It's quite clear to see that the internet has revolutionized all of our lives. Many of us hold a technologically advance device in our pocket that helps us access a wealth of information that can sometimes seem like the near sum of all human knowledge. Well, there's nothing wrong with that. However, it's also true that the internet is a wild place. Some social media networks can occassionally become toxic environments, and having access to the opinions and thoughts of so many others in a matter of seconds can often be overwhelming and difficult to work through. Protecting your kids from the dangers of the internet then, is very important. Direct supervision is crucial for a child being allowed access to the internet, and new parents are becoming more and more aware of te dangers associated with unsupervised internet usage. But how can you make sure that children are protected well without depriving them of natural access to technology at the right age? Consider the following factors.
Family Protections
Family protections are very important as child safety online is never guaranteed but can be monitored and provided boundaries. Many devices allow the structuring of parental controls for youth accounts such as how gaming consoles limit certain age rating content or prevent children from playing late into the night or hearing public voice chat. You can even use web browsers to help limit certain activity such as access to violent content or that which references illicit substances. This allows a chance to catch most issues ahead of time.
Child-Based Platforms
Using child-based alternatives to many platforms can help you ensure that the company themselves have moderated content ahead of time. Some websites have children's sections which help ensure that content is gated and properly separated from unsuitable material. This is more likely to ensure that a child's chances of seeing things they shouldn't or having access to content creators that are harmful can be a great use of your time especially in the long run.
Activity Monitoring
By monitoring a child's access to the internet and the activity promoted in that format, you'll have a much clearer picture of what's going on. You can explore the best apps to use for this and ensure that long-term results are much better. It can also help identify when a teen may be spending too much time online instead of doing homework or if a child has been trying to access inappropriate material. This is just one tool in the care of a parent that can make a tremendous difference in the long run.