Parenting Pointers: Internet Filtering

American kids spend 6-9 hours per day on the Internet. Nearly all teens access the Internet through mobile devices. Over half of children 8-12 own cell phones. Nearly a quarter of children under 8 use smartphones. More than a third of toddlers and babies under 2 have used a mobile device.

So what can parents do to keep kids safe while they’re browsing on phones or tablets?

Ooma - a VoIP provider that offers cloud-based Internet security - has compiled a detailed new report to help parents keep their kids out of trouble online.

*** OOMA.COM PARENTAL CONTROL REPORT ***

#1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT DEVICE
Android and i0S offer different security features. Pick the one that is right for your child.

#2 FILTER CONTENT FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME NETWORK
Some Internet service providers offer filtering options, while others—dynamic cloud-based services like Ooma Internet Security—interface with your router and modem and protect all devices on your network, allowing you to restrict access to dangerous websites.

#3 INSTALL A PARENTAL CONTROL TOOL
Parental controls are comprehensive tools designed to help parents keep kids safe, but the tricky part is that they must be installed on each individual device.

#4 ADJUST IN-APP SETTINGS
Many apps offer parental-control settings. For example, Netflix allows parents to set up filtered profiles for kids.

#5 TALK TO YOUR KIDS
Technological fixes only go so far. Good communication and an open dialogue with kids about online risk concerns and privacy helps them make good decisions online.
 
For more details on how parents can keep their kids safe online, readers can read the full Ooma.com Parental Control Report here.