How to set up a kid-safe laptop? Here are 4 tips.
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As kids get older, they become more exposed to technology including laptops. Using a laptop or computer and with help from the Internet, they can access a lot of information, including unhealthy ones.
Nowadays, it’s okay for kids to use laptops for school and for entertainment. Unfortunately, they are exposed not only to useful information online but also adult content, obscene language, violence, and even cyberbullying.
Parents can avoid exposure to these by setting up a kid-safe device. There are helpful resources like Fancy Appliance that can help you find laptops that are easy for kids and families to use, and here are 4 tips for setting up your laptop to ensure your kids can browse safely.
Set up parental controls on the laptop
Installing parental controls on a laptop is one effective way to ensure your kids do not have access to unhealthy content. Most parents mistake this process to be complicated when in fact it is very easy.
Simply run a search on how to set up parental controls on your computer because technically, there is a different instruction for each type of operating system. For instance, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 follow the same instructions for setting up parental controls.
You would want to consider activating the parental controls to limit your child’s access to certain apps that you think are harmful.
Once you’ve set up parental controls on a laptop you can:
- Block websites with adult content
- Keep track of searches and save login details
- Limit the time spent on the computer
- Ensure private information stay private
- Allow different users and set up different restrictions for each
- Monitor your child’s activity anytime by using your mobile phone
Set up the computer in a public space
Another way to discourage children from accessing harmful information online is by placing the computer in a public area in the house. A good example is the living room or family room.
Chances are good that your child will not attempt to open mature content when they know that people can easily see their screen. This is also an advantage on the parents’ part since they would not have to watch over their child’s activity every now and then.
Be open on your intention to monitor and explain why
It is best that you talk to your child and let them know your expectations. Explain the good information there is online, but focus also on what they must avoid. Parents must educate their child on the dangers of sharing private information to strangers and accessing mature websites and some social media sites so they, too, will be cautious.
Although the majority of children aged 11-16 agree with using parental controls, some children may feel pressured for having restrictions on laptop use. Explain properly to your child that this is a temporary arrangement and will be adjusted when the time is right.
Use parental supervision
All of these tips may be useless unless you show enough parental supervision. Looking after your child’s online activities and monitoring their time spent on a computer remains the best way to ensure they are on the right path.
Children sometimes make poor choices and view violent videos or make expensive purchases by accident. Or worse, they can be a victim of cyberbullying. Keep in mind the troubles and conflicts you and your child could avoid when you guide your child on the safe use of the laptop.
Conclusion
It is the parents’ responsibility to supervise and educate their children so they know how to use the laptop safely. Setting up the computer area where it is visible to guardians and installing parental controls are also ways to set up a kid-safe laptop.