Computers, tablets and smartphones are being used constantly by young people at home and at school. A discussion about the family rules regarding devices and parental controls can ensure your children’s online safety.
Parental controls allow a parent to limit and monitor what a child sees and does online. They can be set at the device level, operating-system level, or app level.
At the device level:
A device is the actual piece of equipment your child is using. Most commonly, this is a phone, tablet, computer, or gaming system. Device controls apply to the entire device, not to a specific user. For example, for a shared computer, the controls are set for the entire computer, even though individual users have different controls. Parental controls, such as screen-time limits for a single day, can be placed on a device.
At the operating-system level:
An operating system allows your device to run. On mobile devices and tablets, the two most common operating systems are iOS (Apple) and Android (Google). You can generally set operating-system controls on a per-user basis. Through the operating system, you may be able to restrict apps that can be downloaded, set screen-time limits across devices, and set age controls. You may also be able to link family members to control their devices through their devices.
At the app level:
An app is an individual program, many of which have customizable user experiences. Most apps have different privacy controls (for adults and kids) and may offer distinct experiences for users of different ages. They also may have an age rating based on content factors such as violence and language. Parents may be able to limit in-app purchases via the app directly.
Privacy settings, which control what others can see about a user, are especially important for children. Many apps default to public profiles or public sharing. Parents should consider changing these settings to private. For example, you may need to adjust an app’s “location settings” to prohibit others from knowing your child’s whereabouts.
Talk to your children about the importance of not revealing personal information in posts and user profiles, including photos that contain identifiable information.
Although specific settings and functions vary based on the parental controls you use, the Federal Trade Commission suggests the following:
- Manage how much time your kid spends online.
- Restrict the type of content your kids can access.
- Get information about your kids’ websites and app activities.
- Limit who your children can communicate with.
- Restrict purchases.
To work best, parental controls need to be set up on all the devices your kid uses. It can seem overwhelming, but one of the suggested tools might give you the options you’re looking for. You can always add other tools or settings later.
For more information, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office publishes
Social Media Pointers for Parents. The FTC, too, offers
free online publications.
For more general cybersecurity tips, visit
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov and review the
Cybersecurity Help, Information and Protection Program (CHIPP) booklet.
Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.