Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

We understand that internet safety for kids is a top priority for parents and teachers who are providing online access to younger children and teens alike. Safe search resources for the internet should not replace proper parental or teacher supervision, but it can go a long way to protect those most vulnerable.

You might be surprised that in some ways the internet is safer now than 15 years ago.  Of course, in many other ways it’s much more dangerous.  Due to internet providers making better attempts to separate adult content from general content, and search engines providing more filtered search, it is a little more difficult to stumble upon illicit material when you are not actively seeking it out.

But make no mistake, harmful content still readily available when a child grows older and decides they want to explore beyond set boundaries.  Social media has also presented new problems with increased opportunity for online predators, cyberbullying, and content hidden from parents within social media accounts.

Connection between internet users is now instant and often undetected.  This is where parental controls are essential for monitoring.  The younger the age of a child online, the more pervasive these monitoring controls need to protect kids.  Once they see anything it can’t be unseen. 

So with that being said, here are few tips to encourage online safety for kids when surfing the world wide web whether at home or in school.

Internet Safety Tips for Kids

• Have an open conversation with your kids about safe browsing and computer use. Explain why online safety is important.  Teach them that with the freedom to explore the internet comes responsibility.

• Do not replace parental or teacher supervision of computer use at home or at school with our safe search engine or any other. No search filtering tool is perfect, especially outside of a software application.  We’ll explore that option momentarily.

• A good rule of thumb is to not allow internet use when a child is home alone without proper supervision, even with our safe search kids search engine.
• Keep your computer in an open area. If your computer is in a home office, make a rule that doors are always left open when online.

• Educate yourself on how to stay safe when using social media and have open discussions with teens about present dangers and long term effects of inappropriate conduct, including the dangers associated with posting pictures online.

• It’s not a good idea to allow computers or laptops in your kids bedrooms, even while using our free internet filter, unless they are close to the main area of the house such as the kitchen or living room with doors left open.

• Do not allow internet use after you’ve gone to bed at night no matter how good your computer security software is or how confident you are in kids search engines.

• As alluded to above, software can provide better web filtering to strengthen internet safety for kids.  Consider installing parental controls to give you complete control over how your children access the internet.

What to Teach Kids About Internet Safety

With the rise in identity theft it’s important recognize that it’s not only adults that can be a target. Here are some tips that kids should know to protect themselves today, and as they grow older.

Do not give out personal information about yourself online without your parent’s permission. This includes your name, where you live or your telephone number.

Never to agree to meet someone that you have met online. If you do not know the person in ‘real life’, tell your parents about anyone that is asking to meet you.

Talk to your parents first about pictures you want to post online, whether they be of yourself or your friends and family members.

Do not respond to messages you receive that are mean or speaking meanly about others. Tell your parents about these messages.  Learn what you can do if you are a victim of online bullying.

Do not give out any of your passwords to friends or anyone you meet online.

Check with your parents first before downloading or installing any software on your computer. Do not allow file sharing programs to be installed on your computer. Only use safe and secure music download programs from trusted sources on the internet.

Always be kind of others online. Do not do anything that may hurt others including joining in conversations discussing other people’s problems.

Be careful about discussing details about your own personal problems with your friends online. It is better to speak to them in person. Tell your parents or teacher if you are struggling with something.

Learn common sense social media safety tips you can put into practice today.

Ensure privacy settings on activated on all of social media websites you use.

Remember that the rules for internet safety for kids also apply to texting on your phone.

Agree to computer rules set up by your parents, teachers or guardians. With freedom and trust comes the expectation that you will act responsibly.

Parental Controls for Internet Safety

Parents have always tried to protect their children from exposure to inappropriate content. Content filters are the oldest form of parental controls. These tools allow parents to block websites, videos, music, games, apps, and other media. Some content filters even allow parents to monitor what their child watches on TV.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of companies offering similar services. Many of them offer free trials, which allows parents to try out the service before purchasing it. There are many different types of content filters available today. Some are designed to block all content while others are designed to filter certain types of content. For example, a parent might choose to block all adult content while allowing educational sites to pass through.

Set up parental controls on phones

While there are many apps designed to keep kids safe while they’re using the web, parents should also consider installing parental controls for other devices in the home. These tools allow parents to set restrictions on how long their child can use the device, which websites they can visit, and whether they can access specific features.

