The Cyber Defense eMagazine November Edition for 2023

Know your parental controls
Parental controls are designed to manage your children’s online time, keep track of activity, and filter out
inappropriate content. There are various ways to implement these controls:
• Internet provider - You can set up filters that block access to potentially harmful and
inappropriate content on any device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• Household devices - Most devices such as phones and tablets allow you to set up parental
controls to limit screen time, control content, and block in-app purchases.
• Mobile operators - Filters can also be set up on mobile contracts for users under 18 which will
block explicit content.
• Online services - Many online streaming services – such as Hulu and Netflix – offer a set of
parameters where you can set passwords, maturity ratings, and manually block certain content
from your child's profile.
• Software - There’s plenty of software out there that allows you to monitor your home network,
and the activity of each connected device.
• VPNs - Using a virtual private network adds an extra layer of security when browsing the web. A
VPN - powered by a VPS - hides the user's actual public IP address and secures traffic between
the user's device and the remote server.
As kids grow, the safety measures in place should adapt. That’s why it’s important to tackle online safety
in a proactive way where a child’s age is taken into account. Below we have narrowed down the top tips
for child online safety from 0 - 18 years old, classified by age range:
Preschooler: 0 - 5 yrs
If your preschooler doesn’t have their own device just yet, it’s likely that they’ll borrow from their parents
or siblings to watch videos or play games. Here’s how to make sure your child is using these devices
safely:
Keep it kid-friendly: Allow the usage of kid-friendly apps and websites that you have verified. Do your
research beforehand.
Supervise: Not all video content is what it seems. Always try to be in the room or close by when your
child is using the internet.
Monitor your child's usage: Keep a close eye on your child’s device usage, especially if they’re
accessing the internet. Better yet, use this time to go online with them where you can guide them and
explore the digital world together.
Set boundaries: Set boundaries by establishing time limits. Use passwords on devices, apps, and online
features to restrict access.
Cyber Defense eMagazine – November 2023 Edition 32
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