Before You Gift a New Device, Do These 5 Things to Keep Kids Safe
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month—a reminder to prioritize safety when choosing gifts for children and teens. In today’s tech-driven world, video games, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices are often at the top of holiday wish lists. While these gifts can provide entertainment and educational opportunities, they also come with risks if safety precautions aren’t in place.
Here’s how to ensure your tech gifts promote fun and connection while keeping children safe online.
1. Set Up Parental Controls Before Wrapping the Gift
Unbox and configure the device before gifting it. Most devices have built-in parental controls that allow you to restrict access to age-inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and prevent unauthorized purchases.
For example, platforms like iOS, Android, and gaming consoles (like Xbox and PlayStation) offer customizable settings that let parents review and manage online activity. By taking the time to set these controls, you can make sure your child’s experience is safe from the start.
2. Establish Clear Expectations Together
Giving a tech gift isn’t just about the device—it’s an opportunity to have an important conversation about online safety and responsibility. Sit down with your child to discuss appropriate device use, online behavior, and how to handle situations like encountering inappropriate content or receiving messages from strangers.
One way to formalize this conversation is by creating a family tech contract. Our two-way family contract is designed to hold both parents and kids accountable for creating a safe online environment. It covers topics like screen time limits, sharing personal information, and the importance of open communication. Download the family contract here.
3. Research and Adjust Game and App Privacy Settings
If your gift includes games or apps, look into their privacy settings. Many popular apps have features that share personal data, enable chat with strangers, or track location by default.
Take the time to:
- Disable unnecessary location tracking.
- Turn off public visibility of profiles.
- Limit communication features to trusted friends only.
- Regularly review and update settings as apps and games evolve.
Being proactive ensures your child can enjoy these platforms without unknowingly exposing themselves to risks.
4. Model Good Digital Habits and Check-In Often
Your child’s relationship with technology will often mirror your own. Be mindful of how you use devices in their presence, and encourage activities that don’t involve screens, like board games, outdoor play, or reading.
As a parent, you can also implement regular check-ins to review your child’s activity on the device. While it’s important to respect their privacy, gentle supervision ensures you stay informed about the content and people they’re engaging with.
5. Keep the Conversation Ongoing
Tech safety isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing effort. Set the stage for open, judgment-free communication so your child feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter something unsettling online.
Use moments like Safe Toys and Gifts Month to check in and update your family contract, revisit parental control settings, and discuss any new challenges your child might be facing.
A Safer Tomorrow Starts Today
Tech gifts are exciting and can provide valuable learning experiences, but they require thoughtful preparation to ensure they’re used responsibly. This holiday season, make safety a priority by setting up devices thoughtfully, establishing boundaries, and fostering open conversations about online risks.
By taking these steps, you’ll be giving your children the greatest gift of all: the tools to navigate their digital lives with confidence and security.