Do you allow your child to spend hours on the computer each day? Perhaps you worry a bit that he’s in front of the screen too much, but reassure yourself that he’s learning skills that will prepare him for the high-tech work force of the future. Not so fast. While there may be some… Read more

Walk through any suburban neighborhood after school hours, and you’re likely to see less children playing outside than you would have a decade ago, even if the weather is nice. Why? Because more and more kids are spending their free time in front of a computer screen rather than venturing outdoors. The culprit? Computer games. Some… Read more

If the very thought of your high school student interacting on a social media network send chills up your spine, you’re not alone. Many parents fear unleashing their children into the virtual world, and for good reason. Stories of cyberbullying, online predators, and sexting abound, so it’s easy to simply take a no tolerance approach to online communication. The world is changing, though, and while it may not be pleasant to think about, your child will one day become dependent on the Internet to survive and thrive in the professional world, just as many of us adults have already. Isn’t it better to teach your child how to use social networks appropriately now rather than have him experiment on his own later? Read more

It happens to the best of us. Despite our best efforts to monitor and instruct, sometimes our children still find ways to get themselves into trouble. When it comes to online activities, trouble mean a variety of different things such as viewing an inappropriate site, talking to a stranger, or posting offensive words or images on a social… Read more

As your child becomes a tween and eventually a teen, the question will inevitably arise: should you let your child join a social media network? If you listen to your child, of course, the answer will be a resounding “yes.” But, your maternal (or paternal) instinct may be telling you otherwise. After all, the media is rife with heart-wrenching stories about online predators and horrific tales of cyberbullying. No parent wants to expose their children to these types of threats. On the other hand, many adults use social media themselves, both for personal and professional reasons. You may be thinking it’s a little hypocritical to deprive your youngster from the benefits these platforms offer when you’re enjoying them yourself. In fact, some social media experts have recommended that teens begin using social media sites like LinkedIn and even Twitter to network with professionals in the field they’re interested in one day pursuing. In addition, some employers are beginning to request LinkedIn profiles in lieu of a traditional resume. Bottom line? Social media is becoming so pervasive in our society that it’s becoming harder and harder to avoid. So, what’s a parent to do? While ultimately, the decision is up to you, here are a few words of advice as you decide when and how to guide your child into the world of social media. Read more

Has technology made your job as a parent just a little bit harder? You’re not alone. Technology is often touted as a convenience that’s made so many things easier—shopping, paying bills, and keeping up with old friends, for instance. If you happen to be the parent of a tween or teen, however, technology—especially the Internet—can make life more difficult, especially if your child happens to be more techno-savvy than you are. If you’re concerned about your child’s online activities or just want to be proactive to ensure that your child plays it safe online, read on to discover three practical ways you can monitor your child’s computer use, even if you consider yourself a bit technologically challenged: Read more

If you’re the parent of a teenager or soon-to-be adolescent, then you’ve no doubt heard the horror stories about cyberbullying. This type of online abuse has caused irreparable emotional damage for many a child and has even driven some young people to do the unthinkable by taking their own lives. News of these tragic events has compelled many parents to restrict their tween or teen from participating in online activities altogether. Luckily, there are alternatives that will allow your child to benefit from the entertainment and educational resources the Internet has to offer without exposing them to potential harm. Before you take any drastic measures, consider these five practical tips for protecting your child from cyberbullying. Read more

Hi there, we are excited to announce that Qustodio 1.30 is now available for download from Qustodio, if you are an existing user you will automatically receive the update. Among several compatibility and stability fixes we have also introduced a number of good improvements listed below. ### New features in this release: #### Temporary protection bypass It is now possible… Read more

Think your child spends too much time online? Join the club. Whereas parents used to fret about how much television their children watched, today’s concern is centered on how much time their children spend glued to another screen, the one connected to the World Wide Web. Whether it’s via a PC, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, more and more kids are devoting more and more of their leisure time to surfing the net. While no one can tell you exactly how much is too much (that’s a decision you’ll have to make on your own), there’s one thing that’s certain—it’s your duty as a parent to make sure that a) your child has a fulfilling and productive life outside of the one he’s created on the web, and b) that the amount of time your child spends online isn’t putting his health or safety at risk. How do you do that? Read on for some practical tips to help your child strike a balance between the virtual world and the real one. Read more

Have you been considering letting your child get an account on a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter? If so, you might want to think again. Although these sites can be tempting for kids who want to go online and chat with their friends, they can also pose a host of threats to your child’s safety and reputation. We all want our kids to be social and have fun, but these websites may not be the best avenue for social interaction. Want to know more? Read on to learn about three very real dangers of social media sites: Read more