Parental Controls on iPhone, Roblox, and More

What is Parental Control?

Parental control is a built-in feature on online platforms or electronic devices that allows parents, guardians, or supervisors to monitor or restrict content that their children can access. The main purpose of parental controls is to protect their children from being exposed to undesired content.

Trends in Children’s Use of Technology

Let’s face it, our kids are growing up in a world that’s way more digital than the one we knew. From tablets to smartphones, they’re swiping and clicking before they can even walk. It’s a whole new landscape out there, and it’s important for us to understand it.

The latest trends show that kids are using technology at an increasingly young age. It’s not just about watching cartoons anymore; they’re learning, playing, and even socializing online. There are plenty of opportunities for us to guide them through this digital world, especially through parental control.

Roblox Parental Control

Roblox is an online multiplayer gaming platform that allows users to play a variety of games, which is developed by amateur game creators. Users can interact with others by selling, purchasing, and build virtual items that be used to customize their virtual character. However, there have been many incidents in which users, especially children, have been targeted by malicious hackers, users with ill intentions, or cyberbullies.

To set up parental control, follow the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to your Roblox account
2. Go to Settings
3. Tap or click on Security
4. Locate Account Restrictions and press the toggle button to On
5. Make sure the toggle button turns green
6. A message should pop up saying “Account Restrictions is currently enabled”
7. By enabling Account Restrictions, the user’s contact preferences is locked, which means another user is unable to chat or view the user’s contact information, such as their phone number.
8. To turn off, go back to Account Restrictions and press the toggle button to off. It should no longer be green.

iPhone Parental Control

To set up iPhone parental control, follow the step-by-step guide below:

1. Locate Settings on your iPhone
2. Scroll down to Screen Time
3. Press on Turn On Screen Time
4. A message will appear asking “Is This iPhone for Yourself or Your Child?”. For more details, click here.
5. Tap on the appropriate option
6. You will see multiple options. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
7. Tap on the toggle button and ensure it turns green
8. Under Privacy, you will see multiple privacy features that can be restricted.
9. Select the features you want to restrict
10. You have now successfully enabled iPhone parental control
11. To turn off iPhone parental control, go back to Content & Privacy Restrictions and tap on the toggle button to make sure it is no longer green.

Android Parental Control

To set up Android parental control, here are the steps:

1. Find Google Play and tap on the icon
2. On the top right corner, press on the Profile icon
3. Go to Settings
4. Locate Family and tap
5. Slide on the toggle to turn on Parental Control
6. Set a PIN for Parental Control to be only disabled by you
7. Choose the Content Type that can be accessed
8. Set Filters based on age restrictions

At What Age Should You Turn On Parental Controls?

When it comes to introducing technology to our little ones, timing is everything. It’s like a digital coming-of-age, and we want to get it just right. But how do we know when the time is right? Well, that’s where age-appropriate milestones come in.

Here’s a detailed guide to reference:

• Less than 2 years: At this age, it’s best to limit screen time as much as possible. Instead, focus on real-world interactions and physical play. If you do introduce screens, make sure it’s high-quality content and always co-view with your child.
• 2-5 years: This is a great age to introduce educational apps and games. Look for interactive content that encourages problem-solving and creativity. And remember, it’s still important to limit screen time and balance it with plenty of offline activities.
• 6-9 years: Now’s the time to start teaching your child about internet safety. They might start using the internet for homework or to play games, so it’s important they know the basics. Also, continue to monitor their screen time and ensure they’re engaging with age-appropriate content.
• 10-12 years: As your child approaches their teens, they might start using social media or communicating with friends online. This is a crucial time to talk about digital citizenship, privacy, and the potential risks of sharing personal information online.
• 13 years and above: By this age, your child will likely be quite independent online. However, it’s still important to have open conversations about their online activity and remind them of the importance of online safety.

Every child is different, and you know your child best. The key is to introduce technology in a way that’s safe, balanced, and beneficial for their development. It’s not a race. There’s no need to rush into introducing the latest gadgets or platforms. It’s more important to ensure that when they do start using technology, they’re ready and equipped with the knowledge to use it responsibly.

Pros & Cons of Children Using Technology

It’s a bit like walking a tightrope, isn’t it? On one end, it’s a portal to a universe of knowledge and exploration. But on the other end, it brings its own set of hurdles. But that’s the adventure of parenting in the digital age, and we’re here to navigate it together!

