What the Tech: Caught in a game of cat and mouse with children? Read this first

In the age of social media and constant connectivity, parents often worry about
manage their children’s screen time and online activities. With teenagers and pre-teens
increasingly tech-savvy, they sometimes find clever ways to bypass the smartphone
restrictions, sharing tips and tricks on platforms like TikTok.

Whether it’s hiding apps on the home screen or disguising them to escape parental supervision, the digital game of cat and mouse continues.

Many parents rely on tools like Screen Time on iPhone to set limits on app usage. For
For example, if parents decide that one hour of Snapchat is enough for a day, they can impose it
limit via screen time settings. Once the timer expires, the app remains locked
until a parent enters the password to allow more time. This functionality can be applied to any application,
providing a level of control over the time children spend on specific apps.

However, an important oversight occurs with web access to popular apps like TikTok,
YouTube or Instagram. Although parents can set time limits for these websites, these restrictions
do not apply when children use private or incognito browsing modes. In these modes, users
can visit websites without time counting against screen time limits. This flaw
means that, despite parental controls, children can spend unlimited time on these sites
without leaving a trace in their browsing history.

For parents experiencing difficulties with their children visiting certain websites, stricter measures
measurements are available. In Screen Time settings, parents can tap content and
privacy restrictions and create a password to authorize changes. Then, by selecting the content
restrictions, they can block explicit content and set age-appropriate limits. To further restrict
web content, parents can block adult websites or even specify which websites are allowed,
preventing access to other people, even in private browsing mode.

Despite these options, certain limitations persist. For example, it is not possible to block private browsing
or private mode on iPhones directly. Android devices offer more flexibility in this regard,
especially if the child’s phone is supervised with Family Link.

Parents can also turn to third-party apps that monitor a child’s phone usage and block access to
some apps and websites. These services typically come with a monthly fee of around $15.

Another approach that is gaining popularity is the use of flip phones for young children. These
the devices, readily available from mobile phone providers, are cost-effective and limit functionality to calls
and texts. This option allows parents to stay in touch with their children and provide them with
with a means of communication in an emergency, without the distractions and associated risks
with smartphones.

Navigating the complexities of digital parenting requires a combination of using built-in features, understanding the limitations of these tools, considering third-party solutions, and sometimes opting for simpler technology. As the digital landscape evolves, so must the strategies parents employ to ensure the safety and well-being of their children online.