An article that sums it up well - AARP
How to protect children from 'private window' & 'incognito' searches on the internet
How to protect children from 'private window' & 'incognito' searches on the internet
An important article for every parent & caregiver to read that describes the scale & impact of negative content on computers/phones and how it is hurting our children.
This is something you have not heard before
(if you are like 90% of the parents I help).
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https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2022/parents-teens-and-apps.html
How to protect children from 'private window' & 'incognito' searches on the internet
How to protect children from 'private window' & 'incognito' searches on the internet
How to protect children from 'private window' & 'incognito' searches on the internet
Most 7th & 8th graders know how to view negative content on the internet without their history ever being recorded (so that even if you go to check their history, you would not see any of their activity).
It is called "incognito mode' or 'blind window' (depending on the browser) and unless these settings are turned off by parents, almost every computer and smart phone provides a highway to the internet for children and their parents will not be able to know what their child has seen or posted online.
It is called 'private window' or 'incognito mode' and it comes as a standard option on almost every phone & computer/web-browser.
You can Google how to disable it for your child.*
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*Please note: For any browsers where you cannot disable 'private window' or 'incognito mode', you can uninstall those browsers and simply enable your children to use the internet, when it is done more safely and with history being recorded.
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Still, even regular history can now be deleted in 1 hour or even 10 or 15 minute increments, so that you could check your child's regular history (not a 'blind window') and see games, music and homework all day long ...but they were actually spending 10-60 minutes watching pornography or talking with a friend in-between their homework (or after you went to bed) that you do not know about because they deleted their history in 15-60 minute blocks at a time.
This is one reason why kids are safest if their technology use stays in shared spaces with those who love them and will look out for them. Spaces like the living room or kitchen.
It might save your child from years of a daily pornography addiction or worse. Any improvement you make can have a life-long impact. Whether you make a big change all at one, or change things one small step at a time, it is worth it!
How to prevent kids from downloading software and apps without your consent - and why it matters...
Unless you set a password to restrict the installation of software on a computer or downloading new apps on a phone, your child can easily download:
Gambling sites & apps
Adult hook-up sites & apps
Pornography sites & apps
Sexually violent game sites & apps
As well as apps designed to disguise apps (and even simple apps like TikTok) so that you don't know your child has TikTok (or more dangerous apps) even if you actively search their phone for them.
In addition, even apps such as Instagram, can provide ways to search and view sexual videos and harmful content.
Simply set-up both free apps and paid apps to need your pre-approval before they can be downloaded by your child.
You can do this for iPhones under 'screen time' related to parent controls. Ask the Apple help desk if you need further assistance.
You can also do a Google search for Android & PC phones and their parent controls to learn more.
How to protect our children when we are not home.
I strongly suggest limiting the time a child spends on their phone or computer when you are not in the same room to supervise.
But for the times you can't always be there to supervise your child, the below might help:
You can set 'Time Limits' to different apps, such as limiting Pinterest to 15 minutes or Games to 30 minutes. This is under 'screen time' in settings on an iPhone.
You can also set a "Downtime" to a computer (having it shut-off between 11pm and 6am for example) and, if it is a phone, you can set a downtime that still allows specific apps you choose to continue working at your discretion.
Example: When we lock our kids phones while away, we still allow certain apps such as 1) the ability to make calls (you can decide who they can call), 2) the ability to listen to music (you can have already turned off 'explicit' songs under music settings) and 3) the ability to play specific educational or other fun games (you choose). Otherwise, all apps and functionality on their phones is restricted while we are gone or when it is past bedtime.
Keeping kids safe with technology is as important as it might feel complex.
Tips to make protecting our kids even simpler:
Example: Have your children work on all 'computer-required' homework first while you are home (or awake) so when you are out of the house (or asleep) they no longer need the computer/phone and you can turn them off (downtime setting) or simply put them in your room.
Many kids stay up all night once their parents have gone to bed using their computers for Instagram, online gaming or pornography. This often leads to a critical loss of sleep for your child. Setting downtimes on phones & computers (or bringing them into your room at night) can help prevent this.
Who has time to read?
That is why I've made 10+ free videos, each under 15 minutes.
Listen while you drive to pick-up your kids, cook dinner, sit in commuter traffic or fold laundry.
Let my 17 years of parenting fit into your busy schedule!
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
67,000 5-star Amazon ratings
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My all time favorite book for helping marriages.
It is also extremely helpful to identify your child's love language, use it to build their self-esteem & ensure you do not punish them in their love languages. You can also order "The 5 Love Languages of Children".
Martian Jones by Dan Boulet
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
A clean fun youth adventure story that teaches facts about astronomy along the way!
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A book by my Father that can be read for fun or as part of a home-school curriculum. :) His brings his experience in aviation and astronomy and real science facts into the book!
You can also read the sequel: Orphans of the Stars.