Archives - Family Safety


Configure a child lock on your smart TV

Smart TVs have built-in internet connectivity that allows you to stream video and purchase content like movies, TV shows and songs. Like an Echo, this functionality can be unknowingly misused by kids. Establishing a child lock – basically just a PIN that needs to be entered to unlock the device or make any purchases – […]

Turn off voice purchases on your Amazon Echo

Smart home devices have begun to take off with the popularity of the Amazon Echo in particular. One of the defining features of the Echo is the ability to order specific items from Amazon Prime with just a voice command. However, you might want to turn off it to make sure your child doesn’t erroneously […]

Implement time restrictions for children when they’re using internet-connected apps

If you want to make sure your child doesn’t spend all day in front of a screen watching YouTube videos, you have the ability to limit their access. There are both hardware and software options that restrict the total time he or she can be online in addition to filtering specified content, freeing you from […]

Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities

If you or your children are being harassed or threatened, report the activity. Many schools have instituted bullying programs, so school officials may have established policies for dealing with activity that involves students. If necessary, contact your local law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies have different policies, but your local police department or FBI branch are […]

Keep your family computer in an open area

If your home computer is in a high-traffic area, you will be able to easily monitor your children’s computer activity. Not only does this accessibility deter a child from doing something she knows she’s not allowed to do, it also gives you the opportunity to intervene if you notice a behavior that could have negative […]

Set child computer safety rules and warn about dangers

Make sure your child knows the boundaries of what they are allowed to do on the computer. These boundaries should be appropriate for the child’s age, knowledge, and maturity, but they may include rules about how long they are allowed to be on the computer, what sites they are allowed to visit, what software programs […]