With the advent of the internet and the spread of cell phones, access to screens occurs earlier and earlier, giving rise to the so-called generation of digital natives. The increasingly intense contact of children with technology has given the demand for parental control.
In fact, a group of media gives parents the chance to see and limit children’s actions in the digital environment. This type of resource becomes vital since, despite being increasingly technologically savvy, children still lack the perfect sense to protect themselves from virtual risks.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find data about the dangers posed by the internet and the value of following your children’s browsing. Look!
What is parental control?
It is a means provided by operating systems – in the case of computers and mobile devices –, websites, and apps, which allows parents to see and restrict their children’s actions in the digital environment.
It is a group of apps and software that aims to protect the intimate life and safety of children and young people, according to several points. The goal is to view browsing, control access to sites and pages, and block age-bad content, making the internet safer for them.
Several content platforms, such as YouTube and Netflix, provide options for children and ensure that the videos are age-appropriate. On social networks, parents can report publications showing that they are bad for children, so such content is removed from the timeline.
Both operating systems — Windows, Android, iOS, etc. — while most video games are parental controls, it gives parents the power to control everything from the games their kids have access to to the time and money spent. Among the possible controls we have:
- Opt for content based on age groups;
- Control and view digital purchases;
- Limit the number of browsing time, access to games, etc.;
- Block access to certain websites and pages on the internet by configuring filters;
See the levels of interaction in chats and games and exchanging messages and data.
What is the value of parental control?
That the internet is a source of a lot of learning and no one argues, but it is also a place where all kinds of content are replicated, without filters.
Therefore, you can be careful when letting your children look freely on the internet, as they will have access to a lot of good things and a lot of bad ones too, including being exposed to some risks.
Anyway, just as you don’t let your child walk down the street without an adult’s eyes, you shouldn’t do it on the internet, which is just as public a place.
Poor age-group videos, hype, cyberbullying and spreading serious challenges are some of the risks that exist in the online world.
So, until they have the sense to see these threats, it’s good for parents to look closely at the steps taken in the virtual world. In fact, according to article 932 of the Civil Code, this surveillance is a duty of parents, who can respond for omission if they fail to do so.
In addition to providing security for the children, the presence of parents in the education of the little ones is good for their evolution and family harmony. Just as it’s nice to know who your kids are playing with in real life, it’s also nice to see their virtual footsteps.
Positive Parenting
In this way, in addition to the support given by means of parental control, chat and connection are still good allies. So, exercise positive parenting , talk to your children about the risks and agree rules about internet use and connected time.
As good as defining usage rules and controlling your children’s browsing is educating by example. If you spend all your time on your cell phone, it will be much harder for your child to know that it’s not cool to spend all day in front of screens. So also remember to contain yourself and spend quality time with your kids, without technological distractions around.
What should points regarding the internet be taken care of?
Internet access is a barrier-free place, so if there is no parental control, children can have access to all kinds of information, whether their own or not, good for their age or not.
But this is not the only risk present in the virtual world. Just as adults can be victims of scams and fraud, children are also exposed to contact with nasty strangers.
In addition, the great use of the internet damages the way the brain stores information and can cause damage, such as sleep disorders, addiction, problems to socialize, among others.
