Tips for helping you navigate keeping your youth safe on the internet.
If you have a home computer, set it up in an open space so that when you walk into a room you can see what your youth is viewing.
Check the search history on all electronic devices.
Check the "deleted" images and videos on their device.
Make it a rule that permission must be given before downloading apps. This gives you time to research if the app is safe or not.
LIMIT screen time. Most youth are on screens during the day at school, car or bus rides, before practice, etc. Set a time limit at home, especially before bed time. Youth need to engage in physical activity (riding bikes, walking the dog...)
Set PARENTAL CONTROLS on electronic devices. There are apps out there that will track the activity on cell phones.
Download Life360.
TALK-TALK-TALK there is no greater prevention tactic then to talk about difficult topics with your kids. The reward is greater than the moments of feeling uncomfortable. Knowledge is power and it informs your youth to make better choices.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited children has great videos for kids/youth. Tips for parents. They also help to remove inappropriate content of minors on the internet.
List of parental control apps. Most do require a monthly/annual cost but you cannot put a price on the safety of your kiddo!