The internet can be a scary place, especially if you're a parent of school-age children. From videos on YouTube showing questionable content to a simple Google search that can quickly get way out of line, it's difficult to monitor everything at once. Fortunately, these great parental monitoring apps allow you the peace of mind knowing that your children can safely use their favorite digital devices without worrying about the technology and games that they shouldn't be accessing. Here are some of the apps you'll want to load on new mobile devices this holiday season to monitor and control access to unsavory content. 

Unapproved Purchases

Both iOS and Android devices such as phones and tablets offer a variety of ways to limit purchasing options, but you do have to configure settings within the device correctly. You may have heard horror stories of toddlers ordering thousands of dollars of in-app currency that is then difficult to get refunded, but these stories are few and far between. In-app purchasing is defined as anything purchased from within a mobile application and can include additional turns in a game, in-app currency and even physical goods or services in apps like Amazon, eBay or Groupon. It's easy enough to turn this option off from within your Settings as you can require a specific fingerprint or password in order to complete a purchase. 

Open Communications

Video games for kids are fun and engaging, and what better way to enjoy them than with friends? While Xbox and other platform gaming systems seek to expand the digital universe into the physical, this can cause some scary situations if you're not careful. Games and apps that allow communication between others means that there's an opportunity for your child to be speaking with someone who may not have their best interests at heart. Counsel children on never sharing personal information online, even with someone that they trust, and be sure that any location options are disabled. Look for ways within the system to disable online chat, or remove internet access from games completely. 

Blocking Dangerous or Disturbing Content

When all else fails, try these apps for blocking dangerous or disturbing content from your children's view:

• DinnerTime immediately locks access to any Android device remotely and also provides periods of "quiet time" for kids to take a break from electronics.
• VideoMonster addresses the love that children have for YouTube and all the fascinating things there are to explore. However, the plethora of adult content available alongside is concerning. VideoMonster filters out the bad stuff and lets you create links for safe viewing.
• Avira Social Network Protection looks for triggers such as bullying, safety words around drugs or depression, inappropriate photos and language.

At Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to creating an open and friendly environment for children of all ages and abilities. Our passion for keeping kids safe extends to ensuring that they have access to the best in oral health care. Contact us today to set up an appointment at 937-885-2222 or fill out our online contact form.