The phone, a device once used solely for the purpose of calling one another, has quickly become capable of just about everything.  The birth of mobile phones has brought the world to our finger tips, both good and bad.  And who would have believed a decade ago that these smart portable computers would be in the hands of most kids.

With such a powerful device now available to just about everyone, it becomes more and more of a challenge to limit your child’s usage of their phone. Activities available on a smartphone seem endless; playing games, making music, watching videos, and even browsing the internet. Unfortunately, as with many things in life, without moderation and protections put in place, there can be consequences.

Should I Allow My Child to Get a Phone?

Before asking whether how to limit your child’s phone usage, it is probably worth discussing whether your child should be allowed to have a phone in the first place. A phone is an extremely useful tool for your child to have in order to gain a sense of independence, allowing them to attend after-school clubs or extracurricular activities while staying in contact with you.

While your child may claim that all of their friends have a phone and try to use this as a reason that they should have one, it is up to you to decide at what age it is appropriate and not their friend’s parents. By allowing your child to have a phone at a young age, you are essentially granting them access to an unfiltered and unsafe world that they are not be ready for.

Limiting my Child’s Phone Usage

Luckily, when you decide that it is the right time for your child to have a phone, there are still parental control filters that can be installed to ensure that they aren’t visiting unsafe sites, as well as any site that isn’t age-appropriate. It is also possible to install parental control filters to actually limit the amount of time that they spend online each day. While you may think that installing these filters is all you need to do, it is important that the limits that you set are fair and that you also set a good example for your children with your own phone usage. When necessary, you may want to track your child’s phone.

A Digital Family Alliance

Although parental filters can definitely help, sometimes setting strict limits on your children’s devices while you continue to use yours to your heart’s content can create tension in your household. Creating a digital family alliance is a great way to adopt healthy digital habits together. By being honest with your children, it opens up a dialogue where everyone can contribute, letting each family member explain the difficulties they have when it comes to limiting the amount of time they spend on their phone. After all, how can you expect your children to get away from their phones if you can’t get away from yours?

Is all Phone Usage bad for your Children?

Although we have been talking about limiting our children’s phone usage, it would be wrong to say that all phone usage is bad for them. Having a phone does give your child a sense of independence as well as allowing them to stay in contact with friends and even participate in productive activities.

Today, children can use their phones to learn digital art, how to make music, and even get into photography, the potential is limitless. The point here is that it is important to understand how much time should be spent on non-productive activities such as scrolling through social media or watching endless YouTube videos to name a few. Monitoring the amount of time that they are using their phone for these different activities is crucial to allowing them to enjoy any creative hobbies that they may need their phone for while cutting out the junk food of their digital diet.

Conclusion

So we can agree that our phones are incredibly useful devices when in the right hands. By working together as a family we can create rules that are easy enough for everyone to sustainably adhere to. If you are thinking of limiting your child’s phone usage, make sure to ask them how long they think is an acceptable amount of time to spend on their phones and create an open space where you can discuss your digital week. After all, families can get through anything when they work together.

The internet has enabled a lot of things in today’s modern world. In the early 2000s, the internet changed how businesses advertise their products and services. Many businesses dumped the traditional offline techniques and adopted online advertising through the internet.

Later, they realized that they could not advertise to everybody out there. The need to advertise to relevant audiences gave rise to behavioral tracking. By that we mean, businesses track your online movements and decide whether you’d be interested in what they do before sending ads your way.

This method relies on web cookies and not only tracks previously visited sites but the location, etc. But then, internet users in the mid-2000s discovered ways they’d stop this snooping. They’d disable cookies and use ad blockers, making it daunting for businesses.

But in a bid to keep up behavioral tracking, advertisers are now using new and much more sophisticated techniques. The latest trick that has made tracking possible is device or browsing fingerprinting.  This article will look more into what it is and how it can help companies and advertisers track you.

What is Browsing Fingerprinting?

Device or browsing fingerprinting is a technique initially designed to track internet users for security purposes. It involves browsers gathering individual information of internet users and availing it where needed. This information includes location, device type, screen resolution, language, etc.

Trackers do not need to collect your information at a go. It can take a few browsing attempts to match details and create a unique and accurate fingerprint for every user. Consequently, they can track your online activity and movements without a problem.

