Questions and answers for parents
The special website was launched today, Monday parco.gov.gr to help parents use social media safety control tools for kids.
How does parco.gov.gr work?
With the help of this website, parents can find out what possibilities they have for:
– To limit the time children spend on specific applications or on the device as a whole
– To filter websites and applications that contain inappropriate content for minors
– To see how much time children spend on different applications and what they use the most
– Block specific apps or categories of apps for greater security
– To choose which games, movies and series are suitable for the age of your children
– Track the location of the child’s device for added security
– Set times when the device will not work, such as during school or sleep
– Set which contacts are approved for calls and messages
The 8 critical questions and answers for child protection
What is parental control?
Parental control is a set of tools and settings that allow parents to manage and control their children’s use of the internet and applications. With these tools, you can limit access to inappropriate content, set time limits for using specific apps or the internet in general, and monitor the child’s activity.
The main aim is to protect children from risks associated with internet exposure, such as accessing violent or inappropriate material, contact with unknown people and excessive use of the device that can affect their mental and physical health. Parental control settings vary by device and platform, but generally offer a great deal of flexibility to adjust restrictions to your child’s needs and age.
How do I enable parental controls on my child’s device?
You can enable parental controls through your device settings. Follow the steps from the instructions that can be found here for iOS and here for Android devices.
Can I limit the time my child spends on apps?
Yes, parental control tools allow you to set time limits for the use of specific apps or overall device use. You can set, for example, how much time a day your child can use certain apps, such as games or social networking apps. Some platforms also allow you to permanently stop using the device after a certain period of time. This feature is useful for controlling the balance between online activity and other daily activities such as reading and sleeping. This setting also helps you prevent excessive use of the device, which can affect the child’s health and sleep quality.
Can I block specific websites or content?
Yes, with parental control you can filter and block access to websites or content that are not appropriate for your child’s age. Many parental control tools offer blacklists and whitelists, allowing you to choose which websites are safe for your child and which are not. In addition, you can set up filters that automatically block websites with inappropriate content, such as violence, pornography or dangerous information. This feature ensures that your child will only have access to content that you deem appropriate and safe for their age. Filters can be customized to cover both web searches and access to apps or videos.
Can I see what content my child is watching?
Yes, many parental control tools allow you to monitor your child’s activity, such as which apps they use and for how long. You can also see what websites it accesses or what content it watches, especially if you have enabled content tracking on YouTube or other video platforms. In some cases you can receive weekly or monthly device usage reports, giving you a complete picture of your child’s online activity. This helps you determine if your child is following the rules you set or if you need to readjust the restrictions for their safety and well-being.
Can my child bypass parental controls?
As long as you have set up parental controls correctly and set a strong password or PIN, only you will be able to modify or disable the settings. However, it is important to ensure that the child does not have access to the password or PIN, otherwise they could bypass the restrictions. In addition, in some cases children may try to find ways around restrictions through third-party applications or with the help of peers. For this reason, it is important to regularly update the parental control settings and monitor the use of the device for any malfunctions. Constant communication with your child about the importance of responsible internet use can also prevent such attempts.
Can I track the location of my child’s device?
Yes, many parental control apps provide the ability to track the location of your child’s device in real time. This feature is especially useful for knowing where your child is, especially if they spend time outside the home without your supervision. Most parental control apps, such as Google Family Link and Find My iPhone, allow you to see the device’s location on a map and receive notifications when the device enters or leaves certain areas. This way you have added safety and security as you know where your child is at all times.
How can I set different restrictions for each child?
Modern devices and parental control functions provide the ability to create multiple profiles, each of which can be set individually for each child. This feature is extremely useful as you can adjust the restrictions based on each child’s age, needs and maturity level. For example, you can set stricter restrictions for a younger child, such as filtering inappropriate content or strict time limits on app use, while for a teenager you can choose less strict rules, allowing more flexibility. The process is simple: through the parental control settings, you can create different profiles, personalize them and set specific options such as restrictions on applications, hours of use and content filters. This allows you to monitor and control each child based on their particular needs, while keeping them safe online.
