How to limit online video calls on a child’s tablet?

The online world can be a wonderful place for children to learn, connect, and explore. However, it’s crucial to remember that the internet also presents certain risks. When it comes to video calls, particularly for younger children, there are concerns about potential exposure to inappropriate content, interactions with predators, and privacy issues. As parents, we have a responsibility to take proactive steps to safeguard our children in the digital realm.

Limiting and monitoring your child’s online activities, especially video calls, is essential. By implementing responsible measures, you can create a safer online environment for them to enjoy.

Understanding Tablet Settings and Parental Controls

Parental controls are powerful tools that help you manage your child’s online experience on their tablet. They allow you to set limits and restrictions on what they can access and for how long.

Most tablets come with built-in parental controls, often found within the device settings. These controls can be adjusted to suit your child’s age and needs.

Here’s a breakdown of common parental control features:

• App Blocking: You can restrict access to specific apps, like video calling apps, by blocking them entirely.
• Time Limits: Set daily or weekly limits on screen time for apps or the entire device. This helps prevent overexposure to screens.
• Content Filtering: Filter websites and content based on age-appropriateness. This can prevent access to inappropriate websites or videos.

To access these controls on your tablet, follow these general steps:

Remember to consult your tablet’s user manual for specific instructions tailored to your model. Parental controls offer a valuable layer of protection, ensuring your child’s safety and responsible online experience.

Restricting Video Calling Apps

Here’s how to restrict video calling apps on your child’s tablet:

1. Through Parental Control Settings (Android and iOS):

• Android: Most Android tablets come with pre-installed parental controls or offer the ability to download apps like Google Family Link. These apps allow you to set screen time limits, block specific apps (including video calling apps), and monitor your child’s online activity.
• iOS: Apple devices offer Screen Time, a built-in parental control feature. You can use Screen Time to restrict specific apps (like FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype), set time limits, and even block inappropriate content.

2. App Store Restrictions:

• Apple App Store: You can set up restrictions on the App Store to prevent your child from downloading video calling apps. To do this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and disable ‘Video Calling’ or individually select the apps you want to block.
• Google Play Store: Google Play Store allows you to manage app downloads by setting up a PIN for purchases. This ensures your child can’t download new apps without your permission, including video calling apps. You can also create a separate Google account for your child with restricted permissions.

3. Specific Tablet Features:

• Samsung Kids Mode: Samsung tablets have a dedicated ‘Kids Mode’ that allows you to create a safe environment for your child. You can select the apps your child can access, including restricting video calling apps.
• Amazon Fire Tablets: Amazon Fire Tablets have a ‘FreeTime’ feature, which allows you to set age-appropriate content and app restrictions for your child. This includes blocking specific apps, including video calling apps.

4. Using Third-Party Parental Control Apps:

• You can utilize third-party parental control apps like mSpy or FlexiSpy for more comprehensive monitoring and control over your child’s tablet usage. These apps offer features like app blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, and content filtering.

Remember: Parental control settings and app store restrictions might require you to set up a PIN or password to prevent your child from bypassing these limitations. Be sure to regularly review your child’s tablet usage and update the settings as needed.

Alternative Communication Methods for Children

While video calls can be fun, there are safe and age-appropriate alternatives for kids to stay connected with loved ones. Consider these options:

• Voice calls: A simple phone call lets children hear the voices of family and friends without the visual component. This is a good option for younger children who may not be ready for video calls or who are concerned about privacy.
• Text messaging: Text messaging allows kids to communicate with friends and family in a more private setting. However, it’s important to supervise their texting habits and teach them about online safety. Consider using family-friendly messaging apps that prioritize privacy and security.
• Family-friendly messaging apps: Several apps are designed specifically for families, offering features like parental controls, age-appropriate content filtering, and safety settings. These apps can provide a safe space for children to connect with friends and family while still being supervised.

These alternatives offer several benefits:

• Increased privacy and security: Voice calls and text messaging don’t involve video, reducing the risk of unwanted exposure or inappropriate content.
• Reduced screen time: Texting and voice calls require less screen time compared to video calls, which can be beneficial for children’s eye health and sleep.
• Enhanced communication skills: Voice calls and texting encourage children to develop their communication skills through language, tone, and expression.

Remember that these alternative methods have their limitations:

• Lack of visual interaction: Voice calls and texting miss out on the visual aspect of communication, which can be important for nonverbal cues and emotional connection.
• Potential for misuse: Texting and messaging apps can be misused if not properly monitored and supervised.

It’s crucial to educate children about safe online communication practices and to supervise their use of these methods to ensure their safety and well-being.

Setting Ground Rules for Online Interactions

Before diving into technical solutions, it’s crucial to establish clear ground rules for your child’s online interactions. Open communication is key. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of online interactions and emphasize the importance of privacy and safety. Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Supervision is essential. Make it clear that you will be monitoring their online activities, including video calls. Consider setting a schedule for when video calls are allowed and ensure you are aware of who they are communicating with. Establish a designated area in the house where they can have their video calls, so you can easily monitor the situation.

Boundaries are crucial. Explain to your child that they should never share personal information online, such as their full name, address, or school. They should also be cautious about accepting friend requests from people they don’t know. Emphasize that they should never meet up with someone they have only met online without your prior knowledge and consent.

Here are some practical examples of rules you can implement:

• Set a time limit for video calls.
• Only allow video calls with friends or family members they know in real life.
• Require your child to tell you who they are going to video call with in advance.
• Monitor their conversations and ensure they are not being bullied or harassed.
• Install a parental control app on their tablet to restrict access to inappropriate content and applications.

Limiting online video calls on your child’s tablet is just one step in creating a safe and positive online experience. While parental control apps and device settings are valuable tools, they are not foolproof. Remember that ongoing vigilance and communication with your children are crucial.

Talk to your children about online safety and the potential dangers of interacting with strangers. Encourage open communication, and let them know they can come to you with any questions or concerns. By staying informed and actively involved in their online activities, you can empower your children to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

For additional resources and tools, explore the following options:

• Parental control apps: mSpy and FlexiSpy offer comprehensive features to monitor and restrict online activity.
• Online safety organizations: Websites like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) provide valuable information and resources for parents.