Holiday Tech Gift Guide: Smart Safety Tips For Parents

Keeping Kids Safe with New Tech This Holiday Season

This holiday season, tech gadgets are topping gift lists once again, and parents are keen on keeping their kids safe online. Ray Pastore, Ph.D., an instructional technology expert from UNC Wilmington, offers practical advice for families venturing into the digital world.

Pastore, who balances his time between surfing and gaming, emphasizes the importance of parental presence. He suggests that while parental controls are useful, "there's no perfect safety setting." The key is for parents to engage in ongoing conversations with their kids and be present while they're online.

First Phones: Setting the Stage for Safe Use

Getting a first phone is a big step for any child. Pastore advises families to establish clear boundaries and open lines of communication. "We block the obvious stuff—gambling and other adult content—but the biggest filter is the conversation. I tell my kids, ‘You can come to me before the Internet does,’” he shares.

For those considering tech products, Verizon Family Plus offers features like app blocking, content filtering, and location sharing, while the Google Pixel 10 Pro provides a solid option with regular security updates.

Smartwatches: A First Step into Tech Independence

Smartwatches can be a great introduction to tech for younger kids. Pastore appreciates the two-way communication capabilities: "He could call us. We can also control things from the app; I can control if it’s going to ring or be on silent mode." This feature gives kids some independence while keeping parents in the loop.

The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch8 are excellent choices, offering features like GPS tracking and School Mode to ensure safety.

Gaming Consoles: Balancing Fun with Limits

When it comes to gaming consoles, setting boundaries is crucial. Pastore uses a router timer to manage screen time effectively, saying, "My router timer is the bedtime that actually works. It shuts down the Xbox at 9 PM, and the tablets earlier." This approach helps avoid arguments and ensures a healthy balance between gaming and rest.

For those looking to manage gaming time, the Fios Router or 5G Home Router can be used to set WiFi time limits, and the Nintendo Switch offers parental controls for activity tracking.

Ultimately, the best tech gifts come with the right balance of boundaries and communication. By using digital tools and maintaining an open dialogue, parents can help their children navigate the digital world responsibly.