Technology is a Privilege

The parent signs the contract. Since technology is a privilege, children understand it can be taken away if boundaries are broken.

They Break It. They Buy It.

Children should take responsibility for any physical damage to the phone and for any plan overages.

Devices Will Be Checked for Inappropriate Content

Children understand that parents can and will check their devices. Random and frequent checks create healthy accountability.

Proper Etiquette

Teach children when to silence or turn off the phone – movies, restaurants, dinner table, etc. The phone shouldn’t be used when interacting with someone in person. This is a direct reflection of how parents use their phones. Set a good example.

Set Clear Expectations

Be upfront and clear. If children have a better understanding of the expectations, it will become easier to enforce boundaries.

Just Because a Friend Has It, Doesn’t Mean Your Children Will

All apps can be set up for approval by mom or dad. This gives parents control over which apps are installed on the phone.

Their Presence Online Represents More Than Just Themselves

It’s important for children to realize that what they do online represents their family, friends, church, and school.

Never Use Technology in a Way That Is Hurtful

Anything that wouldn’t be said in person should never be said over text or on a social network. Fake accounts should never be used to make fun of someone. Photos, videos, or text that could be embarrassing to someone else should never be shared.

No Secret Passwords or Accounts

Parents maintain access to all accounts. This adds another level of accountability.

Everything is Public

Remind children that colleges and employers look at social media as a reference. Once it’s online, it’s online forever.

Time with Devices

Define acceptable and unacceptable times of use as well as technology time limits. Times can be adjusted with age and maturity as trust is built.

Use Technology to Encourage

Technology allows people to connect with others easier and more often. It’s important that children use technology to have a positive influence on others.

Apple Devices

• Parental Controls on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

• Set up Family Sharing

• Prevent In-App Purchases

• How to Set Up Parental Controls on iPhone (Video)

Android Devices

• Parental Controls on Android Devices

• Family Link on Android Phones

Netflix

• Netflix Parental Controls

Gaming Consoles

• Parental Controls on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox

• Nintendo Switch (Video)

• Playstation (Video)

• Xbox (Video)

Amazon Fire Tablet

• Parental Controls on your Amazon Fire tablet

Disney Plus

• Disney Plus Parental Controls

Games with Social Components

Examples: Words with Friends (or anything … with Friends), Clash of Clans. Some games can be used more for their chat and social components than gameplay.

Hidden File Apps

These apps come in the form of fake calculators, games, flashlights, etc. They can be used to access hidden files, photos, videos, and even internet browsers. You can find these apps in the app store by searching for ‘hidden files‘ or ‘hidden browsers.’

Wallpaper Apps

Can contain inappropriate photos.

Texting or Chat Apps

Examples: Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, WhatsApp, Kik, Facebook Messenger

Allows users to text and chat using Wifi or data connection. If you only check the main messaging app on the phone, you may not see everyone your child is texting.

Apps with In-App Browsers

In-App browsers are the ability to browse the internet from inside an app. It’s like having Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari built inside an app like Twitter or Facebook. For example, someone could tweet themselves a link to google, then after clicking on the link have access to search google from within the Twitter app. There is no history or tracking on in-app browsing.

VOIP Apps (Voice Over IP)

Examples: Google Voice, Google Talk, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom

Allows users to set up (for free) separate phone numbers, texting, and voicemail. Uses data and Wifi instead of traditional voice plans. With these apps you can use an iPod or iPhone as an actual phone over Wifi.