Ensuring Kids' Online Safety with Parental Controls

As digital usage among children skyrockets, ensuring their online safety becomes paramount. Every click, swipe, and scroll opens a new door to knowledge, but also to potential risks. This reality puts a spotlight on the importance of guiding and protecting our youngest internet users.

In this article, we explore how parental controls serve as vital tools in safeguarding children's online experiences. By setting boundaries and monitoring digital interactions, parents can create a safer virtual environment for their kids, balancing the benefits of the internet with the need for security.

Understanding the Risks

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Online spaces offer children vast educational resources and entertainment, but they also present risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content. This includes pornographic materials, violence, hateful speech, and other adult themes that can significantly impact a child's emotional and psychological development. 

Unsupervised internet access increases the risk of encountering such material, whether through social media, gaming platforms, or unmoderated chat rooms. Recognizing what constitutes inappropriate content is crucial for parents to effectively safeguard their children online​.

• Pornography and Violent Content: These are among the most common types of inappropriate content children might encounter, leading to distress and a skewed understanding of relationships and violence.
• Hate Speech and Discrimination: Exposure to content that promotes hate can affect children's views and tolerance towards others.
• Encouragement of Harmful Behaviors: Websites or platforms that glorify eating disorders, self-harm, or substance abuse can have a profound negative impact on children's health and well-being.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place over digital devices. About 56% of children aged 11-16 have encountered explicit material online, and a significant portion has faced sexist, racist, or discriminatory content. The impact of cyberbullying can lead to serious emotional distress, including depression and anxiety, which in turn can affect academic performance and social interactions.

Online Predators

Predators use tactics like grooming and phishing to exploit children. They often pose as peers to gain trust and extract personal information or to manipulate children into inappropriate situations. A 50% increase in reports of online solicitation underscores the growing concern over these predatory behaviors.

• Grooming: Manipulating a child into a state of trust for exploitation.
• Phishing: Attempting to acquire sensitive information through deceit.

Privacy and Data Security

Privacy concerns, such as identity theft and unauthorized data collection, are paramount in the digital age. Children may unknowingly share personal information that can be used for malicious purposes. Educating children on the importance of privacy settings and cautious sharing online is essential for mitigating these risks.

• Safe Sharing Practices: Teaching children what information is safe to share and with whom.
• Understanding App Permissions: Helping children and parents comprehend the data access they grant to apps and websites.

Implementing Parental Controls

Setting Up Parental Controls

Parental controls are essential tools for safeguarding children's online experiences, offering a balance between internet freedom and safety. Here's a guide on setting up parental controls across various devices and platforms.

Operating Systems

Windows 11

For Windows 11 parental controls, both you and your child require Microsoft accounts. Yours is the parent account, theirs is the child account linked to yours. Activate controls and monitor your child's activity.

1. Right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar.
2. Select "Settings."
3. Choose "Accounts."
4. Click on "Family & other users."
5. Hit "Add account."
6. Select "Create one for a child."
7. Enter your child's email address and proceed by clicking "Next."

Note: If not logged into your Microsoft account, do so now. Parental controls require a Microsoft account.

• Set a password and proceed by clicking "Next."
• Enter your child's name and proceed by clicking "Next."
• Enter your child's birthday and proceed by clicking "Next." 

Note: Windows 11 will use this birthday for automatic age-based restrictions.

• The child account will now be linked to your Microsoft account, and a pop-up will confirm the completion of the process.

macOS

Activate Screen Time on your Mac to track device usage. Once enabled, access reports detailing app usage, notification frequency, and device usage frequency across your devices for comprehensive insights.

1. Navigate to Apple menu > System Preferences, then select Screen Time from the sidebar (scroll if necessary).
2. If you're a parent in Family Sharing, choose yourself from the Family Member menu.
3. Click on App & Website Activity, then toggle on Turn On App & Website Activity.
4. Click the back button, scroll down, and activate one of the following:

• Share across devices: Allows Screen Time reports to cover usage on other devices linked to the same Apple ID. (Requires Apple ID sign-in.)
• Lock Screen Time Settings: Requires a passcode for access and permits extra time upon limit expiration.

