Internet Safety for your child's devices.

How to secure your child’s iPad, iphone, chromebook etc

IPads provide a platform for children to explore their creativity through drawing, music apps, videos, and more. But it is your responsibility as a parent to secure it.

You need to ensure that it is secure when it is connected to your WIFI at home (and at the grandparent's).

Here are some top tips.

Create a new Apple ID: Create a new one specifically for the child's device. Make sure to use a secure password and enable two-factor authentication.

Please do not use your child’s school email address or one related to your employment.

To enable restrictions: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Restrictions" to turn on parental controls. You can restrict access to certain apps, websites, and features, including 18+ content and bad language. Restrict TikTok and other social media apps if your child is under 13yrs.

Enable "Ask to Buy": This feature will require your approval before the child purchases in the App Store.

To turn it on:

Go to "Settings"

1. iTunes & App Store
2. Apple ID
3. Family Sharing
4. Ask to Buy

Enable "Find Me":

This feature will allow you to locate the child's device if it's lost or stolen.

Go to "Settings"

1. iCloud
2. Find My, and make sure it's turned on.

Set up Screen Time: Screen Time is a feature that lets you control and monitors the amount of time your child spends on the iPad.

Go to "Settings"

Screen Time and set limits for app categories and screen time. Do not 100% rely on this feature and make it a rule from day one that they are not allowed to have devices in the bedroom. Instead, set a 20min time limit for use after they have completed their homework, for example.

Disable Siri: If you don't want your child to have access to Siri, you can disable it in "Settings" Siri & Search

We suggest this for kids in primary school and another reason to keep the device out of the bedroom.

Install parental control app: Several third-party apps are available that provide additional parental controls, such as filtering websites and monitoring app usage.

Qustodio: Offers a range of features such as content filtering, time limits, and activity reporting.

Net Nanny: Provides comprehensive filtering options, time scheduling and real-time alerts.

Norton Family Premier: Offers real-time monitoring, location tracking, and set time limits on device usage.

Kaspersky Safe Kids: Offers location tracking, screen time management, and app control features.

Bark: Monitors texts, emails, and social media for potential risks such as cyberbullying, sexting, and more.

These apps are considered the best as they offer a combination of effective filtering and monitoring features and ease of use and reliability. The best choice may depend on specific parental needs and the type of devices the children use.

Have a conversation: It's essential to have open and honest discussions ongoing with your child about responsible device usage and the importance of privacy. Make sure they understand the rules and consequences and that it is best to speak up if they see something that upsets them, and you will help without judgment.