Parental Controls for Internet Safety: How to Keep Kids Safe Online
“Don’t talk to strangers on the internet—they’ll try to kidnap you!”
If you grew up during the early days of the internet, warnings like this from parents were constant. Don’t use your real name online. Never share personal information. Don’t respond to messages from people you don’t know.
Still, many of us spent hours in chat rooms, sending our A/S/L (age/sex/location) to strangers. Parental controls didn’t exist, pop-ups were rampant, and “safe search” settings were far from standard.
Today, children are handed tablets before they can walk. Technology is part of everyday life, but that means it’s more important than ever to set up parental controls for internet safety. These tools can help protect kids from harmful content, online threats, and even their own curiosity.
Why You Need Parental Controls for Internet Safety
Modern parenting includes managing your child’s digital presence. Parental controls are one of the most effective ways to:
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Limit screen time
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Block inappropriate content
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Prevent sharing of personal data
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Monitor online activity
Whether you use a built-in device feature, a mobile provider tool, or the Wisper Home App, parental controls can give you peace of mind and keep your child safe online.
Types of Parental Controls
There are several different types of parental control settings you can use depending on the device and the level of restriction you need.
1. Filtering and Blocking
These settings restrict access to specific websites and block certain words or images. Options like Safe Search help prevent inappropriate content from appearing in search results.
2. Blocking Outgoing Content
This helps prevent kids from sharing personal or sensitive information like addresses, phone numbers, or school names. Once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to take back.
3. Time Limits
Screen time limits help regulate how long and when your child can be online. Setting and discussing limits avoids arguments and encourages healthier digital habits.
4. Monitoring Tools
Some controls let your kids explore the internet while notifying you if they stray into risky territory. You can track websites visited, apps used, and even social media activity.
➡️ Tip: The Wisper Home App offers customizable filters, time limits, and real-time alerts for every connected device in your home.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Internet Safety
Parental controls are powerful—but they work best when paired with real conversations. Teaching your kids how to use the internet responsibly builds habits that last even after the restrictions come off.
Careful What You Share
Talk about the risks of oversharing. Show them how personal info—like their full name, school, or birthday—can be misused. Try searching your own name together online and discuss what comes up.
Spotting Phishing Scams
Teach them to look out for suspicious emails or messages. Children (and older adults) are especially vulnerable to scams. Show them how to identify fake links or strange sender addresses.
Create Strong Passwords
Encourage strong, memorable passwords using combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Help them come up with a base password and unique versions for each app or device.
Example: S@ra2025!Pad for Sara’s iPad.
And don’t forget to log out when done!
Open Communication is Key
Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything they find online—especially if it seems weird or makes them uncomfortable.
Set It and Stay Involved
The internet is an amazing place to learn, explore, and connect—but it’s also full of risks. With parental controls for internet safety, you can set boundaries and empower your kids to make good choices online.
The Wisper Home App, included with our Wisper Care Plan, lets you apply these tools directly from your smartphone. It covers all connected devices in your home—TVs, tablets, laptops, and more—and keeps you updated with alerts and activity summaries.
You don’t have to monitor every click, but you can create a safe, supportive environment for your child to grow digitally—just like you’d do in real life.