The majority of kids born in this century are using smartphones, either for learning purposes or as an instrument of entertainment. However, the usage of these gadgets by children needs supervision and proper setting to be safe. This article will talk about some of the best tips which parents may use to ensure their children's safe use of smartphones.
1. Enable Parental Controls
It is the most important step to configure the parental control settings of your device to use the smartphone safely by children. These settings will help restrain apps and content that are suitable for children of their age. For example, advanced options for parental controls are available on the more recent operating systems like iOS and Android. Some of the advanced features in these operating systems include the ability to set limits, even on applications that further limit screen time.
2. Set Screen Time Limits
This makes setting a time limit on smartphone usage quite sensible, as excessive screen time is a health risk for children. Using apps like "Google Family Link" or in iOS "Screen Time" settings, you can set time limits for using apps and playing games.
3. Tap into Educational Apps
Engage your child in educational applications. Most of the apps are specially designed and developed for teaching kids in an interesting and playful way the reading, maths, and science. Preview the most trusted apps and then download them for use by your child.
4. Enable Safe Mode on YouTube
Restricted Mode can be turned on in the event that your child uses YouTube, and this will block inappropriate content from appearing. Once again, the easier way is simply to download the "YouTube Kids" app, which only includes child appropriate content.
5. Monitor Online Activity
Monitor what your child is doing. They may use parental control software that allows them to track every website your child visits and the applications they are running. Educate your child about the risks on the internet and how they can protect themselves while surfing.
6. Use Biometric Security Features
Switch on biometric security features like fingerprint recognition or facial recognition so that your kid can't access the phone without your permission. In addition to this, a strong passcode for the lock screen should be set.
7. Educate Kids About Privacy
Teach the kids how to maintain personal information confidentiality, never disclose personal information over the internet to strangers, and how to use the privacy features available in many applications.
8. Activate Airplane Mode During Play
This will prevent pop-up messages and calls that break up the play. This move can also be very useful in preventing ad displays and other inappropriate content that are drawn during game plays.
9. Keep Updating the Software
Keep updating the OS and apps regularly. Updates mostly have very significant security upgrades that might protect your phone from malware and other security threats.
10. Disable In-App Purchases
Make sure that in-app purchases are disabled or at least require a password for each purchase, lest you have undesired spending.
Conclusion
As soon as children start using a smartphone, they need closer parental supervision so that they may use it safely. Provided you follow these steps and have the correct settings, your child will be ensured to have both a safe and constructive experience with the smartphone. Never forget about the open communication with your child in using technology to enhance their awareness and have them able to use devices in a safe and responsible way.
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