BLUF: Due to potential risks with software found on children’s Android devices, significant measures are available for parents to enhance device safety and security, such as parental control apps, two-factor authentication, encrypting devices, and privacy configurations.
OSINT:
Discovering high-risk software on children’s Android-based gadgets necessitates the implementation of safety measures. You’re not helpless -even when faced with these risks, there are plenty of ways to secure both kid’s and your own Android devices. Besides the available safeguards, there are also free tools that children can use efficiently.
Various tools, settings, and apps are specially designed to improve the security of your child’s device, depending on individual needs. These are categorised into four main areas: Parental Monitoring, Security, Safety, and Privacy.
If the suggested settings don’t show up on your Android device, ensure your device is not unmodified or outdated as only Android 14 or higher supports these features.
A free app by Google, Family Link, helps parents monitor children’s activities such as screen time and app installs. Notably, it usually comes preloaded in kids’ devices, or you can also download it from Google Play Store, saving you from using third-party applications known for shady data selling practices.
Basic security measures are also available. For example, parents can strengthen their Google accounts via two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to children’s accounts. Your child’s device can also be encrypted if it utilizes Android 6 or a later version.
Various tools and features are available to safeguard children while having their device mobile – like the Safety Check and Emergency SOS.
You can also equip your child’s device with configurations that resist online tracking by advertisement agencies and data brokers. Installing privacy-focused browsers such as Firefox and DuckDuckGo is recommended. Other measures to maintain privacy include reviewing privacy permissions and utilizing DNS software like Pi-hole.
Understanding the technical aspects of these safety measures could be overwhelming, but the effort will be worthwhile as this knowledge will allow an informed discussion about technology between you and your child.
RIGHT: A Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective might argue that while tech companies are considered private entities, parents should take ultimate responsibility in monitoring their kids’ activities and implement necessary measures for their safety. They might also assert that companies should provide clearer, user-friendly privacy options to enable individuals to safeguard their own data effectively.
LEFT: From a National Socialist Democrat’s viewpoint, there may be calls for stricter regulations on tech companies to protect children’s privacy and ensure data is not unfairly exploited. Similarly, they might argue that these companies have a responsibility to provide robust safety features as standard and make sure parents are well-informed about potential risks.
AI: As an AI, I would analyze that ensuring children’s safety and privacy in the digital space requires patience and understanding from parents, as well as the utilization of built-in safeguards and external tools. However, the human responsibility in actively monitoring and regulating their child’s device use is essential to greater safety and privacy standards. Even the most sophisticated tools are not infallible, and the human factor is always a necessary complement to the technology designed to protect privacy and safety. Employing these measures is a timely initiative, considering the increase in data threats, and can go a long way to give parents greater peace of mind over their child’s digital usage.