ISLAMABAD: Amid mounting concerns about the potential dissemination of graphic videos of hostages captured in the Israel-Gaza conflict, schools, psychologists, and safety groups are urging parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s online experiences. Fortunately, both platforms and mobile operating systems offer robust parental control features that can help shield children from harmful content.
Parents can begin by exploring the parental control features available in their child’s mobile operating system. For iOS users, Apple’s Screen Time tool provides comprehensive controls, while Android users can rely on Google Family Link to manage a child’s phone activity. These tools enable parents to restrict app access and flag inappropriate content, fostering a safer digital environment for their children.
When it comes to popular social media platforms, there are specific measures parents can take to prevent their kids from harmful social media contents.
Social Media Platforms Offer Measures
TikTok offers a Family Pairing feature, allowing parents to link their accounts with their child’s and restrict their ability to search for content. Parents can also limit access to inappropriate content and filter out videos containing certain words or hashtags directly from the app’s settings.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, provides an educational hub for parents. This resource offers expert-backed tips, articles, and tools for user safety. Parents can track their children’s time spent on Instagram and set time limits, promoting healthier online habits during sensitive times.
YouTube’s Family Link tool empowers parents to establish supervised accounts, set screen time limits, and block specific content. YouTube Kids, designed for a younger audience, offers a safer space for children. Parents can also create supervised accounts for older kids, ensuring a more controlled viewing experience.
Meta Platforms has established a dedicated operations center staffed with experts, including fluent Hebrew and Arabic speakers. This team monitors content, responds to policy violations, and collaborates with third-party fact-checkers to combat misinformation. Meta reaffirms its commitment to keeping online spaces safe for users, especially during times of conflict.
