It’s never too early to talk to your kids about internet safety, even kids under five use services like YouTube.
So how do you protect kids from malicious websites and potential predators — without angering the kids (or worse, inspiring them to use technology in secret)?
DailyMail.com spoke to three experts about tips for keeping kids safe while browsing — without seeming like a “bad parent.”
They all agree that communication is key: open dialogue between parents and children about online issues is key to keeping children safe, rather than taking down devices or taking other harsh measures.
Do you know what your kids watch online? (Alami)
Use apps to keep devices safe
General security software offers features that can help keep your kids safe online by monitoring the sites they visit.
Tasha Gibson, head of security at RM Technology, which specializes in protecting schools, says: ‘Parents and guardians have the option to install advanced security software that gives even more control
Gibson recommends that parents try antivirus software, from well-known brands like Norton and Kaspersky, to specialty apps like FamilyTime and Canopy.
For example, FamilyTime offers YouTube monitoring, an app blocker, screen time limits, and a contacts watchlist that can prevent certain numbers from contacting you.
Lock apps you don’t want your kids to look at
Every exhausted parent has given their phone to kids to keep them quiet in restaurants – but maybe you don’t want your child to have access to a browser, or YouTube, or your personal files.
Tom Gaffney, cybersecurity specialist at F-Secure, says you can pause apps to prevent children from accessing them.
On iOS you can do this via the Screen Time controls in Settings – on Android you can do this by holding a finger on an app widget and tapping the hourglass icon.
Says Gaffney, “One way to prevent a child from accidentally accessing apps you don’t want is to freeze the app so that when they try to click on it, they don’t allow it.”
Block sites like YouTube at the router level
Most home broadband routers allow you to completely block websites, meaning they can’t be accessed even if children are using devices without security software.
Tasha Gibson, head of security at RM Technology, says, “You can block specific URLs at the source (router) to prevent any access and ultimately protect your kids from harmful or inappropriate content. ‘
How you do this depends on the specific router model you are using.
Gibson says, “It’s pretty easy to do what it takes, but it’s often achieved through some of the software platforms already mentioned.”
Use built-in controls
Parents can use built-in controls in iOS and Android to limit screen time and limit when devices can be used.
Gibson says, “Users can apply restrictions to child profiles through tools such as the Amazon Parents Dashboard and the iOS Control Center to manage time and access at all times.
You can use parental controls to limit what children can see: on iOS, for example, go to
Settings and tap Screen time. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap Content Restrictions.
You can set restrictions for everything from video to podcasts from this screen.
Establish rules for where devices can be used
Having rules for where devices such as iPads and PCs can be used helps ensure that children use devices safely.
Gibson says, “As a family, set rules and boundaries for online use, for example – how often they can be used, for how long and make sure screens and devices are used in areas where you can see monitor use.”
Block app installations
Knowing what apps your kids are using can help ensure that they aren’t (for example) using a messaging app you’re not familiar with.
Set your operating system to require a password or biometric authentication (i.e. fingerprint) each time an app is installed.
For example, on iOS, make sure iTunes & App Store is enabled under Settings > Touch ID & Passcode to lock app installs behind a fingerprint requirement.
Gibson says, “Restrict your child’s ability to install apps without asking a parent or guardian’s permission through iOS or Google Play so you know what apps they’re using.”
Don’t assume your kids know how to use technology
Young people usually have a ‘natural’ technological aptitude, but don’t make the mistake of assuming they understand online risks.
David Emm, Principal Security Research at Kaspersky says: ‘When you teach a child to ride a bike, you also teach them the rules of the road.
‘The same goes for the online world: knowledge of a device is one thing, what you can do with it is quite another. By educating a child about the true power of a device, they will better understand the risks.”
Play the games your kids use
It can be difficult to get to grips with the risks your children face without understanding the software they use. For example, you can see if there’s a chat feature that allows them to talk to people they don’t know.
Emm says: ‘It’s a lot easier if you know the dangers yourself! So take a moment to stay up to date with the latest apps and games they have access to – and yes, this may mean playing a little Minecraft or Roblox, but it will give you a better idea of where your kids are spending their time!’
Teach children to be careful with private information
It’s all too easy for kids to give away data that can be used in identity fraud attacks – so teach them to be more careful online.
Emm says, “Too much sharing is dangerous. Answering an online quiz about your pet’s name and where you live may sound like harmless fun, but it’s vital information that can be used against them and lead to account hacking.”