If you’ve got an Android device, you can easily set up parental controls by downloading the Google Play Protect app. This free app scans your device for malware and other threats, then gives you recommendations on how to protect your data. You can also download the Family Link app, which allows you to share your account with family members so they can manage their own accounts as well.

Block apps from accessing the internet

With these two tools, you can block apps from accessing the internet, preventing them from accessing any websites. You’ll need to do this manually each time you use the app, though. And example of blocking apps is a social media platform you don’t want your kids to access.  Some social media sites are innocent enough and you’ll want to monitor them.  Others may have content you will need to keep a closer eye on.

Prevent your child from sharing personal information

You can also use parental controls to block apps that contain potentially dangerous features. For example, some games allow players to share personal information with other users. This includes things like your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Restrict access to websites

If you’re worried about your child’s exposure to inappropriate content, you can restrict access to certain websites by using parental controls. These controls allow parents to set up filters that prevent their children from viewing certain sites.  YouTube parental controls are good example of a site that may have educational content, but parents wants to ensure there are restrictions on less appropriate videos.

Monitor your child’s activity.

If you’re worried about your child’s activities online, you can monitor their device using a parental control app. These apps will let you view everything your child does on their phone, tablet, or computer. You’ll be able to see who they’re talking to, where they’ve been, and what they’re doing.

Internet Filtering Solutions

Internet Accountability: The Covenant Eyes Filter provides the following options:  Decide the times of day the Internet may be used, and how much time per day or per week the Internet may be surfed under each username. Choose whether to block or to allow specific websites specific to each username.  This software can be used to help block instant messaging, file sharing, and other protocols. The basic Covenant Eyes Accountability feature teaches safe browsing habits. Just knowing that an extra set of eyes in watching, encourages your family members to be responsible when surfing the internet.

For complete control, especially for younger children or for those times you are not available to monitor computer activity, ensure internet safety for kids using installations that block access to inappropriate content online.  These solutions will come in the form of an app for mobile devices or software for computers and lap tops.

Internet safety for kids should be the first priority of any parent or guardian when seeking protection of children online. It certainly can be a balance to juggle freedom on the internet with a safe level of online restrictions. Implement safe search using a kids search engine along with a filtering software program. Safe Search for Kids is designed to work hand in hand with supervision by parents and educators.

Father’s Day is a day set aside to celebrate fathers or men who perform the responsibilities of dads to children. It is a special day for men.  Beyond a curiosity of Father’s Day history you may also be wondering what you can do to make dad feel special this year.

First, let’s explore its origin. Originally, the American first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington.  Still, it did not become an official holiday in the United States of America until 1971.

It happened when President W. Wilson declared it to be celebrated officially.  However, another very special day for another family member came first.

Father’s Day Had Help from Mother’s Day

Mother’s day was a galvanizing factor in catalyzing father’s day. The Mother’s day celebration was inspired in 1860’s by the activist Anna Maria Jarvis, who was well known for her activism.

The campaign to celebrate the nation’s fathers did not create the same excitement.  On July 5, 1908, a West Virginia church organized the nation’s first event in honor of fathers. It was a Sunday sermon in memory of the 362 men who died in the December’s explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah, but it was only a one-time affair and not an annual holiday.

The following year, in Spokane, Washington, Sonora Smart Dodd attempted to organize a Father’s Day analogue. She was the only child of a widower who raised her and her five siblings. Sonora made this effort through visits to local churches, shopkeepers, YMCA and government officials in order to gather support for this idea. Fortunately for dads she was successful.

On June 19, 1910, Washington celebrated the nation’s first official Father’s day in a state. Then, President Calvin Coolidge urged all states to celebrate Father’s day as an annual holiday in 1924. Men scoffed at this and tagged it an attempt to sensationalize the roles of fathers. However, the celebration has continued to grow in popularity even among the naysayers.

Today, Father’s day is celebrated every third Sunday of June in most countries.

Special Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s day 2022 is a special day for dads. And if you have been wracking your brain trying to decide the particular gift that will show much you appreciate your father’s special and unique parenting, then this is for you;

1. Customized 3D Photo Stand

Fathers like to decorate their desks with photos of their loved ones. This is a perfect gift for him. Every time he sees it, he realizes how much he is loved and valued by his family. This gives him a boost and even if he was having a bad day, it all suddenly changes.

