Parental controls in the digital age: Balancing monitoring and trust
Children are exposed to social media and screens at increasingly young ages. Technology and screens have become integral to our daily lives. Yet, many parents of teenagers or preteens often wonder how to guide their children—not necessarily by strictly controlling or limiting their usage, but by encouraging responsible digital behaviour.
Understanding social media issues
As parents, it’s important not to convey an overly negative impression of technology since it’s a fundamental part of children’s lives today.
Social media certainly poses some risks, including excessive screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and more.
However, age-appropriate content, whether educational or entertaining, it can positively influence a child’s development.
Moreover, social networks serve as key platforms for teenagers to socialize, express themselves, and stay informed.
Parental controls
To ensure their safety, you can implement parental controls on various platforms and devices used by your children.
Content restrictions
Parents can restrict certain internet content, preventing access to violent, sexually explicit, or family-value-inappropriate materials.
Various apps allow parents to adjust access according to age ratings (for movies, series, social media, etc.).
Online privacy
To minimize the risk of unwanted attention from ill-intentioned individuals, parents can adjust privacy settings on their children’s devices. Moreover, you can restrict access to websites and apps that request device locations, contact lists, photos, or videos.
Managing screen time
Unmonitored, screen time can quickly escalate through gaming, social media, and videos. If you feel your child's screen time is excessive, you can limit internet access during specific times of the day.
Video games
For young gamers, parental controls can restrict certain potentially unsafe features, such as messages or invitations from unknown players, or the purchase of game accessories and currency.
Parental controls provide security for both parents and children. But above all, maintaining open communication ensures your child feels protected rather than watched.
Building communication and trust
Open communication remains key from a young age. Before implementing parental controls, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your preteen or teenager about your concerns and the potential risks associated with internet use.
Encourage your child to discuss their online experiences with you. This creates dialogue and reassures your child that they can openly discuss anything that worries or frightens them.
You could even create a family digital contract, outlining mutually agreed-upon rules regarding screen schedules, privacy, and respecting others.
Despite setting rules and using parental controls, it’s vital to positively reinforce your child’s efforts and grant them some autonomy, strengthening the trust between you.
Practical advice
Here are some straightforward tips to foster responsible digital habits while still giving your child independence:
- Set up accounts and privacy settings together
- Encourage regular screen breaks
- Use parental control apps or tools openly and transparently
Since technology is here to stay—and is continuously evolving—parental oversight is essential to help adolescents and preteens develop healthy digital habits.
Ultimately, as a parent, you’re in the best position to make informed decisions with your child.
Happy discussions!
Text written in collaboration with Vie de Parents.