“Keeping kids safer online… with iPads” is a guest post by Heide Young, mum of 3.

The internet, and access to it, can be a dangerous place. It’s not a bad idea to know what your kids are accessing on their devices, to make their user experience a safer one.

Getting started…on keeping kids safer online

One way to kids safer online is by putting in place some restrictions. This not only keeps your kids from accessing things they shouldn’t, it also helps parents stay in check with their kids on what they’re doing online. But don’t worry, you can easily change these settings as needed.

Think of a NEW 4-digit password that is different to the log in password, and one your child can not guess:

Go to Settings > screen time > use screen time passcode > enter a 4-digit passcode > re-enter the same passcode to confirm. Now you have successfully put a parental password in. Well done! J

Now you are ready to set:

• Downtime – meaning you restrict your child’s iPad to work in set timeframe. So depending on their age, you may want to set the downtime to 4pm – 7am. This means their iPad will not work unless you enter your parental passcode.
• App Limits – meaning you can set daily time limits for each app on your child’s iPad.
• Communication Limits – limit who they chat to and when they can chat to people in their contact list.
• Always Allowed – select the apps they can access, even during downtime. So for example any learning apps they have, like a learning game app you might approve of for them to always have access to.

Content & Privacy Restrictions to keep kids safer online

Another way to keep the kids safer online is to block inappropriate content. This one is pretty important, especially for little ones who don’t need access to much, and who do not need to be able to search for everything on the internet.

Go to Settings > screen time > content & privacy restrictions > turn on (top right corner, slide to make button green)

Now you are ready to set what content you want to block on their devices to keep the kids safer online:

Content Restrictions – this is an important setting … here you can set:

• Allowed Store Content – here you can set ratings for music, movies, tv shows, books and apps. Setting an age limit for apps is useful depending on your child’s age so they can’t access apps with inappropriate content.
• Web Content – here you can set for your child to only be able to access websites you approve: simply select Add Website > enter a Title you choose > enter URL
• Siri – here you can choose to allow or don’t allow.
• Game Center – here you can select if you allow your child to play multiplayer games, add friends, or record their screens. 

iTunes and App Store Purchases – here you can set allow or don’t allow for:

• Installing Apps – setting this to allow, means your child can download apps (free or paid) without your 4-digit parental passcode.
• Deleting Apps – setting this to allow, means your child can delete apps on their iPad.
• In-app purchases – setting this to don’t allow, means your child can’t potentially rack up a large bill without you knowing, till you get the bill of course.
• Require Password – here you can decide to either always require your parental password, or to don’t require.

Allowed Apps – your iPad comes with many apps, depending on your child’s age, you may not want them to have access to them all. Here you can select which apps you allow them.

About Heide Young

Many years ago, Heide suddenly had an interest in cybersecurity, when she realized just how poor her own cybersecurity practices were. One of her many poor practices was using the same password for multiple accounts, and they were short easy to guess passwords. Which is how she develops her passion for focusing on up-skilling parents, children, non-technical persons, and small businesses on how to secure their virtual valuables and stay safer online

Heide is also one of the Co-Founders of Women in Cyber Security Middle East. Established in March 2018, the group has grown to more than 600 female members across the Middle East. Heide recognizes there is a real opportunity to increase the female presence in Cyber Security, which is why she plays an active role in empowering and supporting women in Cyber Security while educating women and youths on the wonderful opportunities that exist in the Cyber Security field.