‘TIS THE SEASON: The holiday season is a time of wonder and excitement. Witnessing the joy our children experience during the Christmas season is incredibly rewarding. But it’s also a time for parents to be proactive to keep their kids safe. From managing online content to setting up devices responsibly, there’s so much you can do to ensure a joyful holiday for your family.
Some gifts that seem harmless may contain materials inappropriate for kids. Consider the recent “Wicked” Barbie doll incident. Instead of directing buyers to a promotional site for the movie, the box mistakenly linked to a pornographic website. While it’s a cautionary tale, it’s also a reminder of how easy it is to take simple steps to protect your children.
Source: CNBC
The season of gift giving often includes toys and games, but many gifts for children may also be virtual. Between new cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems, there may be gifts parents want to set limits on for their family.
In moderation, these devices certainly provide kids and teens entertainment and a way to connect with friends online. With a few thoughtful preparations, you can make sure their experiences stay positive. Whether it’s enabling parental controls, setting boundaries on gaming, or securing devices, these small actions make a big difference. Here are some ways parents can turn potential risks into opportunities for teaching responsibility and fostering safe habits.
CELL PHONES AND TABLETS
Giving your child their first phone or tablet can be an exciting milestone. Keeping software up to date and using trusted security programs and parental controls are simple steps that can prevent potential issues. Ensuring your kids have healthy boundaries with technology is important to keep kids safe and set a foundation for responsible tech use as your child grows.
VIDEO GAMES
Gaming can be an exciting way for kids to connect with friends and develop problem-solving skills. Popular titles like Minecraft and Roblox offer endless creativity, but they also come with chat features that require a watchful eye. By setting up parental controls and discussing online behavior, you empower your child to enjoy their games while staying safe. Gaming can be a great learning tool—just be sure to check in regularly.
SAFE STREAMING
Streaming platforms are packed with shows that delight and inspire kids, but it’s important to ensure their viewing aligns with your family’s values. Kid-friendly services like Minno and PureFlix offer worry-free content, while mainstream platforms provide parental controls to filter what your child can access. Watching shows together is also a fun way to bond and discuss the stories they love. With a little research, you can create a safe and enriching entertainment environment for your family.
Whether it’s exploring new games, enjoying family-friendly shows, or introducing your child to technology, each experience is an opportunity to teach responsibility. With your guidance, this holiday season can be both magical and secure, creating moments your family will cherish for years to come.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
OTHER NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
ROBLOX ENHANCES SAFETY FEATURES FOR YOUNG USERS: Roblox has introduced new safety measures to better protect users under 13. These updates include restricting direct messaging outside of games, requiring parental consent for in-game chats, and implementing content labels to guide age-appropriate access. Additionally, parents can now link their accounts to their children’s, allowing remote management of screen time, spending limits, and friend lists. Read more here.
WISCONSIN SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES NEW SCHOOL POLICY BASED ON BIOLOGICAL SEX: Last week, the Watertown Unified School District Board of Education approved a new policy requiring students to use bathrooms and participate in athletics based on their biological sex. Read more here.
32 ATTORNEYS GENERAL SIGN A LETTER TO CONGRESS URGING PASSAGE OF KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT (KOSA): 32 Attorneys General came together to urge congress to pass KOSA before the end of the year. KOSA aims to protect children on social media platforms, among other things. Read more here.
JUDGE ALLOWS MAN TO PLAY ON WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM: A U.S. Magistrate Judge in Denver ruled to allow a male player on the San Jose State Women’s volleyball team to compete in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship this week in Las Vegas. Read more here.
Thanks for reading the latest edition of the American Parents Coalition’s The Lookout. If you have a troubling story to share about a school, doctor, company, or other institution working to usurp parents’ rights, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected].
