Parent Resources
Parents Guide to Technology
Principles for Proper Use
1. Technology is a Privilege
Children need to understand technology can be taken away if boundaries are broken.
2. Set Clear Expectations
Be upfront and clear. If children have a better understanding of the expectations, it will become easier to enforce boundaries.
3. Devices Will Be Checked for Inappropriate Content
Children understand that parents can and will check their devices. Random and frequent checks create healthy accountability. (Tip: Charge devices in a different room)
4. No Secret Passwords or Accounts
Parents maintain access to all accounts. This adds another level of accountability.
5. Limit Time with Devices
Define acceptable and unacceptable times of use as well as technology time limits. Times can be adjusted with age and maturity as trust is built.
6. They Break It, They Buy It.
Children should take responsibility for any physical damage to the phone and for any plan overages.
7. Just Because a Friend Has It, Doesn’t Mean Your Children Will
All apps can be set up for approval by mom or dad. This gives parents control over which apps are installed on the phone.
8. Their Presence Online Represents More Than Just Themselves
It’s important for children to realize that what they do online represents their family, friends, church, and school.
9. Online is Forever
Remind children that colleges and employers look at social media as a reference. Once it’s online, it’s online forever. This is not limited to things you post online, Once a text message, or picture has been sent it can be kept forever.
10. Never Use Technology in a Way That Is Hurtful
Anything that wouldn’t be said in person should never be said over text or on a social network. Fake accounts should never be used to make fun of someone. Photos, videos, or text that could be embarrassing to someone else should never be shared.
11. Use Technology to Encourage
Technology allows people to connect with others easier and more often. It’s important that children use technology to have a positive influence on others.
12. Model Proper Etiquette
Set a good example. Teach children when to silence or turn off the phone – movies, restaurants, dinner table, etc. The phone shouldn’t be used when interacting with someone in person.
Technology Tutorials
Gaming Consoles
- Parental Controls on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox
- Nintendo Switch (Video)
- Playstation (Video)
- Xbox (Video)
Amazon Fire Tablet
Filtering and Monitoring
Here is a great review of some popular parental control programs and apps with links below.
Covenant eyes is not built to function as a parental control but an accountability app specifically for explicit content. It has great features for accountability (like screen shots and website history) and blocking websites.
These are the apps investigators are warning parents to watch out for (provided by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office):
