How to discuss installing Kaspersky Safe Kids with your child

Depending on the child's age, you can install Kaspersky Safe Kids and set the rules for using devices yourself, or do it together with your child.

Age: 3-6

Installing Kaspersky Safe Kids does not need to be discussed with children aged 3-6. You can install the application before you give your child the device. If you let your child use your device, it's a good idea to create a separate account for the child where you can set all the necessary restrictions. Remember that children can easily become addicted to gadgets. You should not let your child have their phone or tablet during meals or use it as a way to calm them down. Otherwise your child might refuse to eat without a cartoon or cry if you don't give them their phone.

Age: 7-10

Children aged 7-10 might use a computer for schoolwork, and a phone to contact parents and friends, so it’s not unusual for them to have their own devices. It's better to install the application before giving your child their first personal device. You can tell your child, for example: "I've installed a special program to protect you. It will teach you how to stay safe online, warn you about information that's bad, and help you find your phone if you lose it."

You don't need to tell the child about all the program functions. Use the information you get from Kaspersky Safe Kids wisely.

7-10 year olds spend most of their free time playing. If children spend all their time playing computer games, they can become addicted. It's important to control the time your child spends in front of the screen. The recommended time limit is no more than 2 hours a day.

Age: 11-13

Installing Kaspersky Safe Kids should be discussed with children aged 11-13. You can link it to buying a new device your child has been hankering after. You can say: "I'll buy you a new phone (computer) on one condition – Kaspersky Safe Kids will be installed on it. It will protect you from dangerous websites, warn me about unknown people trying to make contact with you, and let me know where you are."

If you have no plans to buy a new device, tell the child about your concerns and suggest a compromise: "You hear all the time about threats online and in real life: kidnapping, mugging, terrorism, gambling, cyberstalking, blackmail, etc. (It would be good to give a real-life example that the child knows about.) I worry a lot about you, but understand you're growing up and want more freedom and independence. Let's agree that I'll stop nagging you about what you're doing, but we'll install a program to protect you from dangerous websites, warn me if an unknown person is trying to make contact with you, and tell me where you are. What d'you say?"

With 11-13 year olds, you should focus on three important features of the application: location tracking, monitoring of social media and suspicious contacts, and prevention of social media addiction. There's no need to tell your child about all the tools in Kaspersky Safe Kids.

• Don't hide the fact that you will be able to see information about your child's location. It's better to say: "You're becoming more mature and independent. I'm happy about that, but worry I won't be able to help you if you suddenly need me. Spend time with friends by all means, but don't go far. I have to know where you are. Let's decide together where you can hang out freely. This program will tell me if you go somewhere else. If you do need to go somewhere else, call me, OK?"
• Warn your adolescent child that the application will let you read his/her messages in social media and warn you about suspicious contacts: "Like everyone else, I can view your page, but only what you post publicly. Don't worry, I won't be able to look at your private messages. I respect your privacy. But if someone suspicious tries to 'friend' you, for example, a grown-up stranger, the program will tell me about it."
• For 11-13 year olds, peer group status is especially important. They use the Internet as a tool for communicating and socializing. Explain to your child that it's important to take regular breaks from social media and make a suggestion: "Social media addiction is problem for many people, not just teenagers. Psychiatrists describe it as a chronic illness that needs treatment. The simplest way to prevent addiction is to limit social media use. You can use social media on one condition: I forbid it during school time and at night."

With children this age, excessive control can harm your relationship. Use the information you get from Kaspersky Safe Kids wisely. In some situations you might have to make your own conclusions, but it's not necessary to say anything to your child.

Age: 14-17

If your child is aged 14-17, you must reach a mutual agreement to use Kaspersky Safe Kids. If you install the application without their consent, it could have undesirable consequences. You can say: "You're already independent, and I realize you just think I'm fussing. But even adults sometimes get into difficult situations. I'd feel so much better if you agreed to install a special program on your phone and computer to warn me about threats and suspicious contacts, and protect you against buying things by mistake and financial fraud. I promise I won't use functions you really don't want me to."

Your child's voluntary consent to install the application is a sign of trust. Remember that most children over the age of 14 are sufficiently tech-savvy to delete any application from their device. Your teenager could simply turn off their phone, buy another device, or open a different social media account.

Many 14-17 year olds have their first experience of falling in love and become increasingly interested in relationships, including sexual ones. Your child might be unwilling to open up about this. Be understanding and let him/her view websites on this topic that you consider appropriate.

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