Manipulative Strategies Used by Kids to Deceive Their Guardians
In the digital age, keeping children safe online is a significant concern for parents. While screen time limits and content filters are common parental control methods, children are often tech-savvy and find ways to bypass them. Here's a guide to help parents counter these tricks and ensure their children's safety and well-being.
Children can watch content in other apps, such as YouTube videos sent via WhatsApp, without opening the original app. They may also use VPNs to bypass content filters, location limits, and school network blocks. Offline downloads of content on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix can be viewed without screen time tracking. Locked apps can sometimes be opened via voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
To combat these tactics, parents can employ a combination of technical safeguards, monitoring, and open communication.
Firstly, use robust parental control apps like Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, Qustodio, Norton Family, or Net Nanny. These apps can block or restrict VPN apps, app installations, and manage screen time effectively. Regularly review device settings and installed apps to detect unfamiliar or suspicious apps. Password-protect parental control apps and limit children’s administrative access to prevent them from uninstalling or disabling controls or performing factory resets.
Restrict downloading or installing new apps, especially VPNs or proxy apps, by turning off app store access or requiring parental approval for downloads. Maintain network-level controls by configuring your home Wi-Fi router to filter content and restrict VPN use. Be aware that children might switch to mobile data or other networks to circumvent restrictions, so monitor network usage and enforce device rules accordingly.
Set clear family rules and digital agreements to explain acceptable use, why controls are in place, and the consequences of bypassing them. Engage children in conversations about safe and responsible device use to foster trust and cooperation. Use screen time monitoring tools to observe app usage and detect patterns that suggest circumventing controls.
Consider device tracking and geofencing features to monitor when and where children use their devices, helping reinforce rules around device use and location.
Children may rely on tactics such as using VPNs, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, disabling apps, factory resetting devices, or using alternate accounts/devices. Therefore, a multi-layered approach combining technology, supervision, and communication is most effective.
In summary, parents should use comprehensive parental control tools with password protection, monitor device and app activity regularly, restrict app installations, apply network-wide filters, and maintain ongoing discussions with children about internet safety and boundaries.
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- For effective safety and well-being of children, parents should consider using technology beyond screen time limits and content filters. For instance, managing VPN usage and restricting installation of new apps can thwart children's attempts to bypass controls.
- In addition to technical safeguards, open and regular communication with children about internet safety, responsible device use, and the consequences of bypassing rules is crucial. This fosters trust and cooperation with children.
- Parenting in the digital age necessitates staying abreast of health-and-wellness topics, such as the impacts of screen time and cybersecurity, as well as lifestyle trends in science and technology that shape children's online experiences.
