Chances are, many of you will buy your kid a new video game console with games, smart device, and/or some kind of other electronic devices. Look, I understand the desire to want to buy your child the thing they want, let them set it up because they may be more tech savvy, and then literally leave them to their own devices. By no means am I telling you how to parent your child, but might I suggest you get more involved in your child’s technological exposure if you aren’t already?

Before I worked in TV news, I worked at an electronics store, and I can’t tell you how many times I talked to a parent who wasn’t aware of some essential safeguards in place to ensure your child isn’t being subject to harmful content or others with ill intent. Here are a few things I would consider if buying your child some form of electronics.

Parental Controls

Be it a tablet, smart phone, PlayStation, or other electronic device, there’s a high chance it has parental control features. Familiarize yourself with where this is in the settings section of the device. Even if this means opening the device before Christmas, setting it up to get familiarized with it, and then deleting the data so the device is all set for a fresh experience, I say do it. You can also go to an electronic store to get familiar with the device in person. Yes, you can easily watch a YouTube video, but I recommend getting hands-on experience.

The way I typically learn modern technology or programs is to mess around with them myself. That way I am aware of what it can do from my own perspective. If I want to learn what else these items can do, that’s when I look to YouTube to learn more. Parent controls often allow you to set restrictions on content your child can view, what games their new video game console can play, and even prevent them from talking to strangers online. If anything, please at least check to see if your device can block your child from talking to strangers because not doing this is a way for someone to lure your child into disclosing important information or something even more sinister. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I’ve reported on or have read too many stories of this happening.

Understand the ESRB Rating

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is an organization that regulates itself and provides helpful information to parents regarding video game content. Through this ratings board, you can discern if content in a video game is appropriate for your child. Think of it as the video game equivalent of how movies are rated. The typical ratings are ‘E’ for ‘Everyone’, ‘T’ for ‘Teen’, and ‘M’ for ‘Mature. In addition to learning about the other ratings, you can search specific games to learn their ratings here.

It’s the ‘M’ rating you want to look for as this most commonly can contain intense violence, sexual content, blood and gore, and other content likely inappropriate for someone beneath the age of 17 years old. Call of Duty is a popular one that falls into this category; however, I understand there are plenty of parents that are fine with their 12-year-old child playing that. When in doubt, search online to understand why a game is rated the way it is. You can also feel free to reach out to me to get my thoughts. I have many nieces and nephews, and I have a child on the way. I will give you an honest recommendation from someone who has unfortunately had to learn of a loved one being in contact with someone they shouldn’t have.

Check Content

I can’t stress enough how important it is to get involved in what your child is doing in regard to handling electronics for a hobby or as a normal activity. If you see your child playing a game that looks violent or watching content online of which you’re not familiar, ask them what it is. Be specific. Ask them about the objective of the game. Once you have an idea, do some research on your own to see if this is content you deem appropriate for them. Have a dialogue with them about what they’re seeing.

For example, if you’re one of those parents who is okay with your child playing a violent video game, make sure they understand what they are witnessing is all fiction or is rooted in some form of reality (such as a war game) but mostly fiction. I highly recommend ensuring you know what they’re playing, who they’re playing with, and how long they’re engaged with the content. I also suggest being specific in your explanation about why they’re not allowed to consume that content should you decide it’s inappropriate for them. In my experience, when you take something away “because I say so” it can lead to them getting…let’s say “creative” about seeking out other means to engage with what was removed from them.

If they’re using a new tablet or other smart device you gifted them, I suggest learning what its capabilities are. Can they access the internet? Can they download any kind of app? Have they installed a hiding app that masks content on their phone that might not be suitable for them? This article gives you an idea of some hiding apps that are used to conceal photos, social media accounts, and web browsers.

Be Aware of Access to Others

There is a vast amount of messaging and video conference apps that are easy to download to many devices. Discord, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messager are some popular choices. But do you know who all your child is talking to through these apps?

I implore you: check in with your child about who they’re conversing with online. Yes, kids are curious. Weren’t we all when we were younger? However, that curiosity can land them in a very harmful circumstance that possibly started with friending someone on a social media app or video game who they believe they can trust. There are predators who use games such as Roblox and Fortnite to lure and groom children. I know this isn’t anything new many of you reading this know; however, it seems as though some people forget just how susceptible their children are to dangerous people. If they were aware, they might think twice before allowing them to play games or use certain apps but not being aware of what’s happening during their child’s time spent with the content.

Again, check to see if you can restrict your child talking with others on whatever platform you’re allowing them to use.

Monitor App/Device Use

Familiarize yourself with every single app, device, and video game your child is using, the capabilities for communication, and how you can close any accounts your child created that you believe should be deleted. In fact, I would sit with your child as they create their accounts, take note of their log-in information, and don’t be afraid to do a device check-in periodically to ensure their time spent with their devices and games isn’t harmful to them. That includes checking messages as well.

I’ve heard arguments from some parents that it can be intrusive to go through their child’s phone and such. Some argue it depends on the age, and some argue that doesn’t matter. My argument: that’s your kid. You know them best. You know your comfort level. Let that be your guide for how you handle device monitoring.

Summation

In the end, you know what’s best for your child. Some of my belief toward electronics stems from personal experience and reading some horrific stories of children being exploited through a stranger they met online. It would shatter my heart to know something like that happened to anyone’s child. That’s why I wrote this guide. Many of you maybe even know much of what you just read; however, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to refresh yourself on that easy access children have to the Internet and with it: access to bad actors.

As I mentioned, always feel like you can reach out and ask questions if you’d like! And Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Merry Toyotathon, Happy Festivus, and any other holiday you celebrate.