Note: Admin accounts may need conversion to standard; refer to "Add a user or group."

In Screen Time settings, you have the following options:

• Click App & Website Activity, Notifications, or Pickups, then view your app and device usage.
• Click Downtime, then set up a downtime schedule.
• Click App Limits, then set time limits for apps and websites.

Mobile Devices

Android Google Family Link

This app allows you to manage your child's device, setting screen time limits, managing apps, and tracking their location. Start by downloading the Family Link app on your device, then follow the prompts to set up your child's device under your supervision.

How to Download Family Link on an Android Device:

1. Download "Google Family Link for parents" on the parent’s phone and log in with the manager account.
2. Select "Parent" when prompted.
3. Ensure the child’s phone is nearby and proceed by tapping "Next" on the parent’s phone.
4. Confirm the parent account as the family manager or switch accounts if needed.
5. Determine if the child has a Google account:

• No: Create a Google account for the child from the parent’s phone. For children under 13, use the parent's Google account information.
• Yes: On the child’s phone, install "Google Family Link for children & teens" from the Play Store and follow the instructions.

Accept the terms and conditions on the parent’s phone.

Complete the Family Link manager verification process by either entering credit card information or receiving a text code to the parent's phone number.

How to Set up Google Family Link Account

1. Begin by logging into the app on the child’s phone as the child, then enter the parent's email information to complete setup.
2. On the parent’s phone, review installed apps and adjust settings including:

• Google Play Controls: Customize browsing permissions and require parental approval for new purchases.
• Google Chrome Filters: Set restrictions for websites.
• Google Search Filters: Enable SafeSearch to filter explicit content.
• Manage Google Services: Control backup, updates, and app installations.

Once connected, the child’s phone will confirm the setup is complete. Click "Done."

The parent’s phone will also confirm device connection.

Manage various settings from the parent’s phone, including location tracking, app activity, screen time limits, and installed apps:

• Location: Track the child’s phone location.
• To enable tracking, on the child’s phone, navigate to Settings > Location > Turn on.
• To enable tracking from the parent’s phone, follow the prompts.

iOS Screen Time

Customize your device's downtime to take breaks, like during meals or bedtime. Only approved calls, messages, and apps are accessible. Stay connected with selected contacts and essential apps while enjoying uninterrupted time.

1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Access App & Website Activity, and enable it if not already.
3. Choose Downtime:

• Opt for "Turn On Downtime Until Tomorrow."
• Alternatively, schedule downtime in advance.

Receive a 5-minute reminder before downtime starts.

• Select daily or customized schedules and adjust start and end times.

Disable scheduled downtime by turning off the option anytime.

Regulate Your App Usage Time

Control your app usage with time limits, both for app categories like Games or Social Networking, and individual apps.

1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Access App Limits, then Add Limit.
3. Choose app categories or individual apps.

• Customize limits by selecting specific apps or categories.

Proceed and set time limits.

• Customize limits for specific days if needed.

Complete by tapping Add.

Gaming Consoles

PS5

1. Log into Account Management > Family Management.
2. Choose the child family member and click Edit to adjust settings.
3. Set a new age level for PS5 games by clicking Age Level.
4. If you own a VR headset, Restrict PS VR2 and PS VR usage.
5. Prevent web links from opening without permission under Web Browsing.
6. Confirm changes.

Here's your next set of settings:

1. Opt for Communication and User-Generated Content to Restrict voice chat, messaging, and screenshot sharing.
2. Set a Monthly Spending Limit to control your child's PS5 expenses.
3. Confirm and set your time zone, then configure screen time restrictions.
4. Confirm again, Agree and Add to Family, and you're finished.

For any restricted feature, you'll receive a permission request via email or the PlayStation mobile app. You can grant a one-time exception if needed.

Xbox

Control Game Access Based on Age Ratings Using the Xbox:

1. Navigate to "Settings" on your Xbox console, then select "Privacy and online safety" to manage parental controls.
2. Customize individual settings by selecting a family member.
3. Set "Content restrictions" to regulate what your children can access based on age ratings.

