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Parental controls

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​In today’s digital age, keeping children safe online is a priority for every parent. With social media platforms and games being such an integral part of young people’s lives, understanding and managing these tools is essential. Fortunately, many platforms provide parental control features to help guide your children’s online experiences. However, no tool can replace the importance of open communication with your child about their online activity. It’s also crucial for parents to ensure their children use apps and games only when they are age-appropriate. Pay close attention to PEGI (Pan European Game Information) ratings or equivalent age ratings to ensure content aligns with your child’s developmental stage. Here's a comprehensive guide to tools and tips for keeping your family safe.

1. Discord

Discord is a platform popular for communication through voice, text, and video chats. While it allows users to maintain anonymity, which can be useful for privacy, it also means that users can interact without revealing their true identity.

 

This can pose risks if not managed properly. Key points to note include:

  • Usernames and Nicknames: Users can choose usernames and server-specific nicknames, often masking their real identity.

  • No Personal Information Required: Discord doesn’t display real names or other identifying details, making it easier for users to remain anonymous.

  • Direct Messaging Risks: Without proper privacy settings, anyone in the same server can message your child.

  • Public Server Links: Strangers can join servers through shared invite links, which may expose your child to unknown users.

Discord’s privacy settings, such as disabling direct messages from server members and filtering explicit content, are vital for ensuring safety. Most importantly, the platform is best suited for older teens due to its features and social environment. Parents should also ensure their children meet the age requirement of 13+, as per Discord’s terms of service.

Visit Discord's Parental Safety Guide

2. TikTok

TikTok is a platform designed for users aged 13 and above. Its Family Pairing feature helps parents manage their child’s activities to ensure a safer experience. Tools include:

  • Screen Time Limits: Encourage a balanced approach to using TikTok.

  • Restricted Mode: Filter out content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

  • Messaging Controls: Manage or disable direct messages.

For younger children, it’s crucial to monitor their use and confirm the content aligns with their maturity level. TikTok’s dynamic and fast-paced environment is better suited for teenagers and older users who can understand and navigate its content safely.

Learn About TikTok Family Pairing

3. Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms among teens, designed for users aged 13 and older. To help parents, Instagram offers tools and resources to ensure children have a positive and safe experience. Key features include:

  • Privacy Settings: Switch accounts to private so only approved followers can see posts and stories.

  • Time Management: Use the Daily Activity Dashboard to monitor and limit time spent on the app.

  • Comment Controls: Manage who can comment on posts or block offensive comments using keyword filters.

  • Supervision Tools: Parents can link their accounts with their child’s to oversee their activity and manage app time.

Instagram encourages parents to have ongoing conversations with their children about responsible online behavior, focusing on the risks of oversharing personal information and interacting with strangers.

Explore Instagram’s Parent Guide

4. YouTube

YouTube is a platform for users of all ages, but its wide range of content makes parental controls essential for younger viewers. Tools available to parents include:

  • YouTube Kids App: A separate app tailored for children under 13 with curated, age-appropriate content.

  • Restricted Mode: Enable this in YouTube settings to filter out potentially mature content.

  • Supervised Accounts: Designed for tweens and teens, this option allows parents to customize their child’s experience by setting content levels (Explore, Explore More, Most of YouTube).

  • Screen Time Management: Use features to set viewing limits and encourage breaks.

Parents should also discuss with their children how to report inappropriate content and stay mindful of ads or suggestions that may lead to unsuitable videos.

Learn About YouTube Parental Controls

5. Snapchat

Snapchat is designed for users aged 13 and above, making it important for parents to confirm that children meet the minimum age requirement before using the app. Its parental tools, accessible through the Family Center, include:

  • Friend List Monitoring: Review who your child is interacting with.

  • Reporting Features: Quickly flag inappropriate content or behavior.

  • Privacy Settings: Control who can contact your child or view their stories.

Snapchat’s disappearing messages and private nature can pose risks if used by children who are too young to fully grasp safe online behavior. Open communication about the app’s features and potential risks is key.

Explore Snapchat’s Parental Controls

6. Roblox

Roblox is a platform with immense popularity among younger audiences, allowing users to create and play games. However, parents should be mindful of the PEGI 7 rating, which indicates that while the platform is designed for younger players, some games within Roblox may have user-generated content inappropriate for children under 13.

 

Tools to help include:

  • Content Restrictions: Enable account restrictions to limit communication and access to age-appropriate games.

  • Parent PINs: Protect your settings with a secure PIN.

  • Activity Monitoring: Review your child’s friends and in-game activities.

It’s essential to review the content of the games your child plays and talk with them about what’s appropriate for their age group.

Check Out Roblox’s Family Safety Tools

7. Epic Games

Epic Games, known for popular titles like Fortnite, provides parental controls to help manage your child’s gaming activities.

Key features include:

  • Time Limits: Set daily playtime restrictions.

  • Purchase Restrictions: Prevent unauthorized spending on in-game purchases.

  • Communication Settings: Limit who can interact with your child during gameplay.

It’s important to verify the PEGI rating of Epic Games titles, such as Fortnite (PEGI 12), and ensure they are suitable for your child’s age and maturity. These tools, combined with regular discussions about safe gaming habits, can help foster a positive and secure online experience.

Discover Epic Games’ Parental Controls

A Note on PEGI Ratings

Some popular video games, such as Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and similar titles like Call of Duty, Red Dead Redemption, or Cyberpunk 2077, are rated PEGI 18 due to their explicit content, including graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes. These games are designed for adults and are not suitable for children or teenagers under 18. Parents should remain vigilant about the games their children play, as these titles may be accessible through friends, online platforms, or gaming marketplaces. Always review the content and age ratings of any game to ensure it aligns with your child’s age, maturity, and values. Open conversations about why these games are inappropriate can help reinforce healthy decision-making.

Communication: The Foundation of Online Safety

 

While these tools are useful, the most effective way to keep your child safe online is through open, honest, and ongoing communication. Parental controls can set boundaries, but understanding your child’s online habits, fears, and interests builds trust and helps them navigate the digital world responsibly.

Here are some tips for fostering healthy communication:

  1. Start Early: Introduce the topic of online safety as soon as your child begins using the internet.

  2. Stay Informed: Know which platforms your child uses and familiarize yourself with them.

  3. Ask Questions: Encourage your child to share their online experiences, both positive and negative.

  4. Be Supportive: Create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing challenges like cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

  5. Set Guidelines Together: Collaboratively set rules for screen time, app usage, and online behavior.

By combining these tools with regular conversations, you’ll empower your child to make safe and responsible choices in their online interactions.

Using parental controls from platforms like Discord, TikTok, Snapchat, Roblox, and other online games can create a safer online environment for your child. But the real key to success is building a strong foundation of trust and communication. Together, these tools and strategies can help your family navigate the digital world with confidence.

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