Wednesday, October 12th has come to be known as National Stop Bullying Day. A little brief history for you.

National Stop Bullying Day: How Can You Do Your Part?

Here are 4 ways you can use FamilyKeeper to keep your kids safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Child safety during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

How to keep our kids safe online while giving them the space they need to grow.

Let Your Kids Spread Their Wings, Safely!

How to balance your kids’ need for technology with your need to protect them.

Worried about cyberthreats? Get your kids a digital helmet!

The current dangers of overexposure to YouTube.

The Dangers of YouTube

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens over digital devices like smartphones, computers and tablets.

Cyberbullying - What You Need To Know

The three main indicators of Screen Addiction that you should watch out for

The Dangers of Screen Addiction

When discussing cyberbullying with your children, it’s hugely important to keep the lines of communication open. The more confident youngsters feel in discussing their online activity, the more autonomy it will give them in terms of pushing back against cyberbullies.

How to Help Your Kids Prevent Cyberbullying

With in-app purchases, it is all too easy to rack up the credit card bill by paying for added extras – whether it’s accidentally or on purpose.

Kids vs. In-App Purchases: 6 Tips to Prevent a Surprise Hefty Bill!

Here are a few tips to help you with gifting digital devices this Christmas.

New Phone for Christmas? Here’s How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The aim of Safer Internet Day is to make the internet a safer place, for kids in particular, by raising awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns – from cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity.

Safer Internet Day: What Can We Do to Effect Change?

These five tips aim to help parents manage the unwitting dangers of screen time in a practical and purposeful way.

5 Simple Tips to Manage Kids’ Screen Time

We’ve put together 5 Pillars of Cyberbullying Prevention for parents to easily implement in the fight against cyberbullying.

5 Tips for Parents to Help Stop Cyberbullying

International Stand Up to Bullying Day is a semi-annual event to raise public awareness around bullying in all its forms.

Don't Be a Bystander: It's International Stand Up to Bullying Day!

We’ve delved into the heart of social media use to find the 5 most prominent dangers that we need to be aware of.

The Dark Side of Social Media: 5 Dangers to Be Wary Of

This International Children’s Book Day, whether your child is holding a tablet or a physical book, it’s time to explore the world of children’s literature.

International Children’s Book Day: Switch Off Screens and Curl Up with a Good Book!

Our job is to keep you and your family cyber safe – so this year, enjoy our top tips for a stress-free Easter!

3 Tips to Keep Your Loved Ones Cyber Safe this Easter!

Over 40% of teenagers have reported experiencing loneliness as a result of social media – an astonishing figure considering that ‘social’ implies togetherness.

40% of Teenagers Experience Loneliness. Help Protect Them With These 3 Steps

Social media platforms, chatrooms, WhatsApp and text messaging, online gaming – the advent of web-based connections is affecting our ability to form face-to-face relationships with people.

Too Much Screen Time? Risks, Dangers, and What We Can Do to Help

As adults, we may have trained ourselves to function on less sleep – but try reasoning with an overtired toddler or a moody teenager and you may well be on a mission to lessen screen time, and create a more serene bedtime experience for your family!

Put Those Screens Away! 4 Ways To Make Bedtime Easier

National Missing Children’s Day serves as a reminder that we should continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.

Keeping Our Children Safe – The No. 1 Priority Of All Parents

We’ve rounded up 5 top apps that provide educational value this summer – so that you can get stuff done, your children can be happily occupied, and they learn a little something too!

Can Screen Time be Beneficial? 5 Apps with Educational Value

How do you set the boundaries when your child receives a phone? And how do you keep your kids safe from online harm? Never fear - we've got you covered!

Back to School, Back to Routine. Why Do I Need A Parental Control App?

Which are the latest dangerous crazes that have emerged from social media?

Online Threats To Be Aware Of: 3 Dangerous TikTok Challenges

Wednesday, October 12th has come to be known as National Stop Bullying Day.

FamilyKeeper has rounded up the top apps to help you and your kids enhance Thanksgiving.

Top Apps To Enhance This Year’s Thanksgiving With Your Kids

Cyberbullying can affect a victim’s self-esteem, self-confidence, social behavior, school work, self-worth, and self-awareness, and lead to extremities such as self-harm and in the worst cases, even suicide.

