During school holidays, children are likely to spend more time online, making them more vulnerable to online predators. As a parent, it is crucial to take proactive steps to protect your children.Teach your children about online safety, the importance of keeping personal information private, and the risks of talking to strangers online.
Here are my top tips on essential device settings to switch off to ensure their online safety.
Location Services
Location services can reveal your child's real-time location to apps and websites, potentially putting them at risk.
How to Switch Off:
iOS: Go to **Settings > Privacy > Location Services** and toggle it off. For specific apps, you can select "Never" or "While Using the App."
Android: Go to Settings > Location and toggle it off. You can also manage app permissions under App Permissions.
Bluetooth and AirDrop
These features can allow nearby devices to connect to your child's device without their knowledge, leading to potential security breaches.
How to Switch Off:
iOS: Swipe down from the upper right corner (or up from the bottom edge) to access the Control Center and turn off Bluetooth and AirDrop.
Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu and turn off Bluetooth.
App Permissions
Many apps request unnecessary permissions that can access personal information and device features.
How to Switch Off
iOS: Go toSettings > Privacy and review each category (e.g., Camera, Microphone, Contacts) to turn off permissions for non-essential apps.
Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions and review each category to manage permissions for individual apps.
In-App Purchases
In-app purchases can lead to unauthorised spending and access to premium content not suitable for children.
How to Switch Off:
iOS: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases and set In-app Purchases to Don’t Allow.
Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap the menu icon, go to Settings > Require authentication for purchases and select For all purchases through Google Play on this device.
Social Media Privacy Settings
Public profiles on social media can expose your child's personal information and location to strangers.
How to Switch Off:
Facebook: Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy Settings and adjust settings to Friends or Only Me for various options.
Instagram: Go to Settings > Privacy and switch on Private Account
TikTok: Go to Settings and Privacy > Privacy and switch on Private Account.
Chat and Messaging Features in Games
Many online games have chat features that can expose children to inappropriate content or contact with strangers.
How to Switch Off:
Fortnite: Go to Settings > Parental Controls and disable voice chat.
Roblox: Go to Settings > Privacy and adjust Contact Settings and Other Settings to No one or Friends.
Camera and Microphone Access
Unauthorised access to the camera and microphone can lead to privacy invasions.
How to Switch Off:
iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy > Camera/Microphone and toggle off access for specific apps.
Android: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions and toggle off access for specific apps under Camera and Microphone.
Autoplay Features
Autoplay can lead to exposure to inappropriate content without active selection.
How to Switch Off:
YouTube: Go to Settings > Autoplay and toggle off Autoplay next video.
Netflix: Go to Account > Profile & Parental Controls > Playback Settings and uncheck Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices.
Regularly review your child's device settings and online activity to ensure ongoing safety and utilise parental control apps and settings to monitor and manage your child's online activity effectively.
By switching off these settings and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risks your children face online and help ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Robert Kirk is a Cyber Security expert from SEO Builder.