Parent Tips for Home Internet Filtering

We need to teach kids how to use technology appropriately and manage distractions during their K-12 years before they leave home as independent adults.

• If we hold back all technology without parents and teachers as guides and mentors, then we are not preparing them for using technology on their own.

• Banning seems like an easy option up front, but the long term effects of this outweigh the short term benefits. As with anything else, kids need practice making good choices before they become habit.

EXPECTATIONS: Talk with kids about your expectations, hopes and OWN struggles regarding device use.

RULE-MAKING: Discuss rules and consequences. Where possible, partner with your child to form these together! It helps them take ownership of them.

POWER OFF: Set OFF times. Many find success banning devices from the dinner table to encourage face to face interaction and conversation.

CELL PHONES: Enable Cell Phone Parental Controls. Linked here are instructions for Apple Devices and Android Devices.

HOME WIFI: Modern routers come with the ability to adjust on/off times, restrict certain content with filters, and set parental controls. Search the name of your router in the app store to download the companion app and manage your home WiFi from anywhere!

ROUTERS WITH BUILT-IN CONTROLS:

• Netgear: There are free basic and then a paid premium element: https://www.netgear.com/landings/circle/

• Linksys: Allows you to manage home wifi from your mobile device. There are many controls and features available to you through the Linksys app: https://www.linksys.com/us/linksys-app/

• Here is a list of several others, from TP to Acer: https://www.androidcentral.com/best-routers-parental-controls

FILTERS FOR PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIPTION:

• Circle By Disney: This is a companion to many routers you can purchase today, or it can be purchased separately to work with existing hardware. I personally have this filter, which allows me to set filters and time limits, as well as off times and bedtime. It lets me automate some of the processes behind parenting with devices.

• BARK Jr: This entry-level product is perfect for younger kids and helps parents and guardians manage screen time, filter which websites your kids can visit, and keep up with kids with location check-ins. Bark Jr. is free for a limited time.

• BARK: This comprehensive parental intelligence solution allows families to monitor texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms, get alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, manage screen time, filter which websites your kids can visit, and keep up with kids with location check-ins. This solution costs $14 per month, or $99 per year.

DIGITAL FOOTPRINT: Help your child create a positive digital presence and talk about WHY it’s important! THINK before you post. Use the grandma rule-is this something that you would want your grandma to read? If not, don't post!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Have a conversation with your child about responsible Internet use and to monitor what he or she is posting.

Questions for Younger Kids:

• What are your favorite social media sites? (Always know the social media sites your children are using -- some require users to be at least 13. Allowing them to sign up earlier sends the message it's OK to break rules.)

• What are your friends doing online?

• What are the coolest websites? Would you show me?

• What do you know about cyberbullying?

• How do you show self-respect and respect for others online?

• When you've been online, have you ever seen anything weird or that made you feel uncomfortable?

• Who are some trusted adults you could go to if you receive an inappropriate photo via email, social media or text? (Make sure they know not to forward the photo to other friends.)