Let’s break it down:

Pros of Children Using Technology:

• Educational Resources: From educational apps to online tutorials, technology provides a wealth of learning resources. It can help our kids explore new topics, learn at their own pace, and even get help with their homework.
• Skills for the Future: Let’s face it, we live in a digital world. By introducing our kids to technology, we’re helping them develop important skills for the future. Think problem-solving, digital literacy, and even coding.
• Creativity and Expression: Technology can be a great outlet for creativity. Whether it’s making digital art, creating music, or even writing their own blog, the possibilities are endless.
• Staying Connected: In today’s world, technology helps us stay connected. It allows our kids to keep in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are.

Cons of Children Using Technology:

• Screen Addiction: Too much screen time can lead to addiction. It’s important to set boundaries and ensure our kids have a balanced lifestyle.
• Cyberbullying and Online Safety: The online world can be a dangerous place. From cyberbullying to online predators, it’s crucial to teach our kids about online safety.
• Physical Health: Sitting in front of a screen for hours on end isn’t great for our kids’ health. It can lead to issues like poor posture, eye strain, and lack of physical activity.
• Privacy Concerns: With technology comes the risk of privacy breaches. It’s important to teach our kids about the importance of privacy and the risks of sharing personal information online.

We find ourselves navigating a complex digital landscape alongside our children. It’s essential to recognize the benefits that technology brings to our lives, from enhanced connectivity to new learning opportunities. However, we can’t ignore the potential downsides and risks that come with it.

To strike the right balance, engage in open conversations with them about digital safety, privacy, and responsible online behavior. By fostering an ongoing dialogue, we can better understand their digital experiences and guide them.

The Role of Parental Control & Digital Parenting

Now, we know what you might be thinking – “I don’t want to be that parent who’s always spying on their kid!” And we totally get it. But let’s reframe our perspective a bit. Think of these apps as a tool to help you guide your child through the digital world, rather than a means to control their every move.

Parental control apps can be a real game-changer in our digital parenting journey. They’re designed to help us keep an eye on our kids’ online activities, set screen time limits, and even block inappropriate content. It’s like having a digital helper to ensure our kids are safe and making the most of their screen time.

These apps aren’t about invading our kids’ privacy. They’re about creating a safe and healthy digital environment for them. It’s like teaching them to ride a bike. At first, we give them training wheels (or in this case, parental control apps) to keep them safe. But as they grow and learn, we slowly remove those training wheels and let them navigate on their own, always ready to guide them when needed.

And speaking of guiding, let’s not forget about educational apps like ABC Mouse that are designed for kids but come with built-in parental controls. These apps provide a safe and engaging platform for our kids to learn and play, while giving us the peace of mind knowing we can monitor their activity and progress.

Setting Parental Control to Prevent Damage

While technology can be a fantastic tool for our kids, it can also have some not-so-great side effects if not managed properly. But don’t worry, we’re not here to scare you. We’re here to arm you with the knowledge to prevent these negative effects and ensure your child’s digital experience is a positive one.

Let’s talk about some of the potential negative effects of technology that we haven’t touched on yet. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to issues like decreased academic performance, increased risk of obesity, and even changes in brain structure among young children. 

Yikes, right? But we can take steps to prevent them.

So, how do we do that? It starts with setting some ground rules. Limiting screen time, encouraging regular breaks, and promoting physical activity can all help counteract the potential negatives of technology. It’s also important to monitor what they’re doing online and ensure they’re engaging with age-appropriate content.

But here’s the most important part – let’s make sure we’re not just using technology as a digital babysitter. Instead, let’s use it as a tool for growth and learning.

How Much is Too Much Screen Time?

How much screen time is too much? It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? But don’t worry, we’ve got some guidelines to help you out. According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, excessive screen time can lead to lower cognitive development in children. 

Let’s look at what the experts say. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides some handy guidelines for screen time based on age:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time, other than video chatting.
• 18 to 24 months: If you want to introduce digital media, make sure it’s high-quality programming and watch it with your children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
• 2 to 5 years: Limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Again, parents should be watching it with their children.
• 6 years and older: Place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.

When it comes to teenagers, it gets a bit more complex. Teenagers are more independent and often use digital devices for homework as well as socializing. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers spend an average of 7.5 hours per day on entertainment media. 

