Internet Safety Resources
We encourage families to explore these sites and additional resources we have collected for tips on monitoring internet safety, asking questions about the safety and risks associated with the latest apps, and when (& how) parents should get involved if they have concerns.
Parent Resources:
Reset Your Child's Brain - A 4 week program to end meltdowns, raise grades, etc. by Victoria Dunckely
Get Off That Game Now: The Essential Guide to Healthy Screen Behavior by Kevin Roberts
Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijacking our Kids & How to Break the Trance by Nicholas Kardaras, PhD.
Reclaiming Talk: The Power of Conversation in a Digital Age by Sherry Turkle
Wise Minded Parenting: 7 Essentials for Raising Successful Tweens & Teens by Laura Kastner
Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein
Wait Until 8th - Parent resources on smart phones & kids.
Being Thirteen: Inside the Secret World of Teens - CNN Special Report by Anderson Cooper looks at what teens are actually doing online.
The Screenagers movie website has many resources for parents including screen time contracts, parenting apps, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, internet addiction along with other topics. Plus they have a weekly blog you can subscribe to called “Text Talk Tuesdays” to give your ideas for family discussions around screen time. Visit www.screenagersmovie.com.
The following apps came from the Screenagers resource section:
Parenting Apps for Monitoring & Blocking:
OurPact - Mobile guidance for your family, available for iOS and Android
Screen Time - Parental controls for iOS, Android and Kindle devices
Circle with Disney - Parents can filter content, limit screen time and set a bedtime for every device in the home.
Curbi - Parental controls for Android and Apple mobile devices
ParentKit - Control and schedule what is on your child's iPod, iPad or iPhone
NetSanity - Parental controls for iOS
FamilyTime - Parental controls for iOS and Android
Net Nanny - Parental controls for Android and iOS
Mobile Fence - Parental controls and GPS tracking for Android devices
Verizon Family Base - Monitor wireless activity and set usage limits
AT&T Parental Controls - Manage internet and email activity on computers
T-Mobile Family Allowances - Manage minutes, messages and downloads on phones
Sprint Mobile Controls - Monitor phone usage
XFINITY TV Online parental controls - Restricts what children can watch online
Driving:
Cell Control - For Android and iPhone
Drive Safe Mode - For Android and iPhone
DriveMode - Available on Android
Time Limit Apps:
Moment - (Cost: Free version or Pro for $3.99 per month) Tracks how much you use your phone during the day, Sets screen time limits, Gives usage reports
Checky - For both iOS and Android, Checky lets you track and geographically map your phone use.
unGlue - (Cost: Free version or premium for $9.99 per month) Set limits on screen time, set a recurring device schedule, Get usage reports, Remotely turn off the internet to an individual device or to all devices
Circle with Disney WiFi router - (Cost: $99) Set daily limits for each device, Set a bedtime and an awake time for when devices will disconnect from the Wifi then reconnect. Set filters for each family member or use Circle's 4 preset age levels, Pause internet access, See usage reports
iPhone Settings - (Cost: Free) iPhone users can see the time they spend on apps by going to Settings>Battery then click the clock in the upper right hand corner of the menu. You can see how many hours are spent on what apps in the last 24 hours or the last 7 days
Pocket Points - (Cost: Free) A great app for students. Gain points by keeping your phone locked when you are on campus. Use points to get discounts and coupons to businesses near you. Pocket Points is popular among college students and is trying to grow their high school presence. You can request a high school or university on the app.
If you need more information about internet safety or assistance setting up a family media plan contact Gals Institute at gals.ocommunity@gmail.com or call 262-337-9770. We are a leader in prevention and healing in the Lake Country area.
Powering Down and Becoming More Mindful:
Pinpoint your digital “time sucks”. Use apps like RescueTime & The Moment.
Ask yourself “Am I truly enjoying my online activity?” Are your online diversions providing you as much joy as your real-life experiences?
Put yourself in “airplane mode”. Use a real alarm clock instead of your phone to avoid interruptions while you sleep! Keep digital devices and phones out of kids’ bedrooms during sleep times.
Practice a weekly “digital Sabbath” and go one day without digital devices.
Manage your email, don’t let it manage you!! Remove email from your phone, set dedicated times each day to check emails, set up separate emails for family only and work only. Manage your texts as well. Use “do not disturb” function to manage text messages.
Get a “digital babysitter”. Apps: Freedom, Digital Detach, StayFocusd, SelfControl
Try “phone stacking” when out with family & friends – put all phones in center of table.
Don’t carry your digital devices everywhere. Give yourself permission to unplug!
Swap one digital habit for FUN! Get outside, exercise, do yoga or tai chi, try mediation.
Use a central “charging area” for all family members’ devices. Set a time for everyone to “unplug” in preparation for healthy sleep!
Create a family mission statement and screen contracts for all family members. Be a great digital role model for your children.
We don’t multi-task as well as we think we do! Have kids put cell phones away when studying.
Mindfulness Resources:
“Unplugged: How to Live Mindfully in a Digital World” by Orianna Fielding
“Conquer Cyberoverload” by Joanne Cantor
“Design Your Day” by Claire Diaz-Ortiz
Mediation Apps: Headspace, Calm, Buddhify, Whil, Insight Timer
“The Mindful Moment” on You Tube for guided meditations