Cyberbullying on Social Media: When Does It Become Violent?

There are more new apps than ever exploding onto the scene. We’ve rounded up the top 3 new apps that parents ought to know about.

Three Popular Apps in 2023 That Parents Should Know About

There are some inherent risks that parents and guardians should be aware of when it comes to their kids and Discord's safety.

Is Discord Safe For Kids? Everything You Need To Know

There are so many popular apps for kids in 2023, but there are several genres of mobile apps that parents should be concerned about. So which popular apps should you consider blocking?

Dangerous Apps To Block: How To Block Apps And Why

The content of YouTube Shorts varies widely, and while some YouTube Shorts may be appropriate for kids, others may not be.

Are YouTube Shorts Safe For Kids? How to Block YouTube Shorts

Why should parents use a web content filtering solution? And how is it used to block harmful websites?

How Do I Safeguard My Child Online? Web Content Filtering in Parental Control Apps

In this blog, we will explore what screen addiction is, why it is detrimental to young minds, and how parental control apps can help prevent and manage this issue.

Prevent Screen Addiction & Tips for Screen Addiction Treatment

Instagram Threads is relatively new - but is it safe to use? Everything parents need to know

Is Instagram Threads Safe for Kids? The Risks You Should Know

Sharing 'Back to School' photos of your children online can be a heartwarming way to celebrate their milestones, but it's essential to be aware of security risks, especially with regard to identity theft and online protection. 

Back To School! Is Sharing Photos Online A Risky Thing To Do?

Mukbang has gained immense popularity across various social media platforms, particularly on video-sharing sites like YouTube, Twitch, and platforms that support live streaming. But what does 'mukbang' and ASMR mean?

What Is Mukbang and ASMR? Effects Of This Social Media Trend

Every October, the spotlight shines on National Bullying Prevention Month, a vital initiative dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and its various forms.

National Bullying Prevention Month: Combat Cyberbullying with FamilyKeeper

Selecting the right phone for your child involves thoughtful consideration of factors such as age, features, and parental controls. In this guide, we'll explore how to choose your child's first phone, the potential dangers mobile phones pose for kids, and the role of parental control apps, like FamilyKeeper, in ensuring their safety.

Child's First Phone for Christmas? How To Navigate the Gift of Independence

While TikTok provides a space for creativity and self-expression, it has also witnessed the emergence of dangerous TikTok challenges that pose serious risks to the safety and well-being of users, especially teens.

Latest TikTok Challenges: Did You Know These Are Happening?

Children are growing up surrounded by technology - not all of which is safe! We’re rounded up 10 apps that  kids use which parents should be keeping an eye on.



10 Apps That Parents Should Monitor With Parental Controls

Summer is the perfect time to get your kids off their screens and into the great outdoors or engage in creative, hands-on activities. With a little planning and enthusiasm, you can help your children discover the joys of the season while also fostering their development and strengthening family bonds. 


Fun Summer Activities to Reduce Screen Time for Kids

Here are 7 apps to familiarize yourself with in order to best understand what kids may be viewing, how we can find safer ways to monitor them, and how to open up those conversations with your child surrounding if, how and when they should use certain apps.

The 7 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids and Teens

The presence of smartphones in schools has sparked a heated debate among educators, parents, and policymakers. Do smartphones enhance learning and communication, or are they more likely to lead to distraction and cyberbullying?

Why Should Phones Be Allowed In School? Pros & Cons

The word ‘games’ implies fun – but some of these popular online experiences, even those aimed at kids, contain worrying content. Here's what you should be looking out for.

7 Alarming Online Games to Watch Out For

Gacha Games are a relatively new genre of online gaming, whose popularity is on the rise.

What is a Gacha Game? Everything you need to know

"Sneaky link" is a slang term that refers to a secret or discreet meeting between two people who are romantically interested in each other.

Sneaky Link: The What, Who, How, and Why of This Online Slang

Lead gaming app Roblox is an online platform where games can be both made and played by users. With so many varied games on offer, there are games on the platform that aren’t remotely child-friendly or appropriate for all ages.

Worried About Sexual Roblox Content? 5 Games to Look Out For

It’s August and it’s summer – yet Back to School signs are everywhere as kids and parents alike get ready to brave the new school year.

