Parental Controls Keep Your Kids Safe Online – Here’s Why They’re Important

I talk to lots of parents about all sorts of things, naturally, in my work but I’ve noticed not many parents think to use parental controls on their child’s devices.

Today’s fast paced digital world means greater access to larger and larger oceans of information & it’s hard to keep up.

Everyone’s reach and access to information and media grows exponentially daily, including your children. It can be daunting to keep track of everything your child does online.

Parental Controls can help you keep track of what your child is doing, as well as guide them to what you consider safe and best, so they can grow into responsible adults.

Parental controls are tools and features designed to help parents manage and monitor their children’s use of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. These controls offer various settings and restrictions that empower parents to create a safe and healthy digital environment for their children.

Here’s an overview of parental controls and their key features & why they should be part of your digital parenting to keep your kids safe.

🛜 Content Filtering:

Parental control software often includes content filtering options that allow parents to block or restrict access to inappropriate websites, apps, and online content. This feature helps protect children from encountering explicit or harmful material while browsing the internet or using apps.

🕹️App Restrictions:

Parents can use parental controls to limit the types of apps their children can download and access. This feature enables parents to block access to specific apps or app categories, such as social media, gaming, or shopping apps, based on their child’s age and maturity level.

⏳Screen Time Management:

Many parental control tools offer screen time management features, allowing parents to set limits on how much time their children can spend on devices each day. Parents can schedule screen time restrictions, enforce bedtime limits, and track their child’s screen time usage to promote healthy screen time habits.

🖲️Privacy Settings: Parental controls often include privacy settings that enable parents to manage their child’s online privacy and safety. This may include options to block location tracking, restrict access to personal information, and control who can contact or interact with their child online.

💻Remote Monitoring:

Some parental control software provides remote monitoring capabilities, allowing parents to view their child’s device activity, including websites visited, apps used, and screen time usage, from a centralised dashboard or mobile app. This feature enables parents to stay informed about their child’s digital behaviour and address any concerns proactively.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Age-Based Restrictions:

Parental control settings can be customised based on the child’s age and developmental stage, allowing parents to adjust settings and restrictions as their child grows and matures. This ensures that parental controls remain effective and appropriate for their child’s evolving needs and interests.

🔐Device Lockdown: Parents can use parental controls to remotely lock or disable devices, temporarily or permanently, in case of lost or stolen devices or as a consequence for rule violations. This feature helps parents enforce consequences and ensure compliance with screen time rules and restrictions.

📈 Usage Reports and Alerts:

Many parental control tools provide usage reports and alerts that notify parents of their child’s device activity, including websites visited, apps installed, and screen time usage. These reports and alerts help parents stay informed and involved in their child’s digital life, allowing them to address any concerns or issues promptly.

Overall, parental controls empower you to take an active role in managing and monitoring your children’s digital experiences, promoting responsible device usage, online safety, and healthy screen time habits.

By leveraging parental controls effectively, you can create a safer and more balanced digital environment for your children to explore and learn.

Parental Controls Are Not Parental Replacements

There is no better Parental Control than you.

Being involved in your child’s life, both on and offline is the single best way to ensure they’re making healthy choices that are best for them. Like any other aspect of your child’s life, your guidance is invaluable to help them grow to be responsible adults.