Tips
For Parental Controls
Your
children's online learning experience will demand them to constantly browse
content on the internet, which makes it important to monitor devices, moderate
search results, limit screen time and protect online reputation. Educating your
children about parental controls and encouraging responsible digital behaviour
is the first thing that protects your children from online mishaps.
But
what are parental controls?
Parental
controls are settings that restrict content that can be viewed or downloaded
across the web, based on maturity level. Parental controls work across three
levels - network, device and applications.
Network
controls - set on routers and broadband connection devices that moderate
content on a household level.
Device controls - these are settings that are set on particular
devices (PC, cellular devices, etc.) and function independent of the
internet connection.
Application controls - these are content moderation filters set on
platform or application levels such as on YouTube, Google, or other search
engines.
Discuss
the online activity
Have
conversations with your children about the content they are reading and
watching online and who they are connecting with virtually, as part of their
online learning process. Familiarise yourself with sites your child frequents.
Talk to them about what content and e-behaviours you find appropriate, but also
listen to them and reach an agreement of internet usage norms. Make sure to
teach them that the internet is not private and how they must be mindful of
what they share and how they conduct themselves online.
Monitor
devices
Have
children access devices from shared spaces rather than in the privacy of their
rooms. Parental presence helps them stay in check and also
allows you to keep an eye on their activity as they navigate online learning.
Periodically checking browser history also helps you monitor the content they
are consuming.
Use
parental controls
It
is advisable for you to learn about parental controls that help restrict your
child’s searches. Most browsers and devices allow you to restrict the content
your child accesses. For instance, the SafeSearch
Filters feature on Google blocks websites displaying explicit sexual material.
Track
your family’s digital footprint
Online
learning may require your child to access a wide range of resources and upload
submissions and other forms of data on the internet. Every detail shared on the
internet adds up to your digital footprint. Information once posted may also remain
online permanently. Hence it is important to have your child share any content
mindfully and be careful while giving out personal details online. Teach them
to share information only with trusted contacts and sites.
Monitor
the amount of usage
Excessive
screen time has adverse impacts on children. It is important to set a
reasonable cap on your child’s screen time and also
set time limits, say thirty minutes, for individual sessions if your child is
engaging in self-paced learning.
Guide
them
Children
learn a lot by observing; be a role model for positive online conduct that you
want them to emulate. Be mindful of how you conduct yourself online and they
will follow.
Make
sure you share this resource with other parents helping their child learn from
home.