This technique has evolved a lot from the time it first got introduced. Recent developments have made cross-browser fingerprinting possible, consequently making tracking more effective. According to experts, this dynamic technique is capable of identifying internet users 99% of the time.

On the positive side, browsing fingerprinting has played an important role in shaping the digital environment. It has enabled analytics and tracking for website owners. You can now know the number of visitors visiting your site and how many visitors return to it.

Online safety that wasn’t a guarantee before fingerprinting is now almost one. For instance, it has played a great role in identifying and preventing credit card and bank fraud. E-commerce fraudsters also now have a headache to try and defeat the wall fingerprinting has built.

How they fingerprint you

Although trackers cannot match fingerprints with real identities, there’s so much they can do you’re your information. Businesses are hiring third-party companies to collect the information we mentioned earlier. Now, their work is to discreetly monitor your digital movements and keep bits of data about you.

The data brokers hired to collect your information create a general profile of you. They look at your interests, from the sites you visit, consider the language you use, your location, and age range to create a pseudo profile for you, and that most of the time turns out to be an accurate representation of you.

Fingerprinting, as mentioned earlier, got developed to foster online security. Website owners create digital fingerprints to prevent identity theft, credit card fraud, software piracy, etc. Thus, many businesses and websites that benefit from it will tell you that it isn’t all that bad.

However, online privacy has been a concern for years, and browsing fingerprinting interferes with it. Companies exploit the information received from data brokers, and that is a consistent privacy violation. Thus, many internet users would rather protect themselves using security tools than have someone collect such critical data without consent.

Browsing Fingerprinting – How to Fight Back

Internet users get faced with a dilemma whenever the browser fingerprinting topic comes up. Of course, people want to find ways to stop it like they do with traditional behavioral tracking. However, the downside is that browsing fingerprinting is naturally difficult to circumvent.

A more positive thing that has come about is that you can, to some extent, prevent browser fingerprinting. Some privacy-first browsers like Tor make every device look the same. That makes it difficult for bots to collect the information required to create a digital fingerprint.

Safari, a browser that belongs to Apple, is another difficult one to fingerprint. Apple has a smaller product line than many mobile devices and PC manufacturers, making most of its devices look similar. Consequently, you become immune to fingerprinting if you’re using an iPhone or Mac.

Firefox is another potential option for internet users looking to avoid fingerprinting. This browser has invested in aggressive default privacy protection features. Besides, there is a word that it is also advancing its protection features to block fingerprinting in the future completely.

You can also use an SSL proxy to fight back browsing fingerprinting. The best thing about using this proxy is that it enhances your online security and privacy at the same time. Besides, they help you remove ads that you do not like and aid in ad verification to reduce online fraud.

Although fighting back on new technology isn’t easy, it is best to give it a try. Technology itself has made it possible to fight back, thanks to the software developments and protection features being added to browsers.

Conclusion

The digital landscape is increasingly becoming complex every day. Consumers are becoming careful about what they have to do to browse securely and privately. Conversely, marketers and advertisers are hungry for customer information as they look to up their marketing game and reach business goals.

New tracking techniques like browsing fingerprinting are becoming popular since traditional reliance on cookies is no longer reliable. However, internet users are also becoming aware of new ways to curb fingerprinting. The use of protective browsers, proxies, and developing new privacy rules seems to work.

With browsing fingerprinting constantly changing with new advancements like cross-browser fingerprinting, you have to be smart enough to prevent it. One of the best things you can do is investing in reliable software, using protected browsers, or purchasing well-protected devices.

Additional Resources:

How to talk to kids about cybersecurity.
Can apps track your location?

In a world dominated by smartphones and tablets, kids don’t have to rely on conventional classroom learning solely. Although cellphones are mostly considered distracting for young minds, they can prove immensely useful if used for the right reasons. Today, kids can learn different skills through websites and mobile apps.

There are excellent online resources that directly assist students in learning the key concepts of mathematics, science, physics and chemistry.

Apps on the other hand, tend to engage kids in acquiring productive skills like design.  While most of these applications are free to download, some entail payment on a monthly or yearly basis.

