Children today are immersed in a world filled with screens, apps, and social media. An average day for them can involve everything from homework and games to group chats, often keeping parents in the dark about their digital habits. However, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes with apps and devices that can impact privacy, safety, and attention spans.
If you’re looking to establish healthy limits, track your child’s screen time, or simply get a grasp on what their phone can do, being familiar with a few essential tech terms can really ease the parenting process in this digital era. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate it with confidence.
1) Limit Screen Time
Striking a balance
Setting limits on screen time is crucial for managing how long your child spends on various apps and games each day. It’s not about punishment—it’s about encouraging healthy boundaries so kids can unplug and recharge.
Why it matters: Overindulging in screens can lead to struggles with concentration, sleeplessness, and overstimulation. By establishing limits, children can enjoy online activities while also taking time to rest and engage in the real world.
How to Set Usage Time Limits
For iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Select Screen Time
- Tap App Limits
- Choose Add Limit, pick categories or specific apps, and set daily time restrictions
For Android:
Note that the settings can differ by device manufacturer.
- Open Settings
- Find Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls. If it’s not visible, try searching for it in the settings.
- Access the Dashboard or App Timer section. Some devices use the term App Timer while others may call it Dashboard.
- Select the hourglass icon next to the app you wish to limit.
- Set a daily limit and confirm.
- Keep in mind, the timer resets at midnight.
Pro Tip: Make reviewing screen time a family affair to help your kids feel involved rather than restricted.
2) Parental Controls
A built-in safety net
Parental controls let you oversee what your kids can access on their devices—whether it’s blocking certain content, approving downloads, or monitoring screen time. Most devices, apps, and streaming services offer some form of these controls.
Why it matters: These settings can help shield kids from inappropriate content, manage purchases, and create a safe environment suitable for their age.
How to Adjust Parental Controls
For iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Click on Screen Time
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Trigger the toggle to turn it on, making it green.
- Navigating to different sections like Allowed Apps and iTunes and App Store Purchases lets you set limits on what can be used.
For Android:
Bear in mind that settings can vary widely based on your phone’s brand.
- Go to Settings
- Tap Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls
- Select Parental Controls, and follow the provided steps to set up a monitored account using Google Family Link, which gives you remote management capabilities.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget that most streaming services have their own parental settings, so remember to adjust those as well.
3) Geolocation Information
An unseen map within your child’s device
Geolocation allows apps to pinpoint your physical location in real-time. While it can enhance navigation features, it may unintentionally reveal more information than you wished to share.
Why it matters: Sharing location can help families stay connected, but it also opens up potential privacy and safety issues.
How to Manage Location Access
For iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Select Privacy & Security
- Find Location Services
- Adjust the settings for each app from “Always” to “While Using the App” or “Never“.
For Android:
As always, settings may vary depending on your device.
- Go to Settings
- Tap Location
- Select App Location Permissions
- Choose the app and change it from “Always Allow” to “Only while using the app” or “Don’t allow“.
Pro Tip: For younger children, utilizing Share My Location through Family Sharing on iPhone or using Google Family Link on Android can offer safer monitoring options.
4) Private Browsing
Hidden but not erased
Private browsing, or incognito mode, lets users browse the internet without storing history, cookies, or login info. While it seems innocent enough, it complicates parents’ efforts to monitor their children’s online activities.
Why it matters: While private browsing hides some activity on your device, your internet provider or school may still track it. Also, remember: no browsing mode is truly private.
How to Disable Private Browsing
For iPhone (Safari):
- Open Settings
- Select Screen Time
- Access Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter or set the Screen Time passcode when prompted.
- Activate Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Go to Web Content and select either Restrict Adult Websites (this disables private browsing) or Approved Websites Only.
For Android (Chrome):
Again, settings may differ depending on the manufacturer.
- Launch the Family Link app.
- Select your child’s profile.
- Access the Control section.
- Click on Google Chrome & the Web.
- Choose Block Explicit Sites, or for stricter measures, select “Allow Only Approved Sites”.
- This setting automatically disables incognito mode for your child’s supervised account.
5) Digital Footprint
The traces your child leaves behind
Each photo, comment, or post shared online contributes to your child’s digital footprint—a lasting impression of their online presence. Even deleted posts can linger due to screenshots and archived data.
Why it matters: Public digital traces can be accessed by universities, potential employers, and others, making it crucial for children to consider their online actions carefully.
How to Monitor Your Child’s Footprint
- Google your child’s name to view image results.
- Look for any old accounts or apps that might still have personal information.
- Ensure social media accounts are private and that sharing is selective.
Pro Tip: Setting up Google Alerts for your child’s name can notify you of any new online content. It’s a practical way to stay aware of their digital footprint. You might also think about using data deletion services to manage personal information available online. These services scan for old profiles and can help submit removal requests.
While no service can offer complete data erasure, using one can provide peace of mind by actively monitoring and attempting to remove sensitive information from numerous sites. This might help protect against scammers who could misuse personal data.
So, parenting in the digital age doesn’t mean having to master all the latest apps; it’s about understanding core aspects that shape your child’s online life. From screen time limits to recognizing digital footprints, these five concepts equip you to create boundaries, build trust, and safeguard your family in the online world.