The AAP suggests that teenagers should have consistent limits on the hours per day of media use, but doesn’t specify an exact number. The key is to ensure that screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.

The Importance of Parental Control Today

As parents we sometimes want our kids to “touch grass” when they seem disconnected from the world in general, but it could be very beneficial for their development to ACTUALLY touch grass, outside!

In this age of screens, it’s easy for our kids to get sucked into the digital world. But let’s not forget about the good old-fashioned fun of running around in the backyard, playing a board game, or building a fort out of pillows. Active play is crucial for our kids’ physical and mental health, and it’s a great way to give their brains a break from the screens.

When the weather’s nice, there’s nothing better than some outdoor play. It could be as simple as a game of catch, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or even a nature scavenger hunt. If you have a garden, why not plant some flowers or vegetables together? It’s a great way to get your kids moving, and it’s a lot of fun too!

But what about those rainy or snowy days when going outside isn’t an option? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Indoor active play can be just as fun and beneficial. How about a dance-off in the living room? Or a yoga session? You could even set up an indoor obstacle course using cushions and furniture. And let’s not forget about board games – they’re a great way to engage your kids’ minds and have some family fun.

Active play isn’t just about physical activity. It’s also about sparking creativity, promoting problem-solving skills, and even teaching teamwork.

Strategies for Improving Real-Life Interaction in the Digital Age

Where virtual worlds like Roblox and Minecraft offer our kids a chance to interact with others from the comfort of their own homes, it’s easy for them to get lost in these online communities. But let’s not forget about the importance of real-life interaction. Face-to-face communication is crucial for our kids’ social development, and it’s something that can’t be fully replicated on a screen. 

So, how do we encourage real-life interaction in the digital age? Here are some strategies:

1. Lead by example. If we’re constantly glued to our screens, it’s hard for us to convince our kids to do otherwise. Let’s make sure we’re setting aside our own digital devices and engaging with our kids. Whether it’s a family meal, a game night, or just a chat about their day, these moments of real-life interaction are invaluable.
2. Encourage our kids to balance their online interactions with offline ones. This could mean setting up playdates, enrolling them in clubs or sports, or simply encouraging them to spend time with their siblings or neighbors. It’s all about teaching them that while online friendships can be fun and rewarding, they’re not a replacement for real-life relationships.
3. Keep the lines of communication open. Let’s talk to our kids about their online interactions, and teach them about the importance of empathy, respect, and kindness, both online and offline. After all, the digital world is a part of their lives, but it’s not the only part.

Encouraging real-life interaction in the digital age isn’t about demonizing technology. It’s about finding a balance and ensuring our kids are developing the social skills they need to thrive in the real world.

What Researchers Are Saying About The Impact of Technology on Child Development

Here’s the 411 on what the latest research says about how technology is shaping our kiddos’ development. It’s a mixed bag, with both upsides and downsides, and a lot depends on how we, as parents, guide our children’s tech use.

Check out this study that did a deep dive into the world of tech and kids. They found that too much screen time can lead to some intellectual and mental health challenges. But it’s not all doom and gloom! The right kind of tech use can also boost our kids’ social and psychological growth. The takeaway? Total tech blackout isn’t the answer. Instead, we need to be savvy about how our kids use tech, guiding them towards beneficial use and away from potential pitfalls.

Did you know that in Brazil, internet use among kids aged 10 and up jumped from 69.8% in 2017 to 74.7% in 2018? That’s a lot of screen time! The World Health Organization (WHO) has some advice for us. They recommend that kids under 5 should have no more than 60 minutes of passive screen time a day, and babies under 12 months should have zero screen time.

While technology can offer many benefits for our children’s development, we’ve got a crucial role to play in moderating our children’s tech use and steering them clear of potential risks.

Ways to Strengthen a Parent-Child Relationship

Building a positive parent-child relationship doesn’t mean you have to be tech-savvy or constantly plugged in. In fact, some of the best bonding experiences can happen when you’re both unplugged and engaged in activities that don’t involve screens. That’s where parental controls come in. 

