Every parent dreads the day their young children become interested in online gaming. Allowing your children to step into the digital world can potentially expose them to toxic and inappropriate behaviour.
Fortunately, there are several software options that you can install that offer tools to monitor this behaviour across PCs and mobile devices. This post explores the top solutions to consider.
Net Nanny
A bombardment of adverts and pop-up links makes it super easy for kids to veer off their gaming sites, potentially exposing them to harmful content. In addition to this, there’s also the risk of predatory behaviour and bullying. Top software solutions, such as Net Nanny, feature real-time content filtering to detect and block inappropriate apps and websites.
Combining this software with a superior VPN solution such as ExpressVPN will not only protect your kid’s privacy but also safeguard against DDoS attacks. Keeping their IP address private should always be a priority.
Kaspersky Safe Kids
It’s not uncommon for kids to play online games across different devices. In this instance, you’ll want to ensure that all of these are equally protected. Kaspersky Safe Kids is excellent for managing app usage, monitoring Windows and mobile activity, and also helps to set specific content filters. Kaspersky Safe Kids can be used while your children play everything from Pokemon Pokepedia to Minecraft and Fortnite.
Kidas
Another equally popular software solution well worth considering is Kidas. Not only is this solution designed for gaming, but it also analyzes in-game voice and text chat on PCs for bullying, sexual content, predator threats, and hate speech. A huge advantage here is that the software provides reports to parents.
Qustodio
If you’re concerned about the amount of time your children spend playing games, then you’ll want a software solution that enables you to set time limits. In addition to offering this, Qustodio offers superior all-in-one digital well-being as well as comprehensive screen tracking across all your kids’ devices.
Use the Built-in Controls of Your OS
In addition to external software solutions, parents are also advised to make use of the built-in security features that different operating systems, devices, and gaming platforms offer. Common examples of this include the following:
Google Family Link
Apple Screen Time
Microsoft Family Safety
A huge plus here is that these features are free and offer comprehensive, platform-level restrictions. You can also utilise a few key strategies to enhance your kids' gaming protection, such as enabling in-game controls.
This is especially helpful for games such as Fortnite or Roblox, where direct messaging between players is allowed. Use the Discord mobile app that allows you to mirror your kid’s account. You’ll be able to receive alerts for all DMs they receive in the game.
Final Thought
Installing the right gaming software solutions is the key to ensuring that your young children's access to personal data is always protected. Use the top solutions we’ve shared to give you peace of mind, no matter what games your kids are playing.
