Summer is here and we are establishing our days on our more relaxed schedule. Now that school is over there is more time for screens, but still within reason. We set timers and have some house rules in place. One of my biggest concerns is the safety of our kids when they are enjoying their time online. I have to protect that squishy little gamer face who likes to wake up before the rest of the house.
One of the greatest resources I have to parent our children in a digital age is an app called Protect Young Eyes. There’s an app for everything, right?!? Complex digital topics are made simple to understand. I learn internet safety AND good digital family practices in one spot. This app holds everything you need to know to teach your kids to be predator proof, porn resilient, and screen wise.
In as little as 5 minutes a day (a notification helps you remember to do your “homework”) you can be up to date on the latest. The bite-sized lessons with beautiful graphic designs or an informative video let you swipe your way to more knowledge to keep your family safe online. Lessons vary, but here are a few topics:
- Social Media and platforms such as YouTube, Discord, Disney+ and more…
- Digital mental health
- Digital rules for co-parents
- Routers + set-up
- Pornography talks
- Creating digital trust
- Popular games such as Among Us and Minecraft
- Emergency stops for porn, sexting, predators, and mental health.
I have a very heavy heart at times when I think of how much kids struggle in 2021. I am often tempted to feel quite despondent, but the PTE app (and blog) helps me see things more positively. Their work to share information and resources is making my job so much easier. They warn about the negative things the internet holds, but they also share healthy ways to be online. We can’t escape technology, but we can train ourselves and our kids to use it for good.
Maybe you aren’t ready to commit to a premium membership, but please utilize the free information that Protect Young Eyes shares within the app and on their blog. That will give you a really good foundation. For me it made me realize that I needed the app to streamline it all as quickly as possible so I don’t miss a digital parenting moment. The notification on my phone prompts me to consume that quick lesson they’ve prepared. Technology is moving so fast it doesn’t take much to be behind on the latest privacy setting or feature on a popular game that has changed.
I am the proud user of the Gryphon router thanks to PTE. They tested multiple routers in great detail and shared the best options. I’m so incredibly grateful for their work. I would never have the time or know-how to do what they do. They also take into account that we don’t have time to read a whole e-book or even a long post. Everything is concise and easy to consume.
There was a post about period tracking apps and all the ugly baggage that can come with some of the more well known apps. It was not even on my radar to be on alert for chat features on that kind of app. Sometimes you don’t even know what you don’t know. The app is exactly what I need to build my confidence and help me tackle the latest digital things I need to do as a parent. Here is a video of Chris, the founder, and a few more words about the app.
Protect Young Eyes sends a regular email newsletter with the latest tech trends. Just text the word “protect” (no quotes) to 66866. Also, you can find PTE on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