Suggested Activities

Here are some ideas that are not only fun but also foster a strong bond between you and your child:

• Cook Together: Remember how we used to bake cookies with our parents or grandparents? It’s time to bring back that tradition. Cooking together not only teaches your child a valuable life skill but also provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations. Plus, who can resist the smell of freshly baked cookies?
• Explore the Great Outdoors: Before the era of smartphones and tablets, our playground was the great outdoors. Encourage your child to explore nature. Go on a hike, have a picnic in the park, or simply lay on the grass and look for shapes in the clouds. According to a journal “Healthcare”, high use of technology was significantly associated with a low level of activity. So, getting outside helps counterbalance screen time.
• Play “Old-School” Games: Bring out the board games that you used to play as a kid. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Chess can provide hours of fun and also teach your child about strategy and patience.
• Start a DIY Project: Do you remember building a birdhouse or creating a scrapbook? Engage your child in a DIY project. It could be anything from gardening to building a model airplane. This not only stimulates creativity but also gives a sense of accomplishment once the project is completed.
• Family Story Time: Share stories about your childhood, your family history, or even fairy tales. This can become a bedtime ritual that your child looks forward to. It’s a great way to wind down the day and strengthen your bond.

As per the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s important to set consistent limits on screen time, but it’s equally important to engage in activities that help build a strong parent-child relationship.

Teaching Your Child to Stay Safe Online

Our kids are growing up in a world where digital is the norm, not the exception. So, how do we guide them to use tech in a safe and effective way? That’s where digital citizenship comes in.

Digital citizenship is all about teaching our kids to be responsible and respectful online. It’s about helping them understand that their actions online have real-world consequences and that they need to think before they post, share, or comment. It’s not just about teaching them the rules of the online world, but also about helping them understand why these rules exist.

One great resource for teaching digital citizenship is Common Sense Media’s K-12 curriculum. This curriculum is designed to help students take ownership of their digital lives, teaching them to make smart choices online and in life. It addresses top concerns for schools, prepares students with critical 21st-century skills, and engages the whole community through family outreach. It’s a comprehensive approach that tackles real challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today.

But teaching digital citizenship isn’t just about using a curriculum. Its’ about the following:

• Incorporating digital lessons into our everyday interactions with our kids
• Having open & honest conversations about what they’re doing online, who they’re interacting with, and how they are presenting themselves online
• Setting boundaries & expectations
• Being a model by demonstrating the desired behavior

At the end of the day, the best way to teach our kids about digital citizenship is to show them what it looks like in action.

Right Parenting Style for Parental Control

Let’s wrap this up with a look at digital parenting styles. We’ve talked a lot about the challenges and opportunities of parenting in the digital age, but at the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. 

According to Alexandra Samuel, a researcher who conducted a two-year study on digital parenting, there are three main styles: limiting, enabling, and mentoring:

• Limiters are the parents who try to keep their kids away from screens as much as possible. They’re the ones who worry about the potential negative effects of technology, like shortened attention spans or stunted social development. If you’re a limiter, you probably grew up without devices and turned out just fine, so why can’t your kids do the same?
• Enablers, on the other hand, let their kids use devices freely. They see the benefits of technology and believe that time spent online can be beneficial to their child’s growth and learning experiences. If you’re an enabler, you probably have a relaxed attitude towards device use in your home and think that trying to limit use will only cause drama and limit your child’s learning experiences.
• Mentors fall somewhere in the middle. They understand that technology is here to stay, but also that it needs to be used responsibly. If you’re a mentor, you’re keen on being involved in your child’s device use habits. You likely have screen time rules in place, especially at bedtime and during family meals. You also engage in regular conversations about online safety and make an effort to connect with your child through technology.

Selecting the Best Digital Parenting Style

According to Samuel, the mentor approach is the most beneficial. It allows children the freedom to explore and learn online, while still developing a healthy and balanced digital appetite. The key is to find the approach that works best for your family, which may be achieved through parental controls.

The goal is to raise digitally responsible children who can navigate the online world safely and effectively. And that starts with us, the parents. We need to guide them, to help them understand the digital world and their place in it. And most importantly, we need to keep the lines of communication open. Parenting is not just about setting rules and boundaries, it’s about having conversations, building trust, and learning together.

So, whether you’re a limiter, an enabler, or a mentor, remember this: your approach to digital parenting isn’t just about managing screen time or setting parental controls. It’s about helping your child navigate the digital world with confidence, curiosity, and respect. And that’s a challenge worth embracing.