• For instance, selecting '11' allows gameplay up to E10+ but restricts T or M rated games.
• Simplify choices for parents to ensure age-appropriate content across games, movies, TV, and music.

Using the Xbox Family Settings App:

1. Select your child from Your Family.
2. Access Content Restrictions.
3. Toggle Filter Inappropriate Content to On.
4. Choose Allow Content Suitable for Age and confirm your child's age.

This setting blocks inappropriate games based on ESRB ratings. For example, a 9-year-old can play games rated E, while an 11-year-old can access E and E10+ games.

Nintendo Switch

Using Nintendo Switch Console

1. Go to System Settings from the HOME Menu.
2. Highlight Parental Controls, then select Parental Controls Settings.
3. Choose whether to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app for more options. If not, press X Button and select Next.
4. Decide on a restriction level.
5. Choose preset restrictions by age or select Custom settings manually.

Adjust settings for:

• Restricted Software: Limit software by age rating. Choose Restricted Software and select the desired age restriction.
• Content rating system: Adjust the system used for software restrictions (e.g., PEGI, USK).
• Posting Screenshots/Videos on Social Media: Enable or disable sharing from the Nintendo Toggles switch between Restricted or Not restricted.
• Free Communication With Others: Control chat and messaging features. Set restrictions for all software or specific ones. You have the option to set all software to Restricted or Not restricted on the console, or customize settings for individual software.
• VR Mode (3D visuals): Restrict VR gameplay, especially for children under 6. Toggle between Restricted or Not restricted.

1. Adjust restrictions as desired, then click Save and OK to confirm.
2. Choose a PIN (4 to 8 digits), then press OK.

• For control stick input, each direction corresponds to a number.
• Or use the on-screen keypad by holding the + Button.

Re-enter the PIN and confirm with OK.

• If you're having trouble confirming the PIN, try using the keypad or Show it on the screen. Note: This method may expose the PIN to others in the room if you're in TV mode.

Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

Roku

Roku doesn't have a universal parental control option, but you can safeguard against inappropriate content by setting a PIN.

1. Log in to your Roku account via web browser.
2. Under PIN Preference, choose "Always require PIN for purchases and adding from Channel Store."
3. Create a 4-digit PIN, confirm, and save changes.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Enable parental controls to require a PIN before making purchases or playing content with specific age ratings:

Note: On Echo Show 15, find Fire TV Settings in the device's Settings menu.

1. Navigate to Settings from the Fire TV homepage.
2. Choose Preferences.
3. Select Parental Controls.
4. Enter your PIN to activate.
5. Customize your preferred options.

Content Filtering and Blocking

Web Browsers

Enhancing online safety for children involves leveraging browser extensions and settings designed to filter content and block harmful websites. Here's a concise guide:

1. AdBlock: Free for major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It blocks ads, including YouTube ads, offers malware protection, and allows whitelisting​​.
2. uBlock Origin: An open-source blocker for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. It excels at blocking tracking scripts and cookies, with a comprehensive default blocking list​​.
3. Adblock Plus: Available for all major browsers, it lets users whitelist sites, block specific scripts, and has an "Acceptable Ads" initiative, though it might still show some ads​​.
4. NordPass: Offers both free and paid versions, providing secure password management across devices with AES-256 bit encryption. It's ideal for personal and business use​​.
5. Privacy Badger: Developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, this extension learns to block trackers using machine learning. It's free and available for Opera, Chrome, Brave, Firefox, and Android​​.
6. Ghostery: Reveals and blocks tracking cookies on websites, enhancing privacy. Compatible with Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Opera, Safari, Edge, Internet Explorer, Android, and iOS.

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms, with their bustling activity and vast networks, are digital arenas where children express themselves, learn, and connect. Yet, this openness comes with risks. Thankfully, built-in parental controls on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram offer a layer of protection. Here's how you can use these tools effectively:

Facebook

Facebook offers various settings to control who sees your posts and how people find your account.

