It wasn’t that long ago when parental controls were non-existent or very basic. If you wanted to restrict your children’s access to certain websites or limit the amount of time they could spend on the internet, you had to do it yourself. This was often a daunting task, and most parents didn’t even know where to start. Thankfully, those days are behind us. Parental controls have come a long way in recent years, and there are now a number of options available to help protect your children online.
Importance of Parental Controls
As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that exist online. predators, cyberbullies, and inappropriate content are all too common. By using parental controls, you can help keep your children safe from these threats. There are a number of different ways to use parental controls, and the best way is going to vary depending on your family’s needs.
Some parents prefer to use a general internet filter that blocks access to certain websites. Others may choose to use specific parental control software that allows them to monitor their children’s activity and set limits on the amount of time they can spend online. There are even some routers that come with built-in parental controls. No matter what method you choose, the important thing is that you’re taking steps to protect your children from the dangers that exist online.
Benefits of Parental Controls
There are a number of benefits that come with using parental controls. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can help keep your children safe from predators, cyberbullies, and inappropriate content. But there are other benefits as well. Parental controls can also help you manage your children’s internet usage, which can be especially helpful if you have multiple children in the home. By setting limits on the amount of time your children can spend online, you can help them balance their screen time with other activities. And by blocking access to certain websites, you can help them avoid wasting time on sites that aren’t educational or productive.
Monitoring Software
One of the most popular parental control software options is called “Net Nanny.” This software allows you to block access to certain websites, set limits on the amount of time your children can spend online, and monitor their activity. It also provides a detailed report of your child’s internet usage, which can be helpful in identifying any potential red flags.
Another popular option is “Qustodio.” This software also allows you to block access to certain websites, set limits on screen time, and monitor your child’s activity. However, it goes a step further by allowing you to see what apps your child is using and how much time they’re spending on each one. It also has a feature that lets you see your child’s location if they’re using a device with GPS.
Content Settings On Streaming Services
If you have a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, you can also use parental controls to manage the content that your children have access to. Most streaming services allow you to set up profiles for each family member and then customize the content settings for each profile. For example, you can set it so that only certain shows or movies are available to your children. Or you can set it so that all content is available but there is a warning for mature content. By managing the content settings on your streaming services, you can help ensure that your children are only watching appropriate material.
Specialized Viewing
Applications like Youtube Kids and Disney+ are also great options for parents who want to have more control over the content their children are watching. These services offer a curated selection of videos that are appropriate for children. They also include features to help you manage your children’s viewing experience.
Word and Phrase Blocking
Some parental control software also allows you to block specific words and phrases. This can be helpful if you want to prevent your children from accessing certain types of content. For example, you can block all videos that contain the word “sex” or ” violence.” By blocking these words and phrases, you can help ensure that your children are only viewing appropriate material.
By using parental controls, you can help keep your children safe from predators, cyberbullies, and inappropriate content. In addition to keeping your kids safe, parental controls can also help you manage your children’s internet usage and help them balance their screen time with other activities. So if you’re looking for a way to protect your children online, be sure to check out the various parental control options available.
