Many parent control apps are more like Spyware and are often also exactly that, Spyware which spy on your Kids. Or Google Family Link is also a great example which you can’t remove even if you want too (as parent). I already setup a non-child-friendly blocking DNS and set the Age Limit in the Google Play Store and did all the Privacy related stuff, but I’m still thinking how can I make a Android phone more secure for children? The threads I’m talking about are non-child-friendly content, malware, scams, etc.
Most of the children around here get their first smartphone at the age of 12. At school they get thaught about the risks of the internet and social media but parents are also asked to guide their children on this path.
Before that age most schilderen have access to a tablet and the advice there is to only let it be used in the places where you as a parent are present. Not in their room for example. You don’t have to hover above them but just being near and checking the tablet every few days or weeks will do.
Same with gaming consoles or computers. We have them in our living room so our children only use them in those spaces where other people can be around. That way we can hear their conversations and intervene when their are getting too loud or make sure they use proper language.
No real software limitations apart from adblockers. I did block a whole list of porn sites when they were younger than 12 bit after that age I took away all the restrictions on my router. We had a conversation on the impact and consequences of porn but they will be curious and will find or encounter porn eventually.
So, I would say. Teach and supervice your child and make sure they have the appropriate age for or are to be trusted with their devices.
You sir, understand the importance of allowing a child to go through their wrongs at the right time with the right guidance which is quite rare!
Okay, thank you for sharing your experiences and ur recommendations.
Oh, why people like you weren’t when I was trying to teach IT as volunteer?
As soon as I mentioned web browsers and “yes, the internet is much more than youtube, tiktok, instagram - they’re websites, but not all of internet”… I never knew what a mix of tech-illiteracy and helicopter parenting would be like.
Thank you. By searching for a perfectly technical solution, parents could lose track of additionally classical parenting like good communications with their children from an early age, friendly interest in their online activities and teaching them that there is sometimes disturbing content online, but you are always there for them to talk without judgement. Anyway I would suggest a few technical solutions like (already mentioned) routers DNS filter and default search engines suitable for children.