Nowadays, it has become a norm for children to start using smartphones once they have crossed a certain age limit. You cannot deny it is a convenience because it allows you to get in touch with your kids when they are out or vice versa. Plus, there are a world of other benefits they can offer to the children because they can perform almost every function that was previously done by a computer. However, there are also risks of smartphone usage in children. Parents are constantly stressed about who their kids are in contact with because they don’t want them to be victims of cyber bullying.
Likewise, there are other issues such as identity theft that can happen if too much information is shared. Also, parents don’t want their kids to view inappropriate content such as pornographic or violent material. So, how can you ensure all this doesn’t happen? Obviously, you cannot be with your kid 24/7, but parental control apps can help you in this regard. The term itself is self-explanatory; these are apps specifically help parents in controlling their children’s activities. If you do some research, you will find there are various apps available in the market and choosing one can be difficult. These tips can help you in doing so:
Know what you want
First things first, you should decide what you want the parental control app to do? Do you just want it to monitor your child’s browsing history or you want it to block certain websites? Some apps also come with a GPS function and others give you access to the messages, email and other data your child keeps on their smartphone. You can also find a parental control app that keeps track of your child’s social media activities. Therefore, you need to list your priorities before making a choice.
Check the support they offer
You will find that a number of apps fit the criteria you have outlined, but it is always best to opt for one that gives you technical support and assistance. Otherwise, if there is a problem or you have a question, you won’t move forward. And the app will not fulfill its purpose. There are apps such as Family Orbit that can offer you help when you need to ensure you are able to use them efficiently.
Make sure they are not easy to circumvent
Yes, parents want parental control apps that are easy to install because not every person is a techie and you may not be able to deal with a complicated process. However, this doesn’t mean that children should be able to get around the app or find a way to circumvent its restrictions. Children these days are more tech-savvy than their parents. You want to make sure that the app you select is thorough and cannot go in deletion or your child just may fool you.
As long as you follow these tips, you will be able to make the best decision and monitor your kids for ensuring their safety.
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