Parental Control Options

Digital safety is of the utmost importance. Intentional, frequent discussions with your child of any age, are necessary and allow you to be proactive in protecting your child and further educating him/her. Experts warn that children are most vulnerable to online dangers while at home. Please note the following suggestions as they might be of assistance in further educating your child about appropriate use of technology including the iPad and home Internet use.

As educators, we are constantly working with kids to become responsible digital citizens. During school, we about appropriate use of technology both at school and home. However, we are working with kids and the skills are not always learned and demonstrated immediately. When student’s misuse of technology at school becomes repetitive or significant administration at the school will often set restrictions on their iPad. As a parent, you also have the option to set restrictions on your child’s iPad. It is recommended that students can their way to having restrictions and earn their way off. If you would like to learn about setting restrictions please click on the link below.

 

The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet 

How to set restrictions on an iPad

In alignment with the Willmar Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy for Technology, beyond school, parents must take responsibility for the use of technology and the Internet. As a parent, you are responsible for monitoring your child’s use of District-provided educational technology including District-issued email and cloud accounts as well as the Internet. This includes Internet use at home or any other remote location outside of school. More resources at www.vpnmentor.com/blog/the-ultimate-parent-guide-for-child-internet.

• Filter Access
  Filtering software is not built in to the iPad. However the presentation below shows how to set further restricts to the internet filter on the iPad.  Other software’s exist to filter and block inappropriate content on your wireless home network if you choose to install.  Some possible filters to consider include OpenDNS (free version available), SafeEyes, and NetNanny. 
   

• Set Expectations
  Regularly share your expectations with your child about accessing only appropriate sites and content, as well as being a good person when online (even when parents aren't watching). Understand that your child’s use of many technologies (such as computers, iPods, video game systems, and cell phones) likely gives your teen the ability to connect to unfiltered public wireless networks (such as in a library or coffee shop, by picking up a neighbor’s wireless signal, or connecting to the Internet through a cell service). Therefore, it is important to maintain regular, open dialog about Internet use and access. Discuss your expectation for appropriate use and behavior.
   

• Monitor & Limit Screen Time
  Experts suggest having teens surf the Internet in a central place at home, such as the kitchen or family room, rather than away from adult supervision or behind a closed door. Know what your child is doing with technology and how his or her time is being spent. Technology can be a great tool and resource, but also has the potential to be a big distractor. Help your child learn to focus on completing tasks or assignments prior to engaging in other Internet activities. Teaching today’s children how to manage multiple sources of information and potential distractions is a critical life skill, one best learned before heading off to college or the workplace.
   

• Put the iPad to Bed, But Not in the Bedroom
  Parenting experts suggest parking all technology devices, from cell phones to iPads, in a common family room overnight to discourage late night, unmonitored use and sleep disruption. Don’t allow your child to sleep with the iPad. Remember to model appropriate use and balance of technology in your own life as well. 
   

• Family Media Use Agreements
  The following links will take you to some useful Family Media Agreements provided by Common Sense Media.

  

Blocking Inappropriate Internet Content on the iPad using Restrictions

The default web browser built into the iPad by Apple is Safari. While this is a highly effective browser, parents may wish to control more features than Safari blocks by default.  To set up safari to block specific content you can follow the directions in the following presentation: Safari Safe Browsing