Parental Control is a unified denomination for a broad range of tools that seeks to limit and block unwanted content on computers, laptops, cellphones etc. These tools are all important if you as a parent wish to make sure that your children have a safe online experience. No matter how vigilant you are when your children are online, you will not be able to watch them all the time. This is where Parental Control is an important and useful tool. In this article, we describe the different types of tools, and how you as a parent can use them, to help make your children’s online experience safer. You will also find solid advice that you as parent can use – alongside the many Parental Control tools.
What tools do Parental actually contain?
Parental Control is described in four categories: “Content Filters”, “Usage Controls” “Computer Usage Management Tools” and “Monitoring”. It can sound rather technical but it is important to understand the different tools in order to ensure your children and your own online security. You will in most cases find yourself using the different tools in combination with each other. Parental Control is often used against services/webpages that uses micro transactions, onlinechat/chatforums, inappropriate content for minors etc.
Below here, you will find the four categories described in detail.
Content Filters:
These programs aims to limit the type of content which can be displayed and accessed on the device, where it is installed. In most cases, the limitation is targeted towards what type of content that can be displayed and accessed in regards to the age of the user. This could be webpages, domains, single words and sentences.
Usage controls:
These programs usually limits the timeframe for which the device can be used, and at what time. At the same time, these programs can also be used to limit what the device can be used for. Many parents choose to block access to onlinechatting, videocalling, sending/receiving pictures etc.
Computer Usage Management Tools:
In most cases these are programs that are installed to make sure that specific tasks and processes are performed. This could be an antispywareprogram that scans the computer for malicious software such as spyware, adware, Trojans etc. It can also be programs that stops and blocks unwanted programs from being active on the computer. This could be applied to browsers and general online usage such as online gaming and other online services.
Monitoring:
As the topic implies monitoring offers the possibility to monitor any activity on the computer or other devices, and to track its location. More often than not, this is especially useful when installed on mobile devices, as you as a parent can track your children’s whereabouts at any given time. You will be able to see where the device have been, and what it have been used for in any given time period.
Where is Parental Control used?
As the name implies Parental Control is for parents that wishes to control their children’s online experience, usage of the computer and other devices. In most cases, you will install one or more programs, which offers the kind of Parental Control that you wish to use. Some programs offers to block specific sites where other programs is used as a tool to monitor children’s online behavior.
In most operating systems and often-used programs, you will find built-in Parental Control tools. In Windows, you can change a long range of criteria’s for each user, which allows you to differentiate access on a user level. As an example, you can allow a broader range of options for your oldest children, while limiting access to its siblings. The same possibilities are present for most browsers, where you can block unwanted content and pages. You can read more about Parental Control in Windows here.
Mobile units – stay vigilant
You should always be extra careful with your children’s online access with their smartphone. In many cases people tend to secure their stationary computer and laptop but forget their children’s smartphone. Smartphones can in general be a blessing if you make sure to limit some of the many functions, which it offers. If you allow your children to have and use a smartphone you will at any time be able to track and know the whereabouts of your children. You will also be able to reach your child at any time and vice versa. Online you can find a wide range of apps and programs that can help you with Parental Control on smartphones. Since there is many different smartphones, on the market, it is difficult to list all programs and apps for each model, instead we urge you to search online or ask a friend to find the Parental Control tools you need.
As mentioned earlier in this article you will often find a wide range of Parental Control tools in your operating system and browser, in many cases this is not nearly enough to make your devices safe for your children. As such, we strongly urge you to install security programs that can offer additional protection and monitoring. In Anti Explorator, you will find a wide selection of tools and settings, which makes it easier for you as a parent, to make sure that your children are not affected by unwanted content. Anti Explorator also offers protection against spyware and other threats to your online security. In many cases, there is a direct link between spyware and children, which have been exposed to unwanted content.
We recommend that you download Anti Explorator for free, and scan your computer at once.
Should you already be using Parental Control in one way or another, we still have some advice we would like to share with you. Should you choose to follow these guidelines, and use security software you and your children will be well equipped against unwanted content. Please remember that there is no single way to make sure that you and your children are 100% safe all the time. This is why it is crucial that you assess your online security and adjust it accordingly. In any case, you will need an antispyware or antivirus program – this cannot be stressed enough.
4 guidelines to a safer online experience
Speak to your children:
it might be somewhat futile to mention but its paramount that you talk to your children. Let them know why they cannot chat with strangers online, divulge personal information, and why they are not allowed to sign up to different webpages and online services. Be specific in how you will allow your children to use their computer, laptop, smartphone. Adjust the boundaries to your children’s age and discuss one subject at a time.
Be present:
During day to day activities it can be difficult to remain 100% on top of your children’s online experience. It is however crucial that you at regular intervals ask your children what they are doing. This way you make sure that they are not being led astray and are exposed to unwanted content.
Changing of habits:
if your children is affected by unwanted content or persons more often than not their habits will change. Signs could be that they are more introvert than usual, wanting to spend more time alone and secluded with the computer etc. It can be difficult to give exact pointers for when habits begin to change; this is why it is so important that you keep talking to your children about the need for boundaries.
Manage use:
In practically all devices, you as a parent have the option to monitor and control your children’s use of the device. Should you experience spikes in either time spent or financially it might be beneficial to have a more thorough look on your children’s online usage. Please keep in mind that changes in habits is not necessarily bad, but a key indicator that you as parent should keep an eye on.
We hope that this guide have given you a greater insight into Parental Control, and what you as a parent can do for your children’s online security. At Anti Explorator we offer a complete and free scan of your computer, and Anti Explorator also contain many useful Parental Control tools.
We are on the verge of launching a new version of Anti Explorator, where you will find even more Parental Control tools. If you already have the full version of Anti Explorator, you can upgrade to the newest version free. Should you want to purchase the full version of Anti Explorator you can do it here.
If you have any questions, tips or tricks that you want to share with other users please let us know here.