Here is a glimpse through the prominent features of the top 7 skill development apps for kids:

1.   SplashLearn

SplashLearn, an award-winning math and ELA platform for grades Pre-K to 5 (ages 2 to 11), offers a comprehensive educational experience with over 4,000 interactive learning games, 10,000+ printable worksheets, live classes, and guided lesson plans. It supports diverse learning needs, making education both enjoyable and effective for kids. The program also offers educational games to improve art, creativity, motor skills, logic, and critical thinking.

Some amazing features of these games include personalized learning paths, alignment with the Common Core Standards, cross-platform compatibility, fun rewards, a kid-friendly interface, and tools for monitoring progress. SplashLearn’s resources are completely free for teachers and schools! For parents, it offers a 7-day free trial and affordable subscription plans, beginning at just $7.49 per month when billed annually.

2.   Lumosity

Lumosity is one of the most popular brain training apps aimed at developed concentration abilities, problem-solving skills, and improving memory retention. The app includes a series of games and challenges that tests the user in his/her knowledge of mathematics, language, speed, logical thinking, and other cognitive capacities. It is designed for 13-year-olds and above. Lumosity can be downloaded for free, yet it also has a premium version with a monthly subscription of $11.99. The user can utilize a personalized training program with detailed insights and improvement tips in the premium version.

3.   SketchAR

SketchAR is meant to build creativity and artistic acumen in youngsters. The app uses augmented reality and artificial intelligence for drawing, editing, and gaming. With SketchAR, users can learn to draw cartoons, graffiti, anime, and many other exciting designs. It can be utilized by people of all ages and all levels of expertise. SketchAR also provides courses for drawing lessons to beginners as well as professionals. The software comes in free as well as premium version. Its premium content can be accessed at $9.99/month.

4.   Epic!

Epic! is the best-known reading app for 12-year-olds and below. In the US, over 90% of elementary schools use Epic for inculcating reading and learning skills in children. The app has more than 40,000 eBooks and audiobooks of various genres. It is available in several languages and allows for both online and offline reading. The books are classified by age, types, and interests. The user can also track his/her reading progress and get personalized book recommendations in the app. While the basic version of Epic! is free, the unlimited version can be availed at $9.99/month.

5.   Prodigy

Prodigy is a free gaming app devised to instill mathematical skills and logical reasoning abilities in kids aged 5-14. There are 1400 types of skills available in the app. In Prodigy, every user gets to solve a unique set of puzzles and challenges. Its interactive mathematical games involve questions that aid in the skill development of the kids. The app presents games in order of levels and keeps the players motivated through rewards and opportunities to compete with fellow players. Prodigy is used by millions of students across the world.

6.   Duolingo

As the name suggests, Duolingo is a language learning app and extends a chance to familiarize kids with a wide variety of languages. It is a free app targeted to hone the language skills of 13-year-olds and above. The app provides lessons on more than 30 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, etc. Kids can grasp any of these languages through simple practice exercises and fun games. Further, it lets you track progress and is made for both beginner and advanced learners. Duolingo is available in a free version as well as a premium version of $6.99/month.

7.   SoloLearn

One of the most desired apps of recent times, SoloLearn is a free coding app created for kids aged 13 and above. It has thousands of topics related to programming and coding concepts, along with activities for practice. With SoloLearn, kids can learn over 10 coding languages, including C++, Python, Java, etc. The app is utilized by millions for learning to code and staying abreast of the field’s latest trends. Apart from the free version, SoloLearn also has a pro model costing $6.99/month.

8.   Flow Free

Flow Free is a free puzzle gaming app that can be used by anyone aged 5 and above. The app has more than 2000 sets of brain training puzzles. There are hundreds of levels to cross and a variety of tasks to check your mental abilities. All the games and puzzles in Flow Free are created with an aim to boost the mental strength and agility of the learners.

The above-listed apps are available on both Android and iOS. The advancements in technology have paved the way for new ways of learning and skill development. However, it is also upon the parents and teachers to guide their kids in the right direction. Most modern software applications come with an adult monitoring mode that lets the parents keep track of their kids’ progress. Accordingly, the guardians can productively direct the development of kids with the help of the latest technology apps.

