The kids of the current generation gain access to the web very early on. This is because they are quite comfortable using smartphones and other devices. However, as adults, it is your responsibility to make sure they are secure while browsing. Here are some ways to keep an eye on your children to prevent them from the wrong interactions.
1. Install Parental Control Software
The easiest way of keeping a check on your kids online is to install a parental controlling software like – Family Orbit parental control app. Software like these block unnecessary, irrelevant content that your child may come across online. The best thing is that the amount of control can be customized. After installing, you will be able to put time restrictions on how much your kids can use and even block chat conversations.
2. Decide Mobile Usage
Who said that parental control can only be limited to the PC? Apart from being introduced to the internet at a young age, most kids these days are also given smartphone/tablets by their parents. The intention is usually a good one, to make them learn things online, picking up hobbies etc. However, the dangers remain the same for any intention. There are so many iOS and Android applications available to download that will help you take monitoring to a mobile level.
3. Router Monitoring
Now, this is every concerned parent’s dream come true. Keeping a watchful eye on the several devices your child uses can be tough. You probably won’t be able to catch up and who are we kidding, no one has the time. Router time scheduling allows the parent to monitor online content of any device being used by the router. Check out the NetGear Parental Router, they’re one of the best. A lot of parental software have now gained more advancements. This way, they are easily able to access router information.
4. Control Device Usage Time
This is no joke, kids these days are kept pretty busy on smartphones and computers. Playing games, watching YouTube videos, browsing new things, etc. all of these may lead them to use the device above a certain limit. We don’t have to actually say it, but using a phone or PC for way too long can result in huge consequences, especially for a child. Using usage control features on the device’s operating system will allow you to control exactly how much time they can use it. Another feature of this is monitoring which sites they use and removing ones you don’t want the kids to be using. Coming to the point, it is a simple process and won’t take too much of time off your hands. In fact, most Windows software have built-in parental control that can be enabled just within a few steps.
5. Filter Content from Browser
One of the more underrated methods of monitoring what your kids do online, browser filtering restricts them access to certain websites. We don’t understand why it is looked down upon as it makes the problem much less. If you feel that a certain website the child has been visiting is a bit fishy, you can disable it so that they can’t access it next time they are online. You would start by setting the browser up to be configured to a certain proxy. This way, when the page is trying to get through, the proxy will it and prevent it from being connected. It will turn into a blank page. Most browsers also have in-built features that can block content so that is another option. However, there is a disadvantage that the kid may use another web browser.