How can I protect my kids from unwanted content?

We live in a time of constant access to video, music, games and media of all kinds. As exciting as this is, it can be stressful for parents. How can you control what your kids have access to? How can you be sure they’re using technology responsibly?

Magid’s 2019 Mobile Lifestyle Study found that about half of parents concerned about the amount of time children spend on mobile devices have established time restrictions for their kids. While parental controls can help with this and other potential tech concerns, only a third of these parents have used some form of parental control tools (such as content filters).

From internet parental controls to security apps, Verizon provides parents with the tools to self-manage families’ digital media experiences. The controls and tools below showcase this commitment with numerous options available to parents. Know what these are and how to use them to protect you and your kids from unwanted or inappropriate content.

Stay aware of where your kids are.

Verizon Smart Family is an app that allows you, the parent, to monitor your child's location. Parents can limit what children can access on their smartphones by setting content filters, blocking inappropriate apps and websites, and providing options to set call, text and data limits.

Filter internet and mobile content.

Verizon offers a parental control app for smartphones, tablets and computers through a partnership with content-filtering-technology leader Mobicip. This tool provides internet-filtering options, tracking, browsing history reports, and the ability to block or allow certain types of apps and services, including social media, games and video streaming apps.

Use one location to manage your kids’ online and wireless access.

If you use a Verizon Fios Internet plan, the My Fios app gives parents an easy-to-use option for accessing and controlling internet, home phone and TV accounts from anywhere. My Fios app can be used to manage how much time kids spend online and lets parents set daily or weekly time limits on any connected device.

Protect your kids from mature content on your TV.

Fios TV parental controls go beyond the standard filters of TV content ratings. Through your Fios TV remote or your My Verizon account, you can set up parental controls that will allow parents to block content by age group, control the display of certain programming and information on the on-screen guide, and even block specific channels or categories.

Protect your kids’ phones against online threats like hacking, viruses and identify theft.

Verizon Internet Security Suite fortifies your online safety and data protection with an array of tools, including McAfee Active Protection, anti-virus protection, anti-spyware technology, firewall security, identity protection, online-filtering options, site safety ratings and home network protection status.

Protect your kids from inappropriate content.

Family Protection helps parents manage kids’ access to content on the internet. Parents can use this tool (part of the Verizon Internet Security Suite) to set filters for email and internet usage, block inappropriate websites, minimize social networking risks, block objectionable YouTube videos, and create schedules and alerts that can help reduce exposure to unwanted and inappropriate content.

Be a #DigitalParent pro.

You’re in the right place. Parenting in a Digital World is full of advice and information for parents on current tech trends and concerns. 

Let us know what topics you’d like to know more about by contacting us at storyinquiry@verizon.com.