If children use your Android (News - Alert) smartphone, they could cause serious problems. Kids might inadvertently erase data, change settings, make purchases, or even download viruses. The device could also expose them to offensive material. Fortunately, you can protect your children and phone by following these steps:
Install a parental control application.
For instance, you could download the Android-compatible Kids Place software. It has a timer that will allow you to limit use. This program also makes it simple to prevent access to certain apps and stop children from buying the software. You can download it for free.
Google (News - Alert) Family Link provides another free parental control solution for Android users. The software empowers parents to establish internet restrictions and select the apps that kids can access. It's also possible to monitor usage with Family Link. This feature will help you address any unfamiliar activities that concern you.
In addition to its popular anti-virus software, McAfee (News - Alert) supplies an app known as Safe Family. This program tracks and times smartphone access. It can also prevent kids from using specific applications. Safe Family offers a wide range of features, but you can't use it without paying a monthly fee.
Set up a separate user profile for each person who has access to your cellphone.
To get started, visit the "users" section under "settings." Select "add user" and create a restricted profile. Next, you'll have the option to limit access to certain types of internet material and software. You can establish less restrictive accounts for adults.
Android makes it easy to stop children from downloading untrustworthy apps.
To accomplish this, go to "security" under "settings" and uncheck the "unknown sources" option. This change often prevents kids from inadvertently installing malware or adware that could slow down your smartphone and spy on you.
A child may not understand the consequences of making online purchases; he or she might drain your bank account while playing online games.
To stop this from happening, take the time to disallow in-app transactions in "user controls" under "settings." You can selectively apply this change to your child's profile.
If you use specific apps that you don't want your kids to access, you could benefit from a program known as AppLock.
It lets people add password protection to individual applications. DoMobile Lab supplies this Android software for free. AppLock may come in handy if your phone contains dating, social media, or shopping apps.
Do you have very young children?
If so, think about installing Marco Nelissen's Toddler Lock app. This free program produces calming sounds while displaying shapes in various colors. Meanwhile, it blocks access to other software and outbound calling. Toddler Lock can also activate airplane mode to protect youngsters from radiation.
If you try to follow these steps, you'll keep your kids safe and avoid frustrating or costly technical problems. You can benefit from further Android tips by perusing technology magazines or listening to relevant radio programs like the "Kim Komando Show." If you prefer to read articles online, check out WebPurify's helpful list of the 22 best tech blogs.