Backpack? Check. Pencil case? Check. Lunchbox? Check. New school shirt? Check. Everyone is starting a new school class – with some kids even beginning a brand new school. And as we all know, with kids wanting to fit in, along with parents wanting to keep kids safe, and just the general fact that we are in 2022 – giving your child a phone has become part of the back-to-school prep.

Giving your child a phone is a big consideration. Are they old enough? Are they responsible enough? You may have decided they need one for the school journey, or maybe they’ve reached an appropriate age, or maybe it’s simply peer pressure. It’s difficult these days with class Whatsapp groups being so popular – kids have genuine FOMO (fear of missing out) if they don’t also have a phone to call their own.

But how do you set the boundaries when your child receives a phone? And how do you keep your kids safe from online harm?

Never fear – we’ve got you covered! 

When you reach that milestone of handing your child a phone, utilizing a parental control app such as FamilyKeeper adds an important layer of protection for parents and kids. Now we know what you’re thinking: it’s all very well adding blockers and parental controls to the tablet my 6-year-old messes around with at home – but what happens when my teenager decides Mom and Dad are invading their privacy? 

Let’s take a look at the important reasons why you should be using parental control apps – and how to deal with any objections your kids may raise. 

## Geolocation

Parts of the world are safe; parts of the world are not so safe. It’s our job to protect our children. Maybe your kid takes the bus to school? Perhaps they’re meeting friends to go to the mall or to a park? As parents, our main aim is to keep our children safe, and knowing where your kids are is a part of that.

It’s understandable that from a kid’s perspective, they won’t want you to feel that you are invading their privacy – that’s why it’s so important for you to explain your concerns to your child. Unfortunately, the world isn’t a safe place and it’s also an enormous place! Thankfully, geofencing and location trackers enable a parent and child to decide together which areas are safe. Your child can have their own input into the discussions, as you set the “safe zones”.

A parental control app like FamilyKeeper gives that element of security to know that family members are in safe territories – but you can decide where, and how far that is, together, before you set the controls.

## Cyberbullying

Just think about this for a second – have you ever received a message that’s made your heart sink? Have you perhaps sent messages to someone that may have been unkind? Has anyone ever sent something that’s made you cringe, or been embarrassed, or that you think was inappropriate for social media? These are the kinds of questions that can be asked of both generations – there’s a very high chance that both parent and child can empathize with these situations.

Cyberbullying is on the rise, and the last thing anyone wants is for their kid to either be a victim or, in fact, the bully. It’s so easy to become a troll these days or to get away with writing something to someone that you wouldn’t even think of saying to their face.

Unfortunately, it’s also ridiculously easy for a kid to be so upset by an online comment about them, that they will hide it from their parents instead of asking for help and advice. This then triggers a vicious cycle of awful cyber behavior, that may be kept under the radar until something explosive happens.`

By all means, your kid should be able to enjoy social media, messaging friends, and adding posts, reels, videos, and comments. Adding the FamilyKeeper app and deciding on trigger words simply protects against anyone feeling emotionally hurt or vulnerable. With FamilyKeeper, you and your child can decide together which words should be added to the “keyword” list so that you’ll be alerted if inappropriate or offensive language is being used.

## The Family Schedule

We all know realistically that it’s unhealthy for your mind, body and soul to spend too much time glued to a device. Kids and adults alike these days are hooked on screens – but too much screen time can cause disruptive sleep patterns, and antisocial behavior, as people forget how to interact face-to-face. 

It’s also ridiculously easy to lose track of time when using a screen – we’ve all heard ‘Just one more episode!”, “Just one more level!”, or “Just five more minutes!”  Parents don’t want their kids to feel that they can’t manage or organize their own schedule but we all, adults included, know how easy it is to lose track of time while staring at a screen, and forget that there is a real-world out there with face-to-face interaction, physical activity and good ol’ fresh air.

A parental control app like FamilyKeeper can utilize screen time controls, which can help you decide together how much screen time is healthy for your family, when bedtime should be, and just generally plan a healthier weekly schedule. You can effectively plan your day / week / month so that real life doesn’t pass you by while you are staring at a device.

