Children search all kinds of stuff on the Internet, which is all stored in their search history. But they often delete it so parents don’t find out what they look up online.
So, in this article, we’ll see whether you can stop your children from deleting their search history.
Why Kids Delete Their Search History
Children often search for weird stuff online. Really really weird stuff. But why? Well, children, and especially teenagers, are embarrassed and don’t want their parents to see what they search for.
So, if your children are secretive, and their search histories are empty, they might be hiding something from you.
Is it Possible to Prevent Them from Deleting Search History?
Well, the short answer is no. But there are some ways you can prevent them from deleting search history, such as:
- Open communication;
- Parental controls;
- Safe browsing habits;
- Rules and boundaries;
- Responsible behavior;
- Account management;
Why Open Communication With Your Child is Important?
Children think that keeping things hidden from their parents is a smart move. So, have open communication with your little ones regarding their online actions.
As parents, focus on building trusty relationships with your children and encourage them to be responsible online.
Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools
Parental control apps can help parents have an insight into children’s search history. Also, with these apps, you can set screen time limits or app restrictions. Some good parental control apps are:
- Qustodio;
- Notron Family;
- mSpy, and others;
Safe Browsing Practices
Suspicious sites are dangerous. Tell that to your children before they get lured into trouble. There is an option called SafeSearch that protects children from these sites. To enable SafeSearch on your search engine:
- Open it;
- Go to the Quick Settings Tab;
- Turn it on;
Setting Boundaries and Establishing Internet Rules
Never forget that you are the parent. Set strict guidelines and boundaries regarding children’s online behavior.
Encourage responsibility, tell your children to acknowledge their mistakes, and learn from them.
Encouraging Responsible Online Behaviour
Inappropriate online behavior can harm your children’s mental behavior. So, it’s crucial to encourage your children to be emphatic, understanding, and kind online. But don’t forget real life as well. Your children should be good with others everywhere.
Regularly Checking and Reviewing Search History
Regularly checking and reviewing your children’s browsing history is a must. And reviewing search history is quite simple. Open the search engine on your children’s device and search for History in the browser’s settings.
Privacy Settings and Account Management
Modern search engines allow parents to modify and adjust children’s privacy settings. For example, Google Family Link is a great app that lets parents manage their children’s Google Accounts remotely!
Summary: Protecting Your Child’s Online Privacy
As we saw, children tend to search for stuff online and hide it from their parents by deleting their search history.
But with open communication, monitoring, and account management, your children can be safe from online dangers.
FAQs
How can I talk to my child about online privacy without scaring them?
Be as friendly and polite as you can, and discuss online privacy together.
What are the signs that my child might be engaging in risky online behavior?
If your children are secretive about what they search for online and hide their search history, they might be engaging in risky online behavior.
Is it necessary to use parental control software or apps?
Yes, if you feel that your children hide something from you.
How often should I review my child’s search history?
Review it as often as you can.
What should I do if I find a concerning search history?
Be honest with your children, but approach them in a friendly, non-reprimanding way.
ALSO READ: The Pros and Cons of Children Having Their Own Social Media Accounts