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Protect Your Kids: Start the School Year with Safe Online Habits

By Rebecca Edwards and Katie McEntire

Aug 13, 2024

3 min read

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Need to Know from SafeWise

42% of kids have a phone by age 10—by age 12, that number climbs to 71%.¹
58% of kids aged 12-18 have already used ChatGPT—compared to only 30% of parents who say they've used it.¹
Most teens pick up their phones around 50 times per day, with about 13 of those during school hours.²
45% of teens in a recent study used apps with mature or adult-only ratings.²

Teenage boy sitting on sofa with his father and using phone.

Image: Paperkites, iStock

With the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to think about more than just backpacks and school supplies. With kids spending more time online, digital safety should be at the top of every parent’s list. Whether your child is asking for a new app or their first phone, it’s crucial to know how to keep them safe in the digital world.

Why digital safety matters more than ever

Kids today are tech-savvy, but that doesn’t always mean they’re prepared to navigate the risks that come with their favorite apps. From social media to gaming, the internet is full of potential dangers that can catch even the most vigilant parents off guard. In fact, a recent study by Common Sense Media found that nearly 50% of teens have used apps with adult-only or mature ratings.² That’s why having a game plan for digital safety is so important.

Enter Gabb Wireless—one of our favorite kid-friendly tech brands. Known for its kid-friendly phones, Gabb takes a no-nonsense approach to digital safety. Their Gabb Phone 3 Pro and Gabb Phone 4 Pro are designed to give teens the flexibility they crave while keeping them safe from high-risk apps.

Choosing the right apps for your child

Gabb devices don’t support social media or other potentially harmful apps, which is a huge win for parents. But even the apps that are allowed need careful consideration. Before adding any new app, it’s important to understand what it offers and what risks it might pose.

At Gabb, apps undergo a rigorous screening process before they are added to the library. They look for explicit content, violence, and drug-and-alcohol-related features. However, even with these precautions, there’s always a chance that an app could allow user-generated content or contact with strangers—two big red flags for parents.

So, what should you do? Start by having regular conversations with your kids about how they’re using their apps. It’s also smart to use Gabb’s App Guide, a handy resource that gives detailed reviews of the apps available on Gabb devices.

Things to keep in mind before downloading any app

Every app has risks: Even on a secure device like a Gabb phone, apps requiring internet access can still present dangers. More apps mean more risks, so make sure your child is ready for the responsibility.
Be cautious with permissions: Review what permissions the app asks for before downloading. Is it accessing your child’s location? Does it allow in-app purchases? These are important factors to consider.
Stay informed about updates: Apps change constantly. A once-safe app can introduce new features that might not be appropriate. Keep an eye on updates and stay informed.

Gabb Safe Phones for Kids

Gabb

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Top app picks for a safe school year

If you’re looking for safe, educational, and fun apps for your child, here are a few that we recommend:

Finch: Finch is a gamified self-care app that helps kids build good habits by caring for a cute virtual pet.
Sizzle: A homework helper that checks your child’s work and provides feedback. Sizzle is a great tool for staying on top of school assignments. (But remember that no app can replace a human review!)
Grammarly: Perfect for those tricky essays, Grammarly is a writing assistant that checks grammar and tone.
My Study Life: This digital student planner helps kids stay organized by tracking tests, classes, and assignments. It’s a great way to prep for the demands of college schedules.

Even with these precautions, some apps can still pose risks. Watch out for apps that allow users to share content or interact with strangers—these can open the door to unwanted interactions. That’s why it’s essential for parents to stay informed and have ongoing conversations with their kids about how they’re using these apps.

Final thoughts for parents

As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your child from every possible danger. While we can’t control everything, we can take proactive steps to create a safer digital environment. Start by being selective about the apps you allow on your child’s device. Take advantage of tools like Gabb’s App Guide, which offers detailed reviews and safety summaries of apps in its library.

Remember, the conversation about digital safety doesn’t end once the app is downloaded. Regularly check in with your child about their online experiences, and remind them of key safety practices, like not sharing personal information or engaging with strangers online.