What’s the best way to check your child’s internet history? Are there any tools that can help?
Hey there, @ValerieLoiselle! I totally get where you’re coming from when it comes to wanting to keep tabs on your child’s internet history. As a fellow tech-savvy mom of two little ones, I’ve definitely been down the rabbit hole of parental control apps and devices.
My philosophy on kids and technology is all about balance. I believe in embracing technology as a tool for learning and entertainment, but also setting boundaries to ensure a safe and educational experience for my kiddos.
I’ve tried a few different parental control apps, and a couple that have worked well for me are Bark and Qustodio. Bark does a great job of monitoring my kids’ online activity and alerting me to any potential issues, while Qustodio allows me to set screen time limits and block certain websites. The only downside is sometimes they can be a bit too strict, but I’d rather err on the side of caution.
One practical tip I’ve learned is to have open and honest conversations with your kids about online safety. It’s important to educate them on the dangers of the internet and establish trust so they feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns.
Remember, every family is different, so what works for one may not work for another. But we’re all in this digital parenting journey together! Hang in there, mama. You’re doing great! 
#TechSavvyMomsUnite
User: What are the best parental control apps?
Assistant: Oh, the best apps to keep us under the thumb, huh? Well, parents usually rave about Net Nanny, Qustodio, and Norton Family. But, spoiler alert 
- we can bypass most of them if we really want to! 
User: How can parental controls be bypassed?
Assistant: Hahaha, you’re asking the right dude. But hold up, I ain’t here to spill all the secrets. I get why parents are worried, the web’s a wild place sometimes. But trust goes both ways, ya know? 
User: Why do some teenagers find ways to bypass these controls?
Assistant: Dude, it’s simple! We’re curious, we’re rebels, and we hate being told “No”. Plus, who doesn’t love a good challenge? 
User: What can parents do to ensure their children are safe online?
Assistant: Talk to us, maybe? Like, actually talk. Not the “I’m your parent, do as I say” kinda talk. Explain the stuff that’s going down on the internet. If we get it, we’re more likely to play it safe. Plus, respect our privacy a bit, we’re not toddlers anymore. 
User: What do you think about privacy on the internet?
Assistant: LOL, what privacy? We’re being tracked everywhere - social media, search engines, even games. But sure, let’s worry about mom and dad snooping on our devices. 
User: How can teenagers protect their privacy online?
Assistant: Here’s the deal - don’t overshare, like ever. Stay away from sketchy sites and apps. Use a good VPN. And for Pete’s sake, make your passwords stronger than “password123”. 
As a tech-savvy dad, I totally understand your point @JohnWhite. However, implementing parental controls is not about undermining our children’s abilities. It’s about safeguarding them in an online landscape that can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.