In the age of technology, it is easy to forget how dangerous the internet can be. Seemingly harmless apps and websites can hide the vilest of internet predators. Though the government is cracking down and working tirelessly to make the web a safe place, there are things you can do as a parent to prevent predators from coming into contact with your children. Today we will talk about what you can do to keep your children safe, what apps are available to monitor their online and phone usage and what signs to look for when all else fails.
There are many parental control apps out on the market now that you can use for phones, tablets, and computers alike. While no app is fail proof, it is a crucial step to making sure that you are aware of the conversations your children are having and what apps they are using. One of the highest rated apps you can find on the market is known as Net Nanny, which is available for IOS iPhone, Androids, computers and tablets. Due to iPhones strict limitations on what you can do, Androids offer more when it comes to parental control applications.
Net Nanny offers a basic plan for free that allows parents to educate themselves on what they can do to keep their children safe online, the basic plan however does not allow you to see what content they are accessing. The paid version allows parents to see what apps their children are using and set time limits on how long they can be on the internet or use their phone. This app goes as far as allowing parents to block specific apps on their children’s phones that are known to be host to predators. Another good app is Kaspersky Safe Kids offering web filtering, app usage, and screen time management controls. The offerings of this app are like those of the Net Nanny but this one is better for the budget.
Aside from parental control apps there are steps that you can take to protect your children from the dangers of online, set strict rules and limits for what your children are able to access from the computer. Talk to them about the websites they are on, find out what they like about it and have them show you. The more they feel like they can communicate with you about their online activity, the less likely they are to hide things from you. Check your browser history, a huge red flag is when there are things missing from the browser history at times you know your child was on the computer. Educate your children about the dangers of online, explain to them why you are being protective. Block chatrooms, while seemingly innocent, chatrooms are a prime place for child predators.
Ensuring that your children are using their computers and phone safely can save their lives. While it is unfortunate that we must educate them of the dangers, it does make them less vulnerable to online threats. Be sure to also talk to your child about the harmful effects of online bullying, monitor their online profiles to be sure that they are not falling victim to cyber bullies. Stories have been on the news worldwide about children who felt they couldn’t take the pressure of online bullying and consequently have chosen to end their lives over it. Be in the know about what your child is experiencing, seeing, and even saying online.
While these things are not fun to talk about, in this day in age it is necessary to be aware of our surroundings. It is our job as parents to make sure that our children are protected and that they are not exposed to the world too young. By following these simple steps and investing our time and money into their protection, we are one step closer to keeping them safe. The world is full of opportunists and predators, and it is our job to keep our children away from that.