5 Simple Ways to Monitor Your Child’s Social Media Activity

Worried about the safety of your kid on social media? It plays a crucial part in their life. They interact with friends, exchange photos, and follow trends. However, it can be unsafe. Some posts can be harmful. Strangers may reach out to them. Not everything they see, or share is good for kids.

This is the reason being involved is important. You don’t need to act like a spy. Just observe anything that looks wrong. These are five easy tips to do it without feeling like a bad guy.

Why You Should Monitor Social Media

Kids today spend more time online than you might think. Unknown sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are entertaining, but they are also dangerous.

• Strangers can send private messages.

• Bullying can occur in secret.

• Children can exchange personal items which they regret.

You don’t have to ban these apps. Instead, guide your child. It is like looking at who they play with after school.

1. Use Built-In Parental Controls

Most social media apps include safety tools. These tools help you block unwanted messages. It also allows you to hide adult content and manage who views the posts of your child. You can also turn off location sharing. Checking these settings only takes a few minutes. However, it can greatly boost your child’s online safety.

How to Set Controls on Social Media

Each app has its own setup. The features are here:

1. Instagram: Go to settings in your account, find Supervision.

2. TikTok: Click on the option of Family Pairing to associate the accounts with that of your child.

3. YouTube: YouTube: Enable the ” Restricted Mode. You might also use YouTube Kids for younger kids.

What You Can (and Can’t) See as a Parent

You can:

• Limit screen time

• Block unknown users

• Restrict access to people who can message your kid

Still, you won’t see private messages or deleted posts unless your child shows them to you.

How Often You Should Check In

Check their app settings every week. Talk to your child on what they observe online. Simple questions can be asked, such as, what made you laugh, or what looked off on the web. They keep you near these little chats. They make you know what is going on without being so formal.

2. Install a Social Media Monitoring App

You can use a social media monitoring app to track what your child is doing online. These apps expose them to who they are talking to and what they are sharing and the danger that may pose. In this manner, you do not have to keep checking their phone to keep yourself updated.

Top Features to Look For in Monitoring Tools

To choose an app, look out at these features:

• Social media tracking

• Message alerts

• App usage reports

• GPS location tracking

• Screen time controls

Some apps can also show what your child types or take screenshots.

Popular Apps That Help You Stay in the Loop

Here are some trusted tools:

Qoli.AI: Monitors messages, time spent on the screen and sends warnings about the problems.

Net Nanny: Filters dangerous web sites and materials that are not child friendly.

Qustodio: Gives you the reports on the apps your child spends his/her time with and what durations they spend.

Some apps can also show what your child types or take screenshots.

Qoli.AI Tracks Hidden Social Media Activity

Want to know what your child does online without them knowing? Qoli.AI monitors hidden social media actions. These are deleted messages and secret apps as well as closed groups. It also operates silently so you need not to inquire each time.

3. Set Ground Rules for Social Media Use

Establish boundaries on the use of social media by your child. Talk to them about how many minutes they can use on apps per day. Talk about who they can follow or talk to. Also, explain which kind of post is acceptable to share. Make the rules fair and easy to follow. Once your child understands what is expected of her or him and witnesses your honesty, he/she will have more chances of following the rules.

Make a Family Agreement About Online Behavior

Sit down and make a list of do’s and don’ts together. Here are some examples:

1. Be nice on the internet; without bullying and teasing.

2. Don’t talk to strangers.

3. Ask before sharing pictures.

Make it a discussion and not a lecture.

Set Time Limits for Apps and Screen Use

Social media shouldn’t take up your entire day. Restrict the amount of school, play and family uses to each day. Use your phone’s settings or apps to help you keep those limits.

4. Keep an Open Line of Communication

1. When children are safe, they are more open. So, don’t rush to punish them if they make a mistake. Take it easy and discuss it.

2. Ask them who they follow, what they post and what they do in their feed. Make it something ordinary, such as educational issues or sport.

3. If they slip up, don’t get angry. Help them fix it instead. Trust is established when they understand that you are not there to judge.

4. Show them how to stay safe. ply powerful passwords, deactivate location settings, and avoid any risky trends. Teach them to think before they post. Ask the question, “Would I share this with Grandma?” If not, maybe don’t share it.

5. Watch for Changes in Behavior

Kids might not share their feelings. Watch possible signs such as change in mood, hiding screens, or sleep difficulties. These are signs of online stress. Ask softly if something is wrong. In case they are not willing to speak, pay a visit to a counselor or a therapist.

Final Thoughts

Social media is here to stay. It’s okay for your child to use it. You don’t need to know everything just stay involved. Ask simple questions and use helpful tools. Qoli.ai is capable of keeping their activity in check when you cannot do it yourself. In this way, you will be able to relax and be informed.