you will be aware of his online activity and will be able to prevent dangerous acquaintances in time.
Parental controls - list of useful applications
Here are some special applications for parents that can be installed on a home computer or smartphone. They allow you to limit the time your child spends on the Internet, as well as to monitor their online activities.
- NetNanny - for what? program for computers and mobile devices. What it does. Sets restrictions on access to websites and apps, and monitors your child's online activity.
- Qustodio - for what? appendix for computers and mobile devices. What it does. Sets limits on when you can use the Internet and blocks access to unwanted sites.
- Kids360 - for what? appendix for mobile devices. What it does. Monitors your child's internet activity, blocks access to unwanted sites and sets limits on app usage.
- ScreenTime - for what? appendix for mobile devices. What does it do? Limits the time spent on apps and websites and monitors your child's online activity.
- OpenDNS - what's that? Online service. What it does. Blocks access to unwanted sites and monitors your child's Internet activity.
- Windows 10 Family Options - What is it? Built-in Windows 10 function. What it does. Limits the time you use the internet and applications, and sets limits on access to websites.
- SafeSurf - what's that? Online service. What it does. Blocks access to websites with unwanted content and allows you to monitor your child's online activity.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids - what's that? appendix for mobile devices. What it does. Restricts access to unwanted sites and apps, and monitors your child's online activity.
- Facebook Family Safety - what's that? Function on Facebook. What it does. Sets limits on children's online activity and monitors their actions.
- Norton Family - what's that? appendix for mobile devices. What it does. Sets limits on internet and app use and monitors children's online activity.
Before using any of these tools, it is important to familiarize yourself with the instructions and settings.
Creating a positive attitude in the family towards safe Internet use
Unfortunately, few parents take the time to educate their children about internet safety. But it is possible to set a goal and create a favorable environment in your home, with a trusting relationship regarding the use of gadgets. After all, this will help keep your child safe from the negative consequences we mentioned above. And also children will more quickly learn to search the Internet for useful resources and realize that the Internet is their friend and helper. Especially in learning and expanding their horizons. By the way, we wrote about the development of the worldview in our article in a separate article.
How do you do that?
- Talk to everyone in the family about the importance of internet safety;
- agree with all household members when and how much time you use gadgets. If an adult uses the phone for work, it is important to explain this to the child. It is also important to agree on when the whole family spends time without gadgets. For example, when eating or playing games together;
- share information - tell your child interesting news or facts you found on the Internet. Encourage him to talk about his activities on his phone, even if he is playing "useless" games. Offer to install useful apps to keep your child's attention engaged and engaged;
- Make sure that all gadgets in the house, as well as the home internet, have strong passwords;
- show by example that it is possible to limit time on the phone and do other interesting things. For example, reading paper books, doing handicrafts, and so on.
- Talk to your child regularly about suspicious links, videos and communication on the Internet. Your child should know the safety rules by heart.
Conclusion
Be attentive to your children, do not let their free time on the phone go to waste. Children's safety and their future are in our hands!
For more interesting articles on parenting and teaching children read on our blog.
