APPS AND TOOLS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE

In today’s digital age, the internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and connection, but it also poses risks we cannot afford to ignore. This page is your guide to understanding those risks, recognizing the signs of potential dangers, and equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect your child both online and offline. Together, let’s embark on a journey to create a safer online world for our children.

There are several apps and tools available to enhance internet safety for both children and adults. Here are some recommended resources, apps, and tools for various aspects of internet safety:

Parental Control Apps:

Bark: Provides comprehensive parental control features, including content filtering, time limits, and activity monitoring.

Norton Family: Offers web filtering, app monitoring, and location tracking for children's devices.

Kaspersky Safe Kids:  Helps parents manage screen time, block harmful websites, and receive realtime activity reports.

Gabb: Safe phones for ages 5-18, giving kids access to only the content they need, while avoiding dangerous apps and websites.

Safe Browsing and Content Filtering:

SafeSearch (Google, Bing, YouTube): Enable SafeSearch settings in search engines to filter out explicit content.

Angel IQ: A search engine designed as a buffer and guide to the internet that creates safe, curated experiences for kids, giving parents peace of mind.

Secure Messaging Apps:

WhatsApp: Offers endtoend encryption for messages, ensuring privacy.

Signal: Known for its strong encryption and privacy features.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services:

ExpressVPN: A highly rated VPN service that enhances online privacy and security.

NordVPN: Offers strong encryption and a nologs policy for secure browsing.

Education and Awareness Apps:

Common Sense Media: Provides ageappropriate content recommendations and resources for parents.

NetSmartz Workshop: Offers resources to educate children and parents about online safety.

Recommended Books for Families:

God Made All of Me - Justin S. Holcomb: Explore God Made All of Me and find encouragement, clear guidance, and the tools necessary to facilitate open conversations about how your children can protect their bodies, an important step in keeping them as safe as possible.

I Said No - Kimberly King:  This book helps families navigate a difficult subject in simple, kid-friendly language that advises readers to identify their feelings, recognize green and red flags, and to always (always) confide in a trusted adult when encountering the red ones.

Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story about a mom and dad who explain what pornography is, why it’s dangerous, and how to reject it.

It's essential to research and choose the apps and tools that best fit your specific needs and concerns regarding internet safety. Make sure to regularly update and review the settings of these tools to adapt to changing online threats and the needs of your family.

Remember that this is an ongoing conversation, not a one time talk. Revisit and reinforce these concepts regularly as your child grows. The goal is to empower them with knowledge and the confidence to protect themselves from potential dangers while maintaining their trust and open communication with you. 

Start Early and Age-Appropriate:

Begin the conversation at an age appropriate level, gradually building on it as your child matures. Use language and concepts that are suitable for their age and level of understanding.

Create a Safe and Judgment-Free Environment:

Emphasize that you are there to listen and support them, not to judge or blame. Encourage questions and open dialogue, even if the topic is uncomfortable.

Focus on Empowerment and Awareness:

Teach your child about personal boundaries and consent, emphasizing that it's okay to say no to anything that makes them uncomfortable. Discuss the importance of trusting their instincts and the people they interact with both online and offline.

Use RealLife Scenarios and Stories:

Share age appropriate stories or news articles about child trafficking cases to illustrate the dangers without causing unnecessary fear. Highlight the tactics traffickers may use, such as grooming and manipulation.

Discuss Online Safety:

Teach your child about internet safety, including the risks of sharing personal information online and the importance of not meeting strangers they've met online in person. Emphasize the need to be cautious when sharing photos or information on social media.