[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Have you installed a parental control app on your child\u2019s devices with the best intentions of keeping them safe online, only for them to try to remove the app from their phone? Or maybe their device has become a bone of contention, because while your goal is protection, your child wants to uninstall parental controls from it because they believe they are old enough to look after themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n Whatever the situation, the \u201ckids vs. parental controls\u201d scenario can be frustrating for everyone involved. It can be difficult for parents to know what action to take for fear of making a bad situation worse, and it can be difficult for children to understand their parents\u2019 decisions and points of view. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Set out the conditions for healthy device use<\/b><\/p>\n Put simply, if your child has access to a device, or you’ve decided that your <\/span>child is ready to use a new device<\/span><\/a> (such as a smartphone) that you’re providing them with, then parental controls are a requirement for the child to use the device – if you’ve decided that <\/span>controls need to be there for their health and safety.<\/b><\/p>\n You may find that your child meets this with some form of argument or resistance: <\/span>\u201cNone of my friends have parental controls,\u201d<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>\u201cYou’re spying on me\u201d<\/span><\/i>, and it\u2019s important to remember that it\u2019s normal for children not to like the safety nets or rules that we as adults believe are appropriate, and that we know are healthy for their development. It\u2019s our responsibility as parents to set these rules and conditions, but we can (and should) <\/span>be open and honest with children<\/b> about the reasons why we believe the decisions we make are best for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Sit down for an open conversation on parental controls<\/b><\/p>\n While it\u2019s our responsibility as parents to set rules and guidelines for our children, that doesn\u2019t mean they will always understand what\u2019s expected of them. Before installing parental controls on your child\u2019s device, or devices, it\u2019s best to <\/span>sit down and have a conversation with your child about exactly what it is that you\u2019re putting on their device<\/b>, and why you\u2019ve made that decision as a family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Highlight the various dangers that you’re concerned about, and express that you\u2019re looking out for their health. You may want to stress that it\u2019s important that they begin to <\/span>develop a good set of habits around digital wellness<\/b>, and that these tools allow you as a parent to guide and help them with that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whatever type of software you decide to use – from native device controls to <\/span>parental control tools<\/span><\/a> such as Qustodio, show them what you’re putting on there and explain how you will be using the tools. This type of conversation will vary, depending on whether you have a <\/span>younger child<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>tween<\/span><\/a>, or a teenager.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Usually, the children who are actively trying to uninstall parental controls are older elementary age, or teenagers who may have had these tools installed on their devices from a younger age. <\/span>If this is the case, and you didn\u2019t have a thorough conversation about parental control tools at the outset, sit down with them to <\/span>revisit the device rules and expectations<\/span><\/a> you have for them.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Make device usage a collaboration, not a struggle<\/b><\/p>\n It\u2019s important that your child understands exactly what the consequences are for actively trying to uninstall parental controls. If you discover that your child has tried to turn off or remove the controls, then set up a simple consequence: they do not get to use the device for the time frame you determine to be appropriate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When installing parental controls, or allowing your child to use a new device, explain that knowing the rules and leaving controls installed on the device is their responsibility. If your child understands that parental control tools are necessary for them to safely and appropriately use their devices, then they should know that <\/span>when they choose to uninstall them, they are demonstrating they don’t yet have a level of maturity and personal accountability to be using technology appropriately.<\/b> This puts the ball in their court, instead of keeping the focus on you as a parent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Be consistent with your device rules<\/b><\/p>\nWhat to do if your child attempts to uninstall parental controls from their device<\/b><\/h2>\n