It is so cool that we have access to smart phones and tablets. I love my iPhone and iPad and use them both every day. In fact, I, like most of you, am not sure what I would do without my iPhone!
But–especially for parents–these devices often come with extra concerns. Today I’d like to share several things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe while using them.
Change Protective Settings
Did you know you can turn off the internet on your smart phone?
Apple Device users, click here to learn how to turn off the internet and FaceTime, and how to set rating restrictions for music, movies, TV shows and apps.
My recommendation is to disable your web browsers (Safari, Chrome, etc.), disable YouTube, and disable the ability to install apps before handing your device to a child.
As a Family, Set Some Guidelines For Cell Phone Use.
No Typing or Reading while Driving
So often we focus on reminding our children (and ourselves) No texting while you’re driving! But there are many other distractions on our cell phones that are just as dangerous. When we leave things like Googling or taking photos out of our phone safety discussions, it can make it easier to justify using them.
Agree as a family (mom and dad, too!) to refrain from doing anything distracting on your phone while you’re driving. This includes things like texting, checking email, looking up phone numbers, using search engines, or looking up an address in a map or GPS app. (And feel free to add your own–I’m sure you can think of a few more!)
T.H.I.N.K. Before You Email, Text, Post, Tweet, Forward, or LIKE.
Talk to your kids about this acronym – T.H.I.N.K.
Is it TRUE
Is it HELPFUL
Is it INSPIRING
Is it NECESSARY
Is it KIND
Talk about incidences they may have heard about when something has gone viral and ended up hurting someone.
The internet provides a level of anonymity that, unfortunately, takes away people’s inhibitions and muffles their consciences. Remind kids that their online activity has an impact, whether they feel it directly or not. Show them examples of how quickly things can spread online.
Set a Device Curfew
After a certain time every evening, have your children turn cell phones, tablets, and other internet-enabled devices in to mom and dad for the night. Or, if you prefer, use apps that allow you to remotely set curfews on the devices.
Monitor Your Children’s Device and Internet Usage
Make sure your kids know that you have unrestricted access to their devices to monitor use. Each night, browse through their texting and photo history. Learn texting acronyms and shorthand so you can know what is being said. Click here for a list.
For more suggestions, you can look at my Clean and Safe Technology Pledge and my article on Cell Phone Internet Filters.
Choose Smart Phone Abstinence
The easiest way to make sure you or your children do not have a problem with inappropriate content via cell phones is to not use a smart phone. It really is that simple.
It is okay for your child to be one of the few who do not own a smart phone.
If you have personally had a problem with pornography addiction, it is okay for you to not own a smart phone. The consequences of owning and using these devices can be so harmful. You can make the choices that are right for your family, regardless of what all of their friends families are doing.
Whatever you choose to do, do something.
Carrying so much information around in our pockets is awesome… but it is also potentially destructive. As with any other dangerous tool, teach your children how to use them properly, and then make sure you supervise.
Other suggestions for keeping your kids safe with technology include:
- Add Internet filters to mobile devices home computers
- Create a Family Clean and Safe Media Pledge
- Adjust Safety Settings on Devices
- Turn on Google Safe Search and YouTube Safety Mode to block explicit content on those sites
- Install Conscience Companion Cursors on your computer to act as a constant reminder of commitments
- Turn off all online ads
- Talk to your kids about the dangers of pornography