9.   Solitaired

Try out dozens of popular card games such as Solitaire, Spades, Hearts, Freecell, and several others at Solitaired. The app features each unique game in a variety of difficulty levels, allowing players to continuously improve and develop better strategy and critical thinking. Variations like Freecell aim to bring a faster gaming experience, as all cards are dealt facing up. While this sounds easier in theory, players must form a strategy beforehand. Every game on Solitaired comes with a detailed rulebook, making it ideal for players of all skill levels.

Author Bio
K C Raj is a career counselor and recruiter with many years of experience. Interested in topics like human development, education, immigration, inequality, and many other international issues.
KCR Consultants | LinkedIn.

K C Raj is a socialist in thinking, and believes in “One Nation, One World” theory.

It can be hard to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy during online classes. The sudden shift to a virtual format has been anything but easy. If you’re a parent watching your child struggle as they try to adjust to the online format, here are a few suggestions for ways that you can help.

Set Your Child Up with a Dedicated Home Classroom

There are dedicate a space for your child to do their school work. Much like working from home, a dedicated space creates boundaries and helps establish school-life balance.

It also gives you the chance to create a specific area that is optimized for school. You and your child can personalize the space to help them stay organized and positive every time they enter the area to “go to school.”

Don’t Let Your Kid Work on Something for Too Long

It’s officially recommended that an adult not work on the same task for more than two hours at a time. For children with shorter attention spans, that number drops dramatically. If you have a preschooler, their attention span maxes out at a whopping 5 to 20 minutes.

If your kid is spending too much time on a project or a piece of homework, don’t be afraid to break up the job for them. Helping them learn to regulate themselves and take breaks will be a skill that they take with them for the rest of their lives.

Help Your Kid Unplug Often

The focus of getting through online school is obviously on the “online” part. However, it’s also good to consider the time when your kids are not in class, too. A few suggestions for ways to help them include:

• Turning off distractions like notifications on their mobile devices.
• Using the “screen time” or “focus mode” features to curb access to unnecessary apps.
• Limiting screentime in the evenings and weekends.
• Making sure they aren’t getting too much blue light before bedtime.

They may not love it at the moment, but helping your child unplug when they aren’t in school will do wonders for their mental state.

Regularly Check In with Your Kid

While unplugging and being in the present are important, you also want to ensure that your kid isn’t spending too much time completely on their own.

One way to address this is by planning family time. Look for hobbies like cooking or reading that you can do together. Additionally, simply spend time talking with them. You can use these occasions to check in and see how they’re doing. For instance, if they’re feeling tired, you can talk about the connection between fatigue and depression and then use that as a segue for more health-related conversations.

Make Sure Your Child Isn’t Alone Too Much

Along with private conversations, you can also help your child maintain their social lives. You can do this by setting up Zoom playdates, letting them make phone calls, or even planning a full-blown virtual party for your kid. Because every family in your circle is likely in the same boat, be sure to plan far in advance.

You can also help them stay connected in more subtle ways. For instance, have them write an email or even a handwritten letter to one of their friends. Whatever the activity, look for ways to help your kid avoid the closed-off feeling of prolonged isolation.

Tend to Your Kid’s Basic Health Concerns

It’s also important to help your kids understand the importance of basic health maintenance. This should focus on three areas, in particular:

• Sleep: Make sure that they’re getting the right amount of sleep for their age.
• Exercise: Consistent exercise helps keep the body healthy and stress at a minimum.
• Eating: A well-rounded diet is critical for growing minds and bodies.

Once again, helping your kids learn to consider these important things while they’re also balancing virtual school is a life skill that they’ll continue to benefit from for decades.

Set Your Child Up for Success

Finally, it’s also important to grease the wheels for your child’s educational success wherever possible. This can be done in many ways, such as:

• Charging their digital devices while they’re sleeping.
• Maintaining a consistent and clear schedule for them.
• Teaching them about Zoom etiquette and how to communicate online.

By doing what you can behind the scenes, you can help your child feel supported and encouraged every day.

Cultivating Happy, Healthy Kids During Remote School

The education system may be in a rapid state of change at the moment. However, that doesn’t mean that your kids have to suffer from the negative side effects of the ongoing academic evolution.

Do your best to come by their side and support them throughout this transformative time. While we may not know what will come next, if you can stay strong for your kids during this time, you can rest assured that your family won’t suffer, regardless of what the future may hold.