For Account Visibility:

1. Tap the 3 horizontal lines in the top right corner, then the gear icon.
2. Scroll to Audience and visibility, and select How people can find and contact you.
3. Change options to Friends and disable search engine visibility.

To control how people find your account:

1. Tap the 3 horizontal lines and gear icon from your news feed.
2. Go to Audience and visibility > How people can find and contact you. Change options to Friends and disable search engine visibility.

To control post visibility:

1. Repeat the process to reach Audience and visibility.
2. Select Stories and adjust settings to limit who can view them, including options like Public, Friends, Custom, and hiding stories from specific individuals.

To control who can tag you:

1. Tap the 3 horizontal lines and gear icon from your news feed.
2. Go to Audience and visibility > Stories. Choose options like Public, Friends, Custom, or hide stories from specific people to limit visibility.

Tiktok

Here's how to set up Family Pairing:

1. Open the TikTok app and go to your Profile.
2. Tap the Menu at the top.
3. Select Settings and privacy, then tap Family Pairing.
4. Choose Parent or Teen.
5. Follow the prompts in the app to link the accounts.

Here's how to manage Family Pairing controls:

1. Open the TikTok app and go to your Profile.
2. Tap the Menu at the top.
3. Select Settings and Privacy, then tap Family Pairing.
4. Choose the account you wish to manage.
5. Update the controls as required.

Snapchat

As a parent using Family Center, you have the option to restrict specific content visible to your teen in the Stories and Spotlight tabs. Although these areas are moderated, some posts may contain subtle yet sensitive content, such as references to sexual activity or certain body parts. 

1. Tap Settings on your Profile.
2. Scroll down to the "Privacy Controls" section.
3. Select 'Family Center.'
4. Turn on the 'Restrict Sensitive Content' toggle.
5. Your teen will receive a notification about this setting update.

Instagram

Enabling Supervision on Instagram is simple, but remember, the user you wish to supervise must be aged between 13 and 17.

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
2. Tap your Profile icon at the bottom-right.
3. Next, tap the three-dot Menu icon at the top-right.
4. Tap Settings, then go to Supervision.
5. Choose Add account, then tap Create Invitation.
6. Instagram will generate an invitation link. Select your child's contact or choose a platform to send the link. Alternatively, swipe up and tap Copy, then paste the link into the appropriate chat.
7. Send the invitation.

Twitter

Here's how you can adjust your Twitter settings to avoid seeing sensitive content in your feed:

1. Open your web browser and go to x.com. Log in to your account.
2. Click on the More icon and choose "Settings and Support," then select "Settings and privacy."
3. In the Privacy and safety section, click on "Content You See."
4. Find the option "Display Media That May Contain Sensitive Content" and ensure it's unchecked.

Video streaming services

Setting up a safe online space for children is crucial. With tools like YouTube Kids and Netflix, you can easily tailor content to be age-appropriate and engaging.

YouTube Kids

From the home screen:

1. Log in to the YouTube Kids app.
2. Tap "More" next to the video.
3. Select "Block this video."
4. Enter the displayed numbers or your custom passcode.

From the watch page:

1. Sign in to the YouTube Kids app.
2. Tap "More" at the top of the video.
3. Choose "BLOCK."
4. Select "Block this video only" or "Block entire channel."
5. Confirm by tapping "BLOCK."
6. Enter the displayed numbers or your custom passcode.

Netflix

How to Set up Kids Profile 

1. Select "Manage Profiles."
2. Click "Add a Profile" and enter the family member's name.
3. Choose "Kids" and click "Continue."
4. The new profile is now visible in your account.

Block and Unblock TV Show or Movie on Android Device, iPhone, or iPad:

1. Open the Netflix app.
2. Tap "My Netflix" in the lower right corner.
3. Tap the Menu icon in the upper right corner.
4. Select "Manage Profiles."
5. Choose the profile you wish to modify.
6. Tap "Viewing Restrictions."
7. Select "Block Titles."
8. Enter the name of the TV show or movie to block, then tap to add it to your blocked list.

