One of the most frequent questions we get at our presentations for adults is how to use the built-in parental controls that come with smartphones and tablets. This video provides a high-end overview of such controls on iPhone and iPads running IOS 12 or above. For those running Android devices, I have provided this link to assist you.
Although many of the built-in parental controls are very helpful, we recommend always using other controls such as Bark to better secure your child’s devices.
At some point, you may wish to lessen your hold on your child’s digital life. For example: I would not recommend having your 17-year-old son or daughter tied to your parental controls 24 hours per day. However, age generally has little to do with how much management you should attach to your child’s device. Maturity is the better gauge. Every year I’m and asked to talk with kids as young as 9 and as old as 19. Many such students have found themselves in trouble with family, law enforcement and their schools. No age is immune to such issues.
Lastly, if you doubt you need to keep an eye on your younger children, click this link provided by NIGHTLINE and BARK parental controls. It will open your eyes to how quickly things can turn dark online when parents are not keeping track of who is contacting their children.
