Essential Strategies to Safeguard Your Devices from Kids
Learn five effective methods to protect your gadgets from children's misuse. From locking devices and using parental controls to installing screen protectors, these tips help parents safeguard their devices, prevent unnecessary expenses, and promote safe tech use among kids. Implementing these strategies ensures a secure and responsible digital environment for your children while maintaining your device’s longevity and performance.
Are you surprised by an empty contact list or a steep phone bill from unexpected charges? This is a common situation in many households. It’s not due to device faults or service providers, but often because parents let children use their phones or tablets freely. If you wish to encourage your child's tech skills, it’s important to implement child safety measures before handing over devices. Here are five effective tips to keep your devices secure and kid-proof.
Log out of shopping apps and browser services
To prevent accidental or unauthorized purchases, always sign out of shopping apps and online services. Remove saved passwords or don’t save passwords to prevent kids from making purchases without permission. Remember your passwords and avoid selecting the “remember password” option to safeguard your devices from accidental orders.
Lock devices with passwords or PINs
Since children have varying interests, some may indulge in unrestricted browsing or gaming, leading to unintentional app downloads or expenses. Locking devices with a secure password or PIN adds a layer of protection against such issues. Parental control apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids can further restrict access to specific apps or websites.
Disable device power options
Many work-from-home setups involve power strips to connect multiple gadgets. However, children may accidentally turn off devices, risking data loss. Disabling or securing power options prevents unintentional shutdowns. Cover power strips to stop kids from unplugging devices, especially computers or essential equipment.
Add screen protectors and durable cases
Kids love playing with gadgets, but rough handling can cause scratches or screen damage. Protect screens with quality screen protectors and use sturdy cases to absorb shocks and prevent physical damage, maintaining your device’s appearance and functionality.
Activate parental controls
With increasing cyber threats, setting up parental controls is crucial. Use built-in device restrictions or install reputable antivirus and internet security tools like Net Nanny, Webcatcher, KidsWatch, Avira, or McGruff. Be sure to understand the software features to avoid slowing down your system, and supervise children’s device usage with set time limits for safety and data protection.
Spending quality time with your children and supervising their device use, along with set usage time limits, helps ensure their safety while fostering responsible technology habits.