There’s no shame in wanting to keep your family safe – and the best parental control apps are a great way to do so. You wouldn’t let a driver out on the roads without driving lessons first, would you? Parental control apps like FamilyKeeper provide your kid with the tools they need to navigate their online environment safely – it’s the training wheels that will guide them through their early experiences of handling a phone responsibly, how to treat others (and be treated) with respect on social media, and managing their screen time effectively.

So before the back-to-school rush really gets going, take the time to open up the channels of communication with your child – both sides should feel they are being heard while bearing in mind that the key goal of the best parental control apps is to keep kids safe from harm.

For more information and to start your free 7-day trial: www.familykeeper.reasonlabs.com. 

26_Back_to_School_Back_to_Routine_Why_Do_I_Need_A_Parental_Control_App_GC_5f93e932e3.avif

With so many apps available that provide entertainment or educational value, it can be challenging to sift through which apps are as innocent as they look and are actually safe apps for kids, and which apps can pose online dangers or risks for your kids, and should really be added to your dangerous apps list.

There are so many popular apps for kids in 2023, but there are several genres of mobile apps that parents should be concerned about. Now that we have a “block apps” feature at our disposal on the FamilyKeeper parental control app, it’s important to take a look at which popular apps are unsafe apps for kids and should really be on the dangerous apps list - and also [how to block apps on iPhones](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/ios_app), and [how to block apps on Android](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/android_app) smartphones. 

So which popular apps should you consider blocking?

## Dangerous Apps List - Unsafe Apps for Kids

### Social Media Apps

Social media apps are basically synonymous with having a smartphone, so it’s important to understand where the problems lie. Social media apps, as adults will know, are useful and fun up to a point. However, there’s a fine line where they move from enhancing your life to becoming a narcissistic whirlwind of ‘Look at me!’ and ‘Is my life interesting enough?’, followed by the other body image, self-worth, and ‘Like / Love’ [dopamine hit](https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/the-addictiveness-of-social-media-how-teens-get-hooked) problems that can cause screen time addiction.

For impressionable young people, social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, can be dangerous as they can expose children and teens to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. It’s important that parents understand how these social media apps work, what they entail, and whether their children are old enough to have accounts.

### Dating Apps

There are many dating apps available these days. The most popular and well-known dating apps are, amongst others, Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr. However, these apps are specifically designed for adults, and although each may have its own safeguards - for example, Bumble allows the female to have control over when contact is initiated - each and any of these dating apps can expose children and teens to inappropriate content, online grooming, and sexual exploitation.

Due to the nature of meeting unknown contacts over dating apps, these apps are deemed unsafe apps for kids.

### Gaming Apps

Many gaming apps are addictive and time-consuming, leading to decreased productivity, social isolation, and sleep deprivation. Additionally, some gaming apps may expose children and teens to violent or graphic content. For example, Roblox is notorious for inadvertently [exposing children to sexual content](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/blog/worried-about-sexual-roblox-content-5-games-to-look-out-for). Fortnite is a popular multiplayer game that involves shooting and fighting with intense graphics. And Call of Duty has released a mobile version of the popular first-person shooter game, which also involves realistic depictions of violence and is rated for ages 17+. 

It's important for parents to review the content and ratings of any gaming app before allowing their children to download and play it.  

### Anonymous Chat Apps

Anonymous apps like Whisper and Anonymous Chat allow users to post anonymously, which can lead to cyberbullying, harassment, and online grooming - and are therefore unsafe apps for kids. By definition, we can’t ever know for sure who is behind an unknown profile, so apps like these are extremely dangerous for naive young users. Recently, many apps have come under fire from governing bodies, educational institutions, and the parenting community for not doing enough to protect young users.

For example, TikTok has recently faced criticism for not doing enough to shield teens from inappropriate content. In response, TikTok has added a [new feature](https://www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-develop-parental-control-tool-block-certain-videos-2023-03-01/), whereby teens will need to enter a passcode to continue using the app past the one-hour time limit. Additionally, parents will be able to block videos that contain specific words or hashtags. Similarly, Instagram’s new ‘[Quiet Mode](https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/19/instagrams-new-quiet-mode-helps-you-take-a-break-from-the-app/)’ will allow users to manage their screen time, take a break and switch off.

While it’s good to know that companies themselves are taking some responsibility to lessen the negative effects of app use, ultimately, it’s the parents of young users who have their child’s best interests at heart. Now that we’ve discussed which apps are unsafe apps for kids, we can examine how to block apps that don’t make the safety cut - and also see whether there is an app to block apps that can handle this safety measure.

