In today’s day and age, Technology is all pervasive. Gone are the days when there used to be a single computer in the entire household and when using the internet meant a costly affair. With affordability and competition between the internet service providers, consumers get the benefit of better service and speed. A report by IAMAI and Kantar IMRB says that the number of internet users in India has reached 500 million by June 2018, To add to it, the number of devices on which we can access the internet has also increased with the arrival of Smartphones, Smart TVs, I Pads and Tabs.
Today, children as young as 2-3-year-olds know how to operate these devices and can access their favorite videos on YouTube and other games. Some even know how to download the games. Experts say that it is important to monitor the amount of time that a child spends on these electronic devices and that it should be restricted to 30 minutes to 1 hour in a day only. However, along with the time, it is also important to monitor the content that a child watches.
Not every content available online is child-friendly, some contain aggressive or adult imagery whilst others will have unacceptable language. Such content will not only shock the child but will create unacceptable behavior changes as children are of impressionable age. Images of rampant smoking and drug abuse will increase curiosity in children. If such content is being watched it should be in the presence of a parent who can explain the consequences of such habits. Suicidal games like the Blue Whale challenge, make it imperative to keep a tab on what the child views online.
Nevertheless, it is impossible to constantly monitor the content the child watches. Hence, one can take certain steps to reduce the chances of the child coming across inappropriate online content.
- YouTube has a dedicated kids’ app (called YouTube Kids) that only features child-friendly content. You can also block videos and channels within it so your child won’t see them. To do so, sign into the app, then on the Home screen tap the More icon (three horizontal dots) next to the video you want to block. Tap Block this video or Block this channel. Then you just enter the numbers written on the screen, or enter your custom passcode.
- It’s possible to hide posts on Facebook by clicking the three horizontal dots that appear in the top right of the post and click Hide post.
- Google has an option called SafeSearch that omits adult content from search results.