Tracking Your Kids' Online Activity
Is there a way to track all the social media accounts our kids create?
Yes—but you have to pay for it! There are programs called Web monitors that can track all of the sites your kid has registered for and can even give you detailed information about what they're talking about, who they are interacting with, and other things you may be concerned about. A few of the products in this category are SocialShield and AOL Safe Social. Many of these programs work as "services" so you have a password you use to log into your account and look at the data. The programs typically offer a month free trial, too, so you can see if you like it.
The programs work best when you have your kid's password. So, ideally, you would want to have a discussion with your kid about the fact that you want to be able to have some insight into their online world to make sure they are being safe, private, and responsible.
You can also use some of these types of programs without using your kidÂ’s password and without telling your kid about it. Obviously, this is more like "spying" and parents will really have to decide whether they want to or even need to go that route. Some kids, who may be at risk, might benefit from the information these programs can give parents who are in a position to help them. But some of these products also prey on parents' fears. Your kid's behavior may be fine so you may not need them.
I would recommend that unless you really think something is very wrong—like involvement in cyberbullying—, that you talk to your kid about the fact that you want to use the program. All technological solutions like this have some downsides, so continue to talk to your kid about what's OK to post, what's not OK, how to use privacy settings, and thinking before posting something.
Information provided by Caroline Knorr, Parenting Editor of Common Sense Media. For more tips about teaching your kids to be safe online, visit Common Sense Media.
report abuseThe programs work best when you have your kid's password. So, ideally, you would want to have a discussion with your kid about the fact that you want to be able to have some insight into their online world to make sure they are being safe, private, and responsible.
You can also use some of these types of programs without using your kidÂ’s password and without telling your kid about it. Obviously, this is more like "spying" and parents will really have to decide whether they want to or even need to go that route. Some kids, who may be at risk, might benefit from the information these programs can give parents who are in a position to help them. But some of these products also prey on parents' fears. Your kid's behavior may be fine so you may not need them.
I would recommend that unless you really think something is very wrong—like involvement in cyberbullying—, that you talk to your kid about the fact that you want to use the program. All technological solutions like this have some downsides, so continue to talk to your kid about what's OK to post, what's not OK, how to use privacy settings, and thinking before posting something.
Information provided by Caroline Knorr, Parenting Editor of Common Sense Media. For more tips about teaching your kids to be safe online, visit Common Sense Media.
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