## FamilyKeeper - The App To Block Apps

All parents should know how to block apps on iPhones and how to block apps on Android phones. It is important for parents to monitor their children's mobile app usage and take steps to ensure that they are not exposed to inappropriate content or online predators.  FamilyKeeper is a great app to block apps as it allows parents to decide which apps to block or unblock at any time. FamilyKeeper can also help parents limit screen time, and monitor their children's online activity.

### How To Block Apps On Phones

To learn how to block apps on phones using the FamilyKeeper parental control app, follow these steps:

1. Open the FamilyKeeper app on the parent device.
2. Go to the "Control" section in the app.
3. Click on the "App Blocker" option.
4. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your child's device. Select the app that you want to block.
5. Once you have selected the app, you will see the option to either "Block" the app. If you choose to block the app, your child will not be able to access it at all. 
6. After making your selection, click on the "Save" button.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any other apps that you want to block.

### How To Block Apps At Certain Times 

If you don’t want to block a particular app completely, but you want to be able to block apps at certain times - for example, maybe you want to turn off Instagram at night so your child isn’t disturbed or distracted by so many pinging messages, or you want to discourage endless scrolling - follow these steps:

1. Open the FamilyKeeper app on the parent device.
2. Go to the "Control" section in the app.
3. Click on the "App Blocker" option.
4. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your child's device. Select the app you want to add a time limit to. 
5. Once you have selected the app, you will see the option to "Time Limit" the app.  If you choose to time limit the app, your child will only be able to use the app for a certain amount of time each day.
6. After making your selection, click on the "Save" button.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for any other apps to which you would like to add screen time limits.

At FamilyKeeper, our commitment to keeping kids cyber safe is our highest priority. However, we encourage parents to use their good judgment when it comes to blocking or limiting apps on their child’s phones. It goes without saying that inappropriate apps should be blocked for younger users. 

Teens are a different story. Once your child reaches an age where they feel they are responsible to use certain apps, and also want some of their own privacy, we encourage you to talk to your child about how, why, and when they use particular apps. And if an app really does seem dangerous and your child shouldn’t be using it, it’s worthwhile taking the time to explain the risks to your child.

For more information on different features of the FamilyKeeper app, including blocking unknown contacts, geolocation tools, and alerts when inappropriate language is detected, visit us at [https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/) or download the app from [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reasonlabs.familykeeper.parentalcontrol.parents) or the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/familykeeper-parental-control/id1637350511). 


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With the internet at our fingertips on any number of devices, it is all too easy for anyone and everyone to access excessive amounts of information, through text, images, and videos. But while in many ways this is a blessing, it can also be a curse.

In today's digital age, ensuring the online safety of children has become a top priority for parents. Parental control apps with web filtering features offer a valuable solution by enabling parents to block inappropriate websites and create a safe browsing environment for their children. 

So why should parents use a web content filtering solution? And how is it used to block harmful websites?

## What Is Web Filtering?

Web filtering, or web content filtering, is a technology that scans website content and blocks access to inappropriate or objectionable material. This technology can analyze web pages in real-time and identify keywords, images, or categories that violate pre-defined guidelines. FamilyKeeper’s new web content filtering [feature](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/features), Web Protection, utilizes this technology as part of its mission to help kids safely navigate the online world.

## Why Should You Use A Web Filtering Solution?

The internet provides a wealth of information and resources but also exposes children to potential risks, offensive content, and inappropriate online behavior. Apps like the [FamilyKeeper parental control app](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/) use a web filtering solution that serves as a vital tool to mitigate these risks and create a secure online experience for children.

‘Web Protection’ is FamilyKeeper’s internet filtering feature, allowing parents to block access to websites that contain explicit content, violence, adult material, or other age-inappropriate material. This ensures that children are protected from harmful or disturbing content while browsing the internet. 

Web Protection’s web filtering also allows parents to define boundaries for their child's online activities. By selectively blocking unwanted content, including certain websites or categories of websites, parents can guide their children toward age-appropriate content and ensure they stay within safe online spaces.