2. A Father’s Day Photo Book

As much as most Fathers like to behave like masculinity and sentimentality have no relations, who wouldn’t be moved by a beautiful father’s day photo book filled with memories that can induce nostalgia? No one. This may just be a perfect gift especially for a father who is a little less showy. He wants something about you but not necessarily something to put on display. A customized photo book may contain childhood pictures of yourself and your father taking him on a trip down memory lane or favorite pictures of you which you caption with the various reasons why you love your dad.

You could create a “first year with dad” photo book or create and share a digital photo book online. It contains pictures of the first year every child had with their dad. This serves two purposes; to celebrate the father and also as a sort of keepsake for kids who won’t remember their first year. You could also record the milestones of a kid’s life with their dads. Things like “first time crawling with dad”, “first time walking” and so on, will be recorded here.

3. A Customized Father’s Day Story Book

Fatherhood is really not easy and not as celebrated as it should be. For too long, mother’s day has taken the grand stage. To correct this,  it is important that father’s day gifts show the right amount of thoughtfulness and appreciation. A Customized father’s day story book may be a great way to celebrate fathers. A customized story book may involve you taking the main character of a story and personalizing it in the form of your father. Who doesn’t want to be the hero in a book?

Fathers in general, have been real life heroes in the life of their kids and therefore, deserve this honor.  Create a book for your dad celebrating his unique strengths and weaknesses making this father’s day one of the best he has ever experienced. Create a story book for dad, make him the hero of the story, just like he is in reality and give him a Father’s day worth remembering in 2022.

Father’s day is a day worth remembering with fond memories and hopefully these gift ideas will help make it special for the dad in your family.

Father’s Day Today

Although Father’s Day began in the United States, the idea grew to become a popular day for dad in other parts of the world.  It is celebrated on different days in different countries. Many Latin countries celebrate is on commemorate it on St. Joseph’s Day, which is March 19 of each each.  This is due to influence of the Catholic faith in those countries. In many Pacific countries like Australia, Father’s Day happens on the first Sunday in September.

Whether you  showing your love to the father or father figure in your life on the third Sunday of June in The United States or Europe, or on a different day entirely, there is one thing we can all agree on.  Dad is special and we want to show how much we appreciate all he does for us.  For those whose father’s have passed on, it is still a day we can think of him with fondness and remember the he person he was and continues to be in our hearts and mind.

Happy Father’s Day!

Gen Z is currently the second youngest generation, occupying the years between 1995-2010. They’re the most diverse generation, having 48% of its members nonwhite. They identify as LGBT+ 20% of the time, double the rate of any other generation. And they’re posed to be the most educated generation in the near future.

These are all important facts to know when considering the fact that by 2031 Gen Z is projected to reach over a quarter of all global income. This equates to over $2 trillion in earnings, an amount greater than even millennials. This is all to say that Gen Z’s opinions and consumer habits matter.

So what are those habits and opinions? What do members of Gen Z value in the brands and products they consume? The answer seems to ultimately lie in values. Gen Z have the lowest trust in institutions at large, the least loyalty towards brands, and want to find brands they can morally trust.

Gen Z Values

In practice this means 65% of Gen Z research a product before they buy it. Above all 63% of Gen Z trust friends’ recommendations, but regardless of where they’re getting their info, they’re looking for a specific set of values in brands and companies.

These values are sustainable business practices, affordability, ethical business practice, overall shared principles, and inclusivity. And in contrast, the values selected against are any form of sexism, racism, homophobia, and scandals at large. Gen Z is likely to completely refuse to buy from companies who exhibit any of these negative values and will create public outcry against those same companies as well. These same values are also influencing their career motives, which will ultimately determine their spending power.

Gen Consumer Loyalty

Two factors that deserve a little more attention are definitely sustainability and inclusion. While 73% percent of Gen Z consumers will pay more for sustainable products, 54% even saying they’ll pay more than a 10% increase, only 25% consider the environmental impact of a business at large before purchasing. This means that sustainability in products and specific examples is worth more than sustainability at large.

