Apps revisited: A Parents surprise

    Most parents are concerned about how technology and social media effect their kids. Furthermore, many parents try to implement ways to protect their kids such as: withholding passwords, monitoring mobile devices and computers, restricting use, and so on.  
As technology saavy as some parents can be, unfortunately, there are still ways for kids to engage in risky behavior and get around the limitations that parents set.
    In a previous post, we warned parents about several apps that could either pose a danger to kids or allow them to engage in risky behaviors.
    One family we interviewed had set boundaries with their teen's use of technology, but found that he was still able to use his phone and computer to make poor choices.

    Their son was required to turn in his phone to his parents in the evenings.  He could only access the internet on the computer when the parents input the password.  They monitored his music, photos and messages. These particular parents are fairly knowledgeable about technology and rely on their own mobile devices and computers as their kids do.  The problem was in the lack of knowledge of so many new apps that allow kids loopholes around monitoring.  
    The mother told us, "we would check his phone, but some things were stored in "Lockbox" or had disappeared from SnapChat. We checked what he was listening to on itunes, but found out later that he had his own account.  Were in the dark the whole time."
    The mother went on to say, "the heartbreaking part is that we took him at his word and then found out that he was, in fact, making poor choices that ended up affecting his life in various ways."
    Keeping kids safe and accountable when it comes to technology, can lead to tough decisions, awkward conversations and eye opening revelations, but it sure beats a lifetime of consequences from poor choices. 

When it comes to technology and kids... stay aware, involved and informed!!