5 phone safety tips every parent should know

Kids today are growing up in a world where screens, apps and social platforms are part of everyday life. From homework to gaming to group chats, their digital lives can move faster than parents can keep up. But behind every app and device are settings and systems that can impact their privacy, safety, and focus.

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The boundary that helps restore balance

Screen time limits let you manage how long your child spends on apps, games or devices each day. It's not about punishment, it's about setting healthy boundaries that help kids disconnect and recharge.

Why it matters: Too much screen time has been linked to reduced focus, sleep disruption and overstimulation. Setting limits helps your child create a better balance between online fun and real-world rest.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer

Your built-in safety net

Parental controls are tools that let you manage what your child can see and do on their devices - from blocking explicit content to approving downloads and monitoring usage. Every major device, app and streaming service has its own version.

Why it matters: Parental controls can help prevent exposure to inappropriate content, manage purchases and set up age-appropriate experiences.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Pro tip: Most streaming apps, like YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, also have parental settings, so make sure you adjust those separately.

The invisible map in your child's pocket

Geolocation allows apps and devices to track physical location in real time. It powers navigation and "Find My" features but can also share more than you intend if left unchecked.

Why it matters: While location sharing helps families stay connected, it can pose privacy and safety concerns if apps broadcast your child's whereabouts.

On iPhone:

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer

Pro tip: For younger kids, use "Share My Location" within Family Sharing (iPhone) or Google Family Link (Android) instead of third-party tracking apps to ensure safer monitoring.

The mode that hides - but doesn't erase

Private browsing, also called Incognito Mode, lets users browse the internet without saving history, cookies or logins. While it may sound harmless, it can make it harder for parents to see what kids are accessing online.

Why it matters: Private browsing prevents history tracking on the device, but your internet provider, school or router may still record activity. It's a reminder that no browsing mode is completely private.

On iPhone (Safari):

On Android (Chrome):

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer

Pro tip: Talk to your child about why transparency matters. Turning off private browsing is most effective when paired with open, ongoing conversations about online safety.

The trail your child leaves behind

Every post, comment or photo shared online becomes part of your child's digital footprint, a permanent record of their online presence. Even deleted posts can live on through screenshots, data archives or algorithms.

Why it matters: Colleges, employers and even peers can access public digital traces. Teaching kids to think before posting helps them build a positive and professional online reputation.

Pro tip: You can also set up Google Alerts for your child's name to get notified whenever new content appears online, a simple, free way to stay aware of their digital footprint as it evolves. 

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Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

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Parenting in the digital age doesn't mean knowing every app or trend. It means understanding the fundamentals that shape your child's online experience. From screen time limits to digital footprints, these five terms give you the language to set boundaries, foster trust and keep your family safer online.

Want more help building healthy digital habits at home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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