• To remove a title from the blocked list, tap "Edit," then click the X next to the title name.

Block and Unblock TV Show or Movie on Web Browser

1. Open your browser and navigate to your Account page.
2. In the Profile & Parental Controls section, choose the Profile to modify.
3. For certain accounts, access Profiles, then select a profile.
4. Click on Viewing restrictions.
5. Enter your Netflix account password.
6. Under Title Restrictions, type the name of the TV show or movie and select it.
7. To unblock a title, click the X next to its name.
8. Save your changes.

Monitoring and Time Management

Keeping a watchful eye on your child's online activities and managing their screen time can feel overwhelming. Yet, with the right tools and strategies, it's manageable. Here's how you can keep tabs on your children's digital life and encourage healthy habits.

• Qustodio: Renowned for its comprehensive features, Qustodio is ideal for children of all ages, offering detailed activity monitoring, screen time management, and social media tracking.
• Bark: Perfect for those seeking non-invasive monitoring, Bark excels in social media supervision, alerting parents to potential risks without overwhelming them with details.
• Norton Family: With its capability to connect unlimited devices, Norton Family is a go-to for large families, providing robust monitoring and web filtering features.
• Mobicip: A strong contender for screen time management, Mobicip offers customizable app and web filters, making it easier to tailor the digital experience to your child's needs.

Effective screen time management is more about quality than quantity. Here's how you can make screen time beneficial:

• Set Clear Limits: Establish daily or weekly screen time limits. Use tools like Qustodio or FamilyTime to enforce these limits automatically.
• Encourage Breaks: Promote regular breaks to prevent extended screen sessions. Tools can remind your child to take a break after a set period.
• Balance Activities: Balance digital activities with offline ones. Encourage reading, outdoor play, or family time to reduce screen dependence.
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your child's screen time reports. Adjust limits and permissions as needed based on their behavior and your observations.
• Engage in Digital Literacy: Teach your child about responsible internet use. Discuss the importance of breaks and the potential impact of screen time on health.
• Lead by Example: Model positive screen behavior. Limit your own screen time and share your experiences and strategies with your child.
• Use Gamified Management: Some apps, like FamilyTime, offer gamified options like TimeBank and FunTime, making screen time management more engaging for kids​​.

Educating Children and Communication

Educating children on online safety and fostering open communication about digital experiences are crucial. Engage in honest talks about the potential online risks and teach them to think critically about the content they encounter. Programs like Childnet's Digital Leaders empower youth to lead by example, demonstrating the importance of peer education in promoting a safer online environment​​. 

Creating Custom Safety Plans

Assessing Child’s Age, Maturity, and Habits

Pre-school (Ages 3-5)

At this stage, children are curious and eager to explore, often mimicking adult behaviors. They may inadvertently access inappropriate content if devices aren't properly supervised. Parental controls on tablets and apps can help, ensuring content is age-appropriate. For example, YouTube Kids offers a safer online environment with customizable parental controls​​.

Elementary School (Ages 6-9)

Children become more independent online but may not grasp the concept of online privacy or the permanence of their digital footprints. Teaching them to keep personal information private and to only interact with known friends and family online is crucial. Resources like 'Digital Matters' offer lessons on cyberbullying and the importance of kindness online​​.

Tweens (Ages 10-12)

As children approach their teenage years, they start seeking more independence online, making them vulnerable to misinformation and cyberbullying. Encouraging critical thinking about the content they consume and empathy towards others can be beneficial. Tools like the 'Find the Fake' quiz help them discern reliable information online​​.

Teens (Ages 13-18)

Teens' increased online privacy and independence expose them to risks like scams, sexting, and extremist content, leading to anxiety or depression. For instance, encountering a phishing scam offering a scholarship. Educating them about online security, permanence of actions, and fostering open discussions is crucial. Resources like ConnectSafely offer guidance for navigating these challenges.

Identifying Unique Online Habits

Whether your child is a gamer or a social media enthusiast, knowing their digital world is crucial for setting appropriate boundaries and ensuring their online experiences are safe and positive.

