Family Screen Safety Resources

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Many valuable resources for education, information, and connection with others exists through screen-based technology and, more and more, screens have become the most used source for information and communication. Even while there is value to be found through screens, it's important to be aware of the possible threats that can come from screens both in what is seen/sent and how much time is spent on them.

As a part of Pure & Simple Truth for Youth's mission to share the truth about whole-person identity, healthy relationships, and sexual integrity with youth, families, and communities, we have provided a list of internet and screen safety resources for families and those who care for youth. 
You can see this list on the Parent Resource Pack page.

For today's post, we'll focus in the following:
SafeGuarding Your Home & Family:

• How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
• 5 Tools: Keeping Kids Safe Online (video)

Internet Filtering Tools:

• Covenant Eyes - One of the most used filtering software tools and support for parents.
• Disney Circle - Great Option for controlling all devices with one app.
• Bark - Bark alerts parents only when it detects a potential threat – be it sexting, cyberbullying, or even suicidal thoughts.​
• Protect Young Eyes - Help Families, Schools, And Churches Create Safer Digital Environments.
• Protect Young Minds - Empowering parents, professionals and community leaders to protect young kids from pornography and promote healing from any sexual exploitation

Knowing how to set-up filters and parental codes is an important way to protect kids from getting into dangerous territory on the internet but the #1 most helpful thing parents and guardians can do to help equip kids to stay safe on their screens is to have frequent and honest conversations together.

Talk to  your  child about  why  internet safety  is important. Keep  your screens in a  family  area and discuss time  limits and restrictions for  screen time. Set parental controls and filters but also teach kids how to handle it when (not if) they come across inappropriate images or information or how to respond to inappropriate conversations from friends and strangers.

Remember the goal is to equip youth to use screens responsibly and with moderation. Have honest conversations together and remember our youth do need guidance and even limits and restrictions (even if they may not agree) as they learn how to navigate their way though the world of the internet.

See the full list of resources on the Parent Resource Pack page.