Common Sense Media published an intriguing report: 50% of children under 11 in the US already own a phone. A similar situation is observed in other countries around the world. Despite children’s inability to limit their screen time and lack of knowledge about potentially harmful content, they still have access to all the benefits of the digital universe. According to the same report, the average child spends about 4.5 hours online per day, with about one and a half hours spent on social media like TikTok and Discord. The report’s authors note that these sites are intended for children aged 13 and older, but children under 11 are already active users. This happens for various reasons, one of which is the lack of an app for parental control on the participants’ smartphones.

Still Think Parental Control Is Unnecessary?

Psychologists note that a child’s psyche develops up to the age of 18, and sometimes — even up to 21 years. Until then, it is challenging to resist temptations, especially when they are just a few clicks away. Without screen time limits, spending an entire day online might not seem like a bad thing. However, this negatively affects development, adaptive mechanisms, and even dopamine production. The instant gratification of scrolling through feeds becomes more appealing than engaging in sports, outdoor activities with friends, etc.

On the other hand, children trust the world more than they should. This is why cybercriminals often target audiences under 18. A parental control app helps address these issues.

How to Act Correctly?

Parents sometimes reject the idea of using such apps to track digital activity, web surfing, and the child’s location, arguing that their children have the right to privacy and personal boundaries. This is true, and experts advise not to overdo it in either direction. Parents are responsible for their child’s development, safety (including digital safety), and activities. Therefore, control should be proportionate to the responsibility that falls on the parents. Using a special app does not require intrusive interference in personal space. It is just one of the safety measures that can be used wisely.

When a Child Gets a Smartphone: Basic Rules

• Set clear and inviolable rules. For example, two hours of screen time on weekdays and a maximum of three hours on weekends. The rule is not broken even under pleading and persuasion.
• Limit screen time before bed. Screen time before sleep should be strictly limited. It has been proven that using gadgets before sleep affects the quality and depth of sleep.
• Create screen-free zones at home. For instance, no phones in bed or at the dining table.

At the same time, parents should remember that parental control is not just an app that can be installed and forgotten. It is still crucial to explain to children how to avoid online dangers, how not to become a victim of online criminals, how to maintain information privacy, and how to use social media and messengers safely. By increasing digital literacy, parental control restrictions can gradually be reduced until it is evident that the need for them has diminished.