• For Gamers: Guiding children through online gaming communities involves prioritizing privacy in chats to guard against predators and inappropriate content. Managing screen time is crucial for maintaining healthy sleep and social habits. For instance, in Fortnite, global interactions occur, emphasizing the need for privacy settings and discussions on sharing personal information.
• For Social Media Users: Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide learning and socializing opportunities, but they also expose children to cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Privacy settings are important for safeguarding personal information. Teaching kids to critically assess online content and discussing its influence on self-esteem mitigates negative impacts on mental health.

Setting Appropriate Content Filters

• Educational vs. Entertainment Content: Prioritizing educational content through filters ensures that children access valuable learning resources. Meanwhile, entertainment content, although a source of fun, requires careful monitoring to prevent exposure to inappropriate material. Tools like parental controls can help manage and balance these aspects, making sure kids benefit from the internet's vast resources while staying safe​.
• Age-Appropriate Social Media Use: Social media can be a double-edged sword. It's essential to guide children on using these platforms wisely. This involves teaching them about their digital footprint and the permanence of online actions. Tools that monitor social media use, coupled with conversations about the importance of privacy and the risks of sharing personal information, are key. Setting clear boundaries and expectations can help children develop a healthy relationship with social media​. 

Adjusting Monitoring Intensity

• Trust-Based Monitoring for Teens: For teenagers, prioritize trust-based monitoring. Instead of constant surveillance, opt for spot-checks and open dialogue. Explain your concerns and the reasons behind occasional checks, emphasizing respect for their privacy and the mutual trust you're building together. This method encourages teens to come to you with concerns, knowing their autonomy is respected. Resource support for these claims emphasizes the importance of balancing oversight with trust to foster responsible online behavior​​.
• Active Monitoring for Younger Children: Young children require more hands-on guidance. Use active monitoring tools to keep tabs on their online activities, making sure to explain why certain sites or activities are off-limits. This approach isn't just about control; it's an opportunity to teach them about online safety and the rationale behind restrictions. Tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids offer customizable settings to ensure a safe online environment, allowing parents to block harmful content while educating their children about the dangers of the internet​​.

Staying Informed on Latest Trends and Threats

Cyberbullying, for example, affects a significant portion of U.S. teens, with 59% reporting online harassment. Sexual solicitation is another serious concern, with one in nine youths experiencing such encounters online. Recognizing these threats is the first step in combatting them​.

• Engagement with Parental Control Communities: Communities such as HealthyPlace offer support and discussions on various parenting challenges, including online safety. Internet Matters is another great resource, providing comprehensive guides and resources on setting controls across different devices and platforms, tailored to children's ages. Engaging with these groups not only enhances your understanding but also equips you with practical tips to protect your children​​.
• Regular Review of App and Platform Updates: Apps and social media platforms frequently update their features and privacy settings. Staying informed about these changes ensures that the safety measures you've put in place remain effective. Regularly reviewing and adjusting the settings on your child's devices can make a significant difference in their online safety​.

Adapting to Your Child’s Development

• Annual Reviews: It's essential to review your child's online safety plan annually. This isn't just about adjusting parental controls; it's about acknowledging their growing independence, changing interests, and the different challenges they may face as they age. Regular reviews ensure the safety measures in place grow with them, offering protection that matches their developmental stage and online habits​​.
• Open Dialogue on New Interests and Apps: Encourage open discussions about new interests and apps. It's not about saying 'no' but about exploring together. Assess new platforms for safety and appropriateness, and use these conversations as opportunities to teach your child how to evaluate digital content and platforms on their own. 

Final Thoughts

Ensuring kids' online safety demands a community-wide effort, uniting parents, educators, and policymakers. It's crucial to empower children with digital literacy, helping them navigate the web safely and responsibly. By fostering an environment where kids learn to identify risks and protect their privacy, we guide them towards becoming informed digital citizens. Remember, in our quest to create a safer digital world for our children, every action counts. Equip, educate, and empower—because their safety is our shared responsibility.