Tech :: How to Outsmart Your Children’s Smartphone

Smartphones are as much a part of our children’s lives as overstuffed backpacks and homework. In fact, it’s become the norm to see kids with their own phones and toddlers playing Dots on Mom’s new Galaxy.

Phone? What Phone?

Texting has become the preferred way to communicate for kids and teens, according to a 2012 study by the Pew Research Center. And smartphones are rarely used for making phone calls—rather they’re the favored device for playing games, taking photos, searching the web, and interacting with others on social media sites or apps. Considering the amount of time that your child spends on her phone, are you aware of the types of activity she engages in on a daily basis? It’s nearly impossible for most parents to know exactly what goes on day-to-day in their children’s lives, so parents rely on new software and technology for assistance.

Smartphone Misuse

Because smartphones are more often used as substitutes for computers and cameras, new social media sites have launched in recent years that cater to kids, teens and young adults. For this reason, it’s not surprising that kids discover and participate on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and Pheed long before their parents or teachers catch wind of the trend.

Since the younger generations consider sharing on social media a norm, they are less guarded and less aware of the hidden dangers associated with exposing one’s personal information and photos online. Parents are under pressure now more than ever before to enforce household rules about social media and online sharing, as well as ensure their kids stay alert for any lurking danger.

Nanny That Phone!

Just as nanny software was developed to help parents monitor their kids’ online activities and block access to certain sites, there are tools to monitor kids’ smartphones. Stay on top of the latest technology available to assist parents in protecting and monitoring their children.
T-Mobile offers an online Family Allowance dashboard where parents can block sites though web content filters, restrict phone numbers for inbound and outbound calling and texting, and even limit the number of phones allowed to access a line on their account. They can also restrict hours when the phone is operational, and set minute allowances. Galaxy S is through T-Mobile, so parents with this smartphone have this feature at their fingertips.
PC Magazine recommends the NetNanny 2.0 and eBlaster Mobile apps for Android phones, which protect viewers from pornography, cyber bullying, online predators, social network dangers, and internet addiction. For iOS, try AVG Family Safety, which safeguards against cyber bullying and cyber grooming, and allows parents to create unique accounts for their kids and enable Block, Warn or Monitor modes according to their age and maturity.