Hardly can anyone argue that digital technology has become today central to teens’ lives with the Internet activity being one of its main elements. And handheld devices have become a passway to the online world as teens are almost inseparable from their Internet-connected smartphones and tablets. No doubt, the World Wide Web is an inexhaustible source of knowledge; but at the same time, it is a place where many perils lie in wait for careless users. Pornography, gambling, sects, hateful speech, sexual predators – this list of online dangers are far from being full.
Of course, parents try to monitor their kids’ digital interactions, but they mostly take a hands-on approach to checking child’s phones or tablets manually. Using digital tools like parental controls or cell phone filter software is not a widespread practice. This results in the fact that parents don’t have a complete understanding of what is going on in their kids’ lives and whether they need help.
93% teenagers use handheld devices (mostly smartphones) to access the Internet, with 80% going online at least once a week.
70% kids and teenagers admit that they have taken steps in order to hide their online activities so parents can’t track them.
35% parents use technology-based means to monitor their children’s digital activity and track their Internet use.
When parents check up on kids’ mobile devices manually and manage to find traces of inappropriate online activity, they respond to the problem. However, it is commonly accepted that preventing issues from happening is a better option than reacting to their consequences. Installing content filtering apps is one of the most effective ways to avert troubles that originate from Internet use. That’s why choosing and utilizing reliable Internet filters for the smartphone your kid owns is what every concerned parent should do.
How to Filter Out Internet Content on iPhone
Having an iPhone is a sacred dream for many kids and teenagers. Apple, Inc. is so good at marketing its products to the younger generation that 74% of teens want their next phone to be an iPhone (according to an investment bank Piper Jaffray survey conducted in October 2015). So if you – as a parent – decide to fulfill your kid’s dream, be sure to take care some precautionary measures that will protect your little ones from the online perils mentioned above by setting up content filters for iPhone with the help of built-in tools or additional software.
iPhone “Restrictions”
“Restrictions” are Apple’s branded built-in parental controls. It can be quite effectively used for blocking or filtering things like adult-themed materials, games, social media, and other applications. With “Restrictions,” parents can also monitor their kids’ calls, SMS, contacts, and calendar, as well as track GPS location and view route history. Yet, like almost any onboard software, “Restrictions” have limited functionality, and it is, in fact, pretty easy for a tech-savvy teen to work around them.
Parental Control App
Another option is to spend some bucks and pick a standalone parental control mobile app – a comprehensive software that, among other things, includes content filtering. Apart from this, such applications can also monitor calls and SMS (even deleted ones), keep track of social media and online chats, show browsing history and contacts, access emails and multimedia files as well as track kids’ whereabouts via GPS. One of parental control apps’ advantages is that a child cannot override them.
There is a wide choice of technology-based means to control your kid’s digital activity, no problem with that. But you as a parent must remember that no Internet filter app for iPhone can replace parental guidance and example. Open and honest communication between parent and child still remains the most efficient tool to establish a trustworthy relationship. Hence, arranging regular talks with your little one about the essentials of Internet etiquette and safety will protect him or her from online hazards better than any firewall.
Infinite Monitoring Possibilities
Inappropriate content filtering
- Block whole websites
- Closeout particular pages
- Use keywords to set up filters
Internet activity monitoring
- Check browsing history
- Follow social media and chats
- View emails
Device usage control
- Lock device
- Manage downloaded apps
- Track kids’ location
Extended Functionality for Comprehensive Protection
In case you need to set up an Internet content filter for iPhone, the Internet Filters app has all the functionality you need – and much more! It is a state-of-the-art solution to ensure your kids’ full protection not only from explicit content but also from cyberbullying and online predators. Internet Filters features cover all aspects of a child’s digital life, thus, allowing parents to keep their eyes open and be ready to avert any possible threat.