Web Protection also enhances your family’s cybersecurity by helping to prevent online threats. Web Protection features can help safeguard children against various cyber threats, including malware, phishing, or scam websites. As ReasonLabs founder & CTO Andrew Newman discussed in a [recent article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/04/07/cybersecurity-and-kids-how-to-help-protect-the-weakest-link/), kids can be naive when it comes to online security. By reducing their exposure to potentially malicious sites that may contain these threats, parents can reduce the risk of their children inadvertently falling victim to online scams or downloading harmful software.

## The Best Family Internet Filter - FamilyKeeper’s Web Protection 

Parental control apps offer different methods to block inappropriate websites. FamilyKeeper’s Web Protection feature utilizes these popular approaches to effectively implement internet content filtering:

- **Website blacklisting**: FamilyKeeper maintains a pre-compiled list of inappropriate websites or categories of websites. Parents can then select and block specific websites or import external website blacklists to ensure comprehensive protection.
- **Category-based filtering**: FamilyKeeper offers the ability to block entire categories of websites, such as adult content, gambling, violence, or social networking. By selecting the relevant categories, parents can ensure that their child's browsing experience aligns with their values and age-appropriate guidelines.
- **Customized blocking**: Advanced parental control apps like FamilyKeeper enable parents to create customized rules for blocking websites. This includes blocking specific URLs, keywords, or combinations of words to prevent access to targeted content.
- **Regular updates and monitoring**: By regularly updating web filtering solutions and reviewing the blocked websites' logs, a parental control app like FamilyKeeper can stay up-to-date with new websites and emerging online threats, to ensure effective protection.

## Kids Internet Filtering Options With FamilyKeeper’s Web Protection

FamilyKeeper’s parental control web filtering feature allows parents to monitor the websites their kids are surfing, and block the ones they’d rather they didn’t view. This dynamic new feature shields your kids from content that’s age-inappropriate, offensive, or dangerous. Web Protection offers parents three different web content filtering options:

- **Filter Search Results**: Block explicit results on all major search engines.
- **Block Website Categories**: Restrict access to specific categories of websites, including adult, gambling, and dating themes.
- **YouTube Restricted Mode**: Restrict which videos kids can view and hide hurtful comments.

Parents can also manage their internet filtering service by blocking or unblocking specific websites. If your child tries to view an inappropriate or harmful site, you will receive an alert.

## How to Block Inappropriate Websites - Best Internet Filter For Families

To learn how to block inappropriate websites on phones using FamilyKeeper parental control app, follow these steps:

![Web Protection 3.png](https://cms-reasonlabs-com.s3.amazonaws.com/cdn/Web_Protection_3_5736d3e798.png)

- STEP 1: Download and install the FamilyKeeper Parent app on iOS or Android
- STEP 2: Register an account and add your child’s details.
- STEP 3: Download and install the FamilyKeeper child app on iOS or Android and pair the apps.

Parents must then enable the relevant DNS web filtering permissions in order to activate Web Protection:

- STEP 4: Click “Open Settings”.
- STEP 5: Select “General”.
- STEP 6: Select “VPN, DNS & Device Management”.
- STEP 7: Choose "FamilyKeeper DNS".
 
Parents can then customize which websites or categories of websites they wish to block using the Web Protection feature:

- STEP 1: On the Parent App, go to ‘My Kids’.
- STEP 2: Click on the Web Protection card.
- STEP 3: Customize your parental controls web filtering - you can toggle on / off filter search results, YouTube restricted mode, and website categories. 

## 4 Tips To Discuss Internet Content Filtering With Your Kids

We can’t fully control what our kids see. Some of your child’s friends will have smartphones with no parental control. And these friends could still show your kid inappropriate content from their own phone.  Full-on banning doesn’t necessarily work but according to the [American Psychological Association](https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/social-media-parent-tips), keeping the channels of communication open does. 

Before you enable web content filtering software on your child’s device, take a look at our top tips:

- Don’t ban all social media: It’s a vital tool for social interaction these days. Limiting it is fine. But banning it will isolate your child - both online and offline. It’s far better to carefully monitor what your child is browsing, rather than forcing them to go cold turkey.
- Distinguish between curiosity and interest: Your child may access an inappropriate website but this doesn’t mean they endorse the content. They may simply be curious. Use this curiosity as an opportunity to talk to your kids and build trust.
- Education: Help your child understand the potential dangers and risks they may encounter online, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. Explain that web content filtering is a proactive measure to reduce these risks.
- Teach responsible internet use: Emphasize the importance of responsible online behavior, such as being cautious about sharing personal information, avoiding engaging with strangers online, and treating others respectfully. Reinforce the idea that web content filtering is not about limiting their freedom, but about keeping them safe and guiding them towards age-appropriate content.

