How To Protect Your Kids Online and Secure Their Devices

Kids are now spending more time online, and keeping them safe on the internet is a big concern for parents. They’re at risk from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or online predators, just to name a few. Parents need to take action to protect their kids from these dangers and teach them safe habits for using the internet.

This article will cover tips to protect your kids online. The best parental control apps offer a practical solution to help parents monitor, restrict, and manage their children’s online activities.

How to Protect Your Kids Online

Protecting your kids online involves several steps, from having conversations about internet safety to using technology tools like password managers and parental control apps.

Below are key methods to ensure your children stay safe using the internet.

Start Conversations

Talking openly with your kids about what they do online is important in keeping them safe. Ask about the websites they visit, the games they play, and who they chat with. It will help you understand their online activities better and guide them if they encounter anything suspicious or unsafe.

These conversations also allow you to teach your kids about the risks they might face online. They will be more careful when they know why and how certain sites or actions are risky. Let them know they can always come to you if they’re unsure or need help.

Monitor Computer Activities

If you can, place the computer in a shared area of your home, such as the living room, rather than in their bedroom. This way, you can regularly check in on what they are doing without seeming invasive. Set up a separate user profile for your child to limit website access and prevent software installation without your permission.

Also, reviewing their browsing history regularly and checking which applications they have downloaded will help you stay informed about their internet use. Monitoring doesn’t mean spying — it means staying involved and aware of their online activities.

Set Clear Boundaries

Clearly define which websites are safe to use, how much time they can spend on their devices, and what interactions are acceptable online. For example, establish time limits for screen time, especially for younger kids, and set specific rules for social media platforms like Discord, where they may meet strangers.

It’s also important to explain the dangers of sharing too much personal information online like their real name, address, or phone number. Social media can expose children to identity theft or worse, so it's important to teach them to protect personally identifiable information (PII).

Use a Password Manager

Passwords play a critical role in online safety, especially for kids who need help understanding the importance of using strong, unique passwords for each account. Password managers can automatically generate and store complex passwords, reducing the chances of their accounts being hacked.

Below are three password managers that are good for kids.

• NordPass: NordPass allows kids to log in automatically without manually entering their credentials to minimize mistakes and provide a smoother online experience. The app can generate up to a 60-character strong password, making it extremely complicated for hackers to access their accounts.

  Get NordPass | Read NordPass Review

• 1Password: This app is simple to install and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for kids to use and manage their credentials. It also helps kids generate strong passwords of up to 100 characters long.

  Get 1Password | Read 1Password Review

• Bitwarden: Bitwarden allows children to create strong passwords combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for up to 128 characters. The app also has a password testing feature to show its strength and estimate the time it will take to crack.

  Get Bitwarden | Read Bitwarden Review

Use Parental Control Apps

Parental controls help establish your child’s safety when they’re online. These apps allow you to track and control what your child can access on their devices, set time limits, and receive alerts about suspicious behavior. Some apps also include virus protection features to add extra safety to your child’s online experiences.

Some features of parental control apps include:

• Restricting access to specific websites or content
• Setting time limits for internet use
• Monitoring social media activity
• Receiving alerts for cyberbullying or explicit content
• Enforcing safe search on Google and other platforms
• Blocking certain apps or games

Best Parental Control Apps

Parental control apps make it easier for parents to monitor and manage their child’s online activities. They help filter content, set screen time limits, and send alerts for suspicious behavior.

Below are three of the best parental control apps to consider.

• Bark: This app uses advanced AI to monitor texts, social media, videos, images, and audio for cyberbullying and explicit content to protect kids. It also allows you to track your child’s location when they’re not at home.

  Get Bark | Read Bark Review

• Aura Parental Controls: This app lets your kids enjoy safe gaming sessions by sending you alerts about online threats. You can also establish your children’s screen time by setting limits for apps and websites.

  Get Aura Parental Controls | Read Aura Parental Controls Review

• Kaspersky Safe Kids: This app uses GPS tracking to display your child’s location, alert you if they leave safe areas, and monitor the battery levels of your child’s device. It also keeps your kids safe with online filters that block harmful websites.

  Get Kaspersky Safe Kids | Read Kaspersky Safe Kids Review

What Dangers Do Kids Face Online?

Kids face more online risks than adults because they are less experienced and can be more easily influenced. Kids may not fully understand how dangerous some situations can be, making them easier targets for manipulation. The internet can be fun and useful, but it also puts children at risk of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

Some dangers kids face online include:

• Cyberbullying: Being bullied through messages or social media
• Inappropriate content: Seeing things that are not suitable for their age
• Internet predators: Strangers who try to harm or take advantage of children
• Privacy risks: Sharing personal information without knowing the danger
• Screen time: Spending a lot of time online affects health and mood

FAQs

Bottom Line

Keeping your kids safe online means staying active and involved. Teach them good habits, set clear rules, and use password managers and parental control apps to protect them. When parents stay informed about their children's online activities, they can better guide them toward safe and responsible internet use.

Consider the best parental control apps to monitor and manage your child’s online activity.