Child safety online

{{whyLabel}}: Clear rules prevent conflicts and set expectations for both parents and children before issues arise.

{{howLabel}}:

• Use a template from Common Sense Media or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• Define 'Tech-Free Zones' (e.g., dining table, bedrooms) and 'Downtime' (e.g., no screens after 8 PM).
• Include 'Non-Negotiables' like never sharing passwords or home addresses.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A signed agreement is physically posted on the refrigerator or a central family board.

{{whyLabel}}: Understanding the shift from a 'play-based' to a 'phone-based' childhood is crucial for making informed parenting decisions in 2025.

{{howLabel}}:

• Focus on the 'Four Norms' proposed by Haidt: no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and more unsupervised play.
• Take notes on how to replace screen time with high-quality 'real world' activities.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have identified at least three specific changes to implement in your family's digital routine based on the book's insights.

{{whyLabel}}: Children often encounter inappropriate content by accident; they need a shame-free protocol to handle it.

{{howLabel}}:

• Explain that if they see something 'scary' or 'yucky,' they should immediately Turn the screen off or over.
• Run to a trusted adult.
• Tell exactly what happened without fear of losing their device privileges.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Your child can explain the three steps of the rule back to you.

{{whyLabel}}: DNS filtering blocks malicious sites, adult content, and trackers for every device in the house simultaneously.

{{howLabel}}:

• Create a free account at NextDNS.io.
• In the 'Parental Control' tab, toggle on 'SafeSearch' and 'YouTube Restricted Mode'.
• Update your router's DNS settings to point to the provided NextDNS addresses (e.g., 45.90.28.x).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The NextDNS dashboard shows 'All good!' and active queries are being filtered.

{{whyLabel}}: Prevents visitors from accidentally introducing malware or accessing shared family folders/devices.

{{howLabel}}:

• Access your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1).
• Enable the 'Guest Network' feature with a separate password.
• Ensure 'Access to Local Network' is disabled for this guest SSID.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A separate Wi-Fi network is visible and functional for guests.

{{whyLabel}}: These built-in tools are the most effective way to manage app limits, approve downloads, and track location.

{{howLabel}}:

• For Android: Install Google Family Link on both parent and child devices.
• For iOS: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Set up Screen Time for Family.
• Set a 'Downtime' schedule and 'App Limits' for high-distraction categories like Social Media and Games.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You receive a notification on your phone when the child requests a new app download.

{{whyLabel}}: Default settings on popular platforms are often too permissive, exposing children to strangers.

{{howLabel}}:

• Roblox: Enable 'Account Restrictions' to limit chat and access only curated games.
• TikTok: Use 'Family Pairing' to link accounts and set the child's profile to 'Private'.
• Disable 'Direct Messaging' for users under 16 where possible.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All social/gaming profiles are set to 'Private' with restricted chat functions.

{{whyLabel}}: Standard browsers track behavior; this setup minimizes data collection and blocks intrusive ads.

{{howLabel}}:

• Download Firefox and set it as the default browser.
• Install the uBlock Origin extension (Open Source).
• Enable 'Strict' tracking protection in Firefox settings.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The child's browser shows zero ads on common sites like YouTube or news outlets.

{{whyLabel}}: Building trust is more effective than surveillance; let them show you their world.

{{howLabel}}:

• Spend 30 minutes once a week playing their favorite game with them.
• Ask open-ended questions: 'What's the coolest thing you saw online this week?' or 'Did anyone say anything mean in the chat?'
• Avoid criticizing their interests during this time to keep communication lines open.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: One 30-minute co-playing or co-browsing session is completed weekly.

{{whyLabel}}: Apps update and settings can revert; regular audits ensure your 'Digital Fortress' remains intact.

{{howLabel}}:

• Review the NextDNS logs for blocked domains that indicate attempted access to risky sites.
• Check Screen Time/Family Link reports for unusual spikes in usage.
• Update all device software to patch the latest security vulnerabilities.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring calendar invite is set, and the first monthly audit is documented.