Web filtering solutions like FamilyKeeper’s Web Protection feature are a crucial component of parental control apps, empowering parents to create a safe and secure online environment for their children. By blocking inappropriate websites and implementing web content filtering mechanisms, parents can shield their children from explicit content and online threats, and establish digital boundaries.

It's important for parents to choose a reliable parental control app like FamilyKeeper, which has the best family internet filter and offers a robust Web Protection feature - and excitingly, it’s now available on both [iOS](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/features) and [Android](https://familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/features). Together, we can ensure a safer digital world for our children. 

For more information on FamilyKeeper’s Web Protection kids internet filtering and other excellent family protection features, visit us at: [www.familykeeper.reasonlabs.com/features](http://www.familykeeper.reasonlabs.com). You can also visit the  FamilyKeeper [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/FamilyKeeperApp) and join our parenting community group [Digital World Parenting](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dwparenting) for more tips and advice from experts and other parents. 


41_Web protection.png

If you go to a concert in 2023, as the house lights go down and the stage lights go up, there’s something else you may notice as well: the blue light emitted from thousands of screens as the audience prepares to watch the entertainment through their device, rather than paying attention to what’s in front of them and living in the moment.

This may not seem like a big deal but it’s a classic example of just how addicted to screens we have become. It’s also not without cause for concern - we seem to have lost the ability to put down devices and just be present with others. 

Screens have become an integral part of our lives. While they offer numerous benefits, excessive screen time can lead to screen addiction, particularly among children and teenagers. In this blog, we will explore what screen addiction is, why it is detrimental to young minds, and how parental control apps can help prevent and manage this issue. We will also provide some eye-opening screen addiction statistics and tips for screen addiction treatment.

## What is screen addiction and what are signs of screen addiction?
Screen addiction disorder, also known as ‘digital addiction’ or ‘technology addiction’, refers to excessive and compulsive use of screens, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of life. Screen addiction affects children and teenagers who struggle to control their screen time, often prioritizing virtual interactions over real-world experiences.

With the amount of time that the world’s population is spending on screens rising, it’s no wonder that there is cause for concern - both from a parent's perspective and a healthcare perspective.  For example, according to a survey conducted by [Common Sense Media](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/8-18-census-integrated-report-final-web_0.pdf), American teenagers (ages 13-18) spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes on screens each day, excluding time for schoolwork (as of 2021).

## What causes screen addiction in youth?
What are signs of screen addiction? The causes of screen addiction may involve a variety of factors. While every individual's situation is unique, here are some common screen addiction causes and contributing factors:

- **Instant Gratification**: Screens provide instant access to a wide range of content and activities that can be highly engaging and rewarding. The instant gratification and immediate rewards offered by screen-based activities, such as social media interactions, gaming, or binge-watching, can create psychological dependence and reinforce addictive behaviors.
- **Dopamine Release**: Screen-based activities [stimulate the release of dopamine](https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/health-topics/screen-addiction-affects-physical-and-mental-health). This dopamine release can create a sense of euphoria and reinforce the desire to engage in screen-related activities repeatedly, leading to addictive screen addiction symptoms and behavior patterns.
- **Social Connection and FOMO**: Social media and screen addiction often go hand in hand. Social media platforms and online communities provide a sense of connection and belonging. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on social interactions, events, or updates can drive individuals to spend excessive time on screens, constantly seeking validation and connection.
- **Escapism and Coping Mechanism**: Screens can serve as a form of escape from real-life stressors, problems, or emotional challenges. For some individuals, excessive screen time becomes a coping mechanism to avoid or numb negative emotions, leading to reliance on screens as a means of distraction or self-soothing.
- **Lack of Alternative Activities**: Insufficient access to or engagement in offline activities can contribute to screen addiction. When individuals lack fulfilling hobbies, social interactions, or other sources of entertainment and stimulation in their lives, they may turn to screens as a primary source of engagement and pleasure.
- **Easy Accessibility**: The widespread availability and easy accessibility of screens and digital devices contribute to the development of screen addiction. With smartphones, tablets, and computers being readily available, individuals can easily fall into patterns of excessive screen use, often leading to addictive behaviors.
- **Psychological and Emotional Factors**: Underlying psychological and emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, or low self-esteem, can make individuals more susceptible to screen addiction. Screens can offer a temporary escape from these emotional difficulties, leading to a cycle of dependence and addictive behaviors. Unfortunately, this can also lead to a cycle of these same negative feelings, as the screen addiction itself can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem.
- **Lack of Awareness and Self-Regulation**: Many individuals, particularly children, and teens, don’t realize the toll that excessive screen time can have on their minds and bodies, and may lack awareness of the potential risks and consequences associated with excessive screen time. Additionally, insufficient self-regulation skills and difficulty in managing impulses can contribute to the development of screen addiction.