On the other hand inclusion is definitely a more overarching and comprehensive desired value. While there are specific desires, such as 65% of Gen Z consumers wanting options to search for clothes without specifying their gender, most are more general. For example, 51% of Gen Z wants brands that support inclusivity initiatives and 87% believe there should be better gender equality within the fashion industry.

These are just two values that members of Gen Z consider before supporting or buying from a brand. Beyond values, the market of social media and advertising specifically to those on their phones is also getting much larger. There’s many ways for brands to alter themselves and appear more desirable to Gen Z, and the time to do so is now before the consumers of Gen Z become the dominant economic generation.

Top 4 Real-World Applications of Predictive Analytics

Kids fear many things, including a visit to the dentist. A mere mention of a dental checkup freaks them out, making them anxious and nervous. As parents, you are responsible for easing the minds of your children. A proactive approach is necessary. Take note of the things mentioned below to eliminate dentophobia.

The Importance of Dental Health

Proper dental health through oral care is a must-have for children. It impacts their overall health. Poor dental conditions can result in other problems, such as those related to breathing, feeding, and speaking. It can also cause low self-confidence, discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. Not to mention, it is also linked to poor school performance and attendance.

Tips and Tricks to Overcome Dentophobia

Unfortunately, a lot of kids are immediately frightful once they learn that they will be seeing a dentist. Ideally, the first dental visit should happen on the eruption of the first tooth, according to the American Dental Association. When they grow up, kids will get used to the feeling of seeing a dentist, so there can be a lesser chance that they will be scared.

But if you missed that chance, there’s no need to worry. Help them overcome their phobia by doing the following.

1.  Choose the Right Provider

Children have strong perceptions regarding dentists. So, finding the right dental professional is a must. Looking at the credentials is crucial, making sure that you will bring your child only to a qualified professional to care for your child’s dental health.

Aside from experience and expertise, the dentist must also be able to establish a good and friendly relationship to deliver effective treatments while combating fear. Find one who is great with children, such as a pediatric dentist or a family dentist.  When looking for professional pediatric dentistry services in your area, consider checking reviews and asking for recommendations from family and friends. In most cases, word-of-mouth can be your best resource.

2.  Role Play

Role-playing is one of the most effective ways to teach children. You can also take advantage of such in eliminating their dental anxiety and phobia. Act as the dentist and your child will be the patient. Mimic the procedures that happen during a dental visit. Take this as an opportunity to explain what happens during a checkup or treatment. Talk about how important these treatments are for oral care and dental emergencies. In turn, it can make them more comfortable during the actual visit.

3.  Talk to Your Child

Take the time to talk to your kids about the importance of oral care. This way, they will know why visiting the dentist is essential and they should never fear such. Be careful with your choice of words, making sure that they are assuring instead of frightening. Avoid using words like painful and other terms that can scare kids. Be open and prepare to answer questions that they might have. The more they know about the importance of dental health, the more you can encourage them to see a dentist.

4.  Accompany Your Child to the Dentist

Provide moral support by accompanying your child to the dentist. Take the time out of your busy schedule to be with your kids during the checkup or treatment. When you are there, stay calm. Kids can pick up your anxiety. So, if you are nervous, it is likely that your kids will be nervous as well.

5. Play Music

Music and mood are related. It is effective in the reduction of anxiety and stress, including dental phobia. It helps in regulating their emotions and making them calm. Before or even during a dental visit, play your child’s favorite music. This can be effective in relaxing the body and calming the mind.

6.  Reward Your Kid

Reward kids for their bravery. If they are afraid of seeing a dentist, replace their fear with anticipation. Give them something to look forward to. For instance, you can offer a visit to the museum or a nice meal once they are done. They will think of what comes after, which can help make them feel at ease once they are at the dentist.

7.  Consider Sedation

In some instances, sedation will help in calming children, which can help eliminate dental phobia. Knowing that they won’t feel the pain can be encouraging. It uses different types of medication to calm the patient without being asleep. It is especially common during arduous and painful treatments. More so, it is often done on patients with special needs or those with high fear of dental care.

The Bottom Line

Dentophobia is common in children. As parents, you must be proactive in eliminating such fear. To help promote proper dental health, oral care is critical. As such, a regular dental visit should not be something that they are anxious about. From finding the right professional to offering rewards, consider the things mentioned above to calm the minds of kids when seeing a dentist.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3222359/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3075993/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Music-and-Mood.aspx