There are many aspects of technology uses among kids and teens with which parents are rightly concerned. Exposure to graphic content such as pornography and violence, online predators, cyber crime or scams, and harassment/bullying rank at the top of most parents’ concerns. These threats all come with potentially devastating consequences. But, as parents we are also interested in our kids […] Read more
Filed in : Parenting in the Digital World, Uncategorized
Filed in : Apple, Parenting in the Digital World
Apple recently announced the iOS 12 features that will be released this fall. The new iOS version claims to make using your iOS device “more delightful” with improved performance, several new Facetime features, filters and other effects for messaging and several significant photo advances. However, the new Screen Time features seem to be getting the most press coverage and are […] Read more
Filed in : Fun, Parenting in the Digital World
The mission of Sensible Cyber Parenting has never been about ridding our lives of technology. Is is good to have breaks from it? Do we ALL need to be conscience of how much time we spend with a device in our hands? Yes and yes! It is important to model the proper use of (and breaks from) technology. A big […] Read more
Filed in : Android, Apple, Device Monitoring, Filtering, Products, TV
YouTube has been one of the most challenging areas for parents who are concerned with the content their kids see online. On one hand, there are thousands of worthwhile, funny and educational videos on YouTube. On the other hand, giving a child access to YouTube is like letting them play in a video minefield because of the pitiful filtering options available […] Read more
Filed in : Apple, Parental Controls, Parenting in the Digital World
It may be due to shareholder open letters, consumer demand or both but Apple appears to be making family friendly efforts and hinting that they will be providing more robust features in their parental control options. Hopefully we will see actual iOS improvements in future releases, but for now the new Families page on the Apple website will have to do. iOS […] Read more
Filed in : Device Monitoring, Gaming, Parental Controls
The Parental Controls app for the Nintendo Switch gives parents the ability to oversee their kids gaming activity on the device. But sometimes the global age restriction setting that you are comfortable using for your child may disallow a game that you are comfortable with them playing. The app gives you the ability to whitelist games that are allowed even […] Read more
Filed in : Parental Controls, TV
In the coming months Netflix will be rolling out changes to their parental control options for parents. The PIN system that has been in place will be more robust, allowing parents added control to block specific movies and TV shows rather than by rating level only. In addition, the maturity ratings will be more prominently displayed and be shown in […] Read more
Filed in : Apple, Parental Controls, Parenting in the Digital World
Rene Ritchie, via iMore’s Vector tech podcast, recently looked into the issues of parental controls and screen addiction with iMore’s Georgia Dow, a psychotherapist who contributes to iMore and treats kids with various technology addiction problems. They discuss parents’ responsibilities for protecting their kids by limiting time and setting up restrictions as well as the very real problem of screen […] Read more
Filed in : Filtering, Parental Controls, Products
Netgear was one of the first router manufacturers to incorporate parental controls into their routers. Some of these attempts have been more successful than others, but I applaud their efforts and commitment to keep families safe. Their latest partnership with Circle (detailed SCP post on Circle ) is their most promising effort to date in my opinion. As of now the […] Read more
Filed in : Android, Apple, Filtering, Parental Controls, Router Filtering
OpenDNS should be the first-line of defense for a protected home network. There are many posts already on the SCP website about the benefits and use of OpenDNS. I generally recommend using OpenDNS Home, which gives parents the ability to customize the levels or categories of filtering controls. There are times when that kind of customization is not necessary and […] Read more