It's important to note that these factors may interact and influence each other, and not everyone who engages with screens heavily will develop an addiction. However, understanding these underlying causes of screen addiction can help individuals, parents, and professionals develop strategies and interventions to prevent and address screen addiction in youth.

## The dangers of screen addiction in youth
Once someone gets hooked on screen time, it can be hard to break the cycle of addiction. But why is screen addiction bad?

There are several side effects of screen addiction that parents should be aware of. For example, excessive screen time can hinder the development of essential social skills in children and teens. Excessive reliance on virtual interactions can lead to difficulties in face-to-face communication, empathy, and building meaningful relationships.

Additionally, screen addiction can have a negative impact on physical health: Spending prolonged periods in front of screens can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to a range of physical health issues, including obesity, poor posture, and sleep disturbances.

According to [research](https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain) from Harvard Medical School, screen addiction in kids can interfere with cognitive development and academic performance. Excessive screen time has been linked to reduced attention span, poor memory retention, and decreased academic achievement. The addictiveness of activities like social media use and messaging late into the night - particularly for teens, disrupts deep REM sleep cycles - which can go on to affect academic studies and creativity.

[Studies have also shown](https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01166-7) that too much screen time is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in children and teens. Constant exposure to social media can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, bullying, and cyberbullying.

## Helping children with screen addiction and screen addiction treatment
A study by [JAMA Paediatrics](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2798256) revealed a “Goldilocks hypothesis” in which children who spend less than 1 hour of time per day on screens and those who receive high doses of screen time have been shown to have the poorest psychosocial functioning, compared with children with moderate screen use. 

This led to the conclusion that restricting screens altogether is probably not a feasible or optimal solution to managing child or adolescent screen time. However, it is still recommended to take appropriate steps to manage screen time. So how can we help prevent screen addictionin youth?

## How to prevent screen addiction
Using a parental control app like FamilyKeeper, with a Screen Time Control feature, can offer a practical solution when it comes to managing your family’s screen time usage and preventing screen addiction. Parental control apps are useful in a variety of ways in order to battle screen addiction:

- **Set Screen Time Limits**: By establishing healthy boundaries, parents can encourage a balanced lifestyle and prevent excessive screen time, as well as promote digital well-being.
- **Content Filtering**: Parental control apps enable parents to block or filter inappropriate content, ensuring that any screen time children and teens are exposed to doesn’t include dangerous or offensive material while browsing the internet or using apps.
- **Monitor App Usage**: Tracking the apps used by children and teens can provide insights into their screen time habits. Parental control apps often offer activity reports, allowing parents to identify potential signs of addiction and take appropriate action.
- **Screen Time Scheduling**: Help your children plan how to spend their time by focusing on enjoying their favorite activities, rather than drifting back into screen time as the default activity. 

As screen addiction poses significant challenges for children and teenagers, impacting their physical health, and cognitive development, it's important to create an open dialogue with your children about the dangers of excessive screen time and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. 

Encourage them to share their concerns and experiences, and work together to find solutions. Play online games with your children rather than forbidding them completely - but take the time to learn what your kids like to use their screen for, and what they can learn from screen time s well.

For more information on how to set up the Screen Time controls on your child’s phone, visit: [www.familykeeper.reasonlabs.com](http://www.familykeeper.reasonlabs.com).

#Parental Control