Embedded Files
*Disclaimer- Please check back frequently for updates and changes to our counseling site.
Internet Safety and Resources
Family Sharing makes it easy for up to six family members to share music, movies, TV shows, apps, books, subscriptions including iCloud+, and more, all without sharing an Apple ID.1 You can set up an Apple ID for kids, set permissions remotely with Screen Time, and approve spending and downloads from a parent's device with Ask to Buy.2 You can also set up Apple Cash for a child or teen, or set them up with an Apple Watch.
Steps to Increase Internet Safety for Kids:
1. Set parental controls- IPhone, IPAD, IPod Touch, Microsoft Windows or Mac, Android
2. Install family security Apps
3. Use internet safety filters
4. Use safety features
5. Use antivirus software
6. Keep the computer in a common space
7. Password protect all accounts
8. Update your operating system
9. Balance safety with independence
Monitoring Usage:
Check children's data usage of apps and/or the time spent on that app. To see the usage report-
IPhone:
1.Go to Settings
2.Screen Time and tap See All Activity under the graph.
Android:
Open your phone's Settings app.
Tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
The chart shows your phone use today. For more info, tap the chart.
Screen time: What apps you've had on screen and for how long
Notifications: How many notifications you've gotten and from which apps
In iOS 18, you can hide apps by requiring a passcode and then hiding them, accessing them through the App Library's Hidden folder, and hiding photos by accessing a new "Utilities" section in the Photos app (April 2025)
Hiding Apps:
Locate the App: Find the app you want to hide on your Home Screen.
Long Press: Touch and hold the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
Select "Hide App": Tap "Hide App".
Confirm: The app will disappear from your Home Screen and be placed in the Hidden Apps folder.
Finding Hidden Apps:
Access App Library: Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to get to the App Library.
Locate Hidden Folder: Scroll down to find the "Hidden" folder.
Tap the Hidden Folder: Tap the Hidden icon.
Authenticate: Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to unlock the Hidden folder.
Un-hiding Apps:
Access Hidden Folder: Follow the steps above to open the Hidden Apps folder.
Long Press: Long press the app icon you want to unhide.
Select "Don't Require Face ID": Tap "Don't Require Face ID".
Authenticate: Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
App Reappears: The app will reappear on your Home Screen or in the App Library.
Hiding Photos:
Open Photos App: Open the Photos app.
Access Utilities: Swipe down to reveal the "Utilities" section.
Find Hidden Photos: Tap on "Hidden" within the Utilities section.
Verify Identity: You'll need to verify your identity with Face ID, passcode, or Touch ID to access hidden photos.
Common Sense Media believes in media that inspires and entertains families of all kinds. In technology that protects privacy and supports communities. In learning tools that prepare students and teachers for success in a connected world. Discover how we're working to make the digital world better for kids and families.Discover our media ratings and reviews at Common Sense Media. See our most recent research on the impact of media on kids.Explore our advocacy efforts around digital equity and tech accountability. Click Here to learn more.
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates. Click Here to learn more.
The Federal Trade Commission has a guide for parents, teachers, and other mentors with practical tips to help kids navigate the online world safely. It covers a variety of topics – from cyber bullying to file-sharing – as well as where to go for more information and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online. Click Here to learn more.
Connect Safety is an organization dedicated to educating people about online safety, privacy, security and digital wellness. Our resources include research-based safety tips, parents' guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy. Click Here to learn more.
This service is one step you can take to help remove online nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit photos and videos taken before you were 18. Click Here to learn more.
FBI’s Highlighted Risky Apps:
Omegle: Text or video chat with strangers
Discord: Designed to help users talk to each other in real time. Users can log in and enter a group chat with one or more people.
Snapchat/BurnNote/Whisper/Telegram: Secret communication and picture sharing apps
Kik/Whatsapp:Private messaging without using text function on phone
Group Me: Direct and group messaging that has embedded GIFs and emojis with adult themes
Instagram: Default settings are public;private messaging is now an option
MyLOL: Teen dating site, private and group chats, public profiles
MeetMe: Open network that requires lots of personal details to sign up
Digital Safety Conversation Starters:
NetSmartz: Into the Cloud- Videos and information for children 10 and younger.
Youtube: Coby Persin-The Dangers of Social Media
Youtube: Thorn-Sextortion
Page updated
Report abuse