Technology

5 phone safety tips every parent should know

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2025

5 phone safety tips every parent should know

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Kids today are growing up in a world where screens, apps and social platforms are part of everyday life. From homework to gaming to group chats, their digital lives can move faster than parents can keep up. But behind every app and device are settings and systems that can impact their privacy, safety, and focus.

Whether you’re trying to set healthy limits, track screen time or just understand what your child’s phone can do, knowing a few key tech terms can make parenting in the digital age a lot less stressful. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay informed, confident and in control.

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Setting healthy screen time limits helps kids learn balance and keeps tech use from taking over family time. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) Screen time limits

The boundary that helps restore balance

Screen time limits let you manage how long your child spends on apps, games or devices each day. It’s not about punishment, it’s about setting healthy boundaries that help kids disconnect and recharge.

Why it matters: Too much screen time has been linked to reduced focus, sleep disruption and overstimulation. Setting limits helps your child create a better balance between online fun and real-world rest.

How to set screen time limits

On iPhone:

Go to Settings
Tap Screen Time
Click App Limits
Select Add Limit, choose categories or specific apps and set daily time limit

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Go to Settings
Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls. If you don’t see it right away, try searching “Digital Wellbeing” in the Settings search bar
Open the Dashboard or App Timers section. On some phones (like Samsung), it may appear as “App Timers”. On others (like Google Pixel), tap Dashboard to view your app usage list
Tap the hourglass icon next to the app you want to limit
Set a daily time limit, then tap OK or Done
The timer resets every night at midnight

Pro tip: Make it a family routine. Review screen time reports together so kids feel involved in the process rather than restricted.

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2) Parental controls

Your built-in safety net

Parental controls are tools that let you manage what your child can see and do on their devices – from blocking explicit content to approving downloads and monitoring usage. Every major device, app and streaming service has its own version.

Why it matters: Parental controls can help prevent exposure to inappropriate content, manage purchases and set up age-appropriate experiences.

Built-in parental controls make it easier to guide what kids can see and do on their devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to turn parental controls on

On iPhone:

Go to Settings
Click Screen Time
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
Turn it on so the toggle turns green.
Within Content & Privacy Restrictions you can go to sections like Allowed Apps, iTunes & App Store Purchases, etc, to set filters and restrict what apps the device can do.

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone‘s manufacturer

Go to Settings
Tap Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
Select Parental Controls, then follow the steps to set up a supervised account through Google Family Link, which lets you manage screen time on a child’s device remotely

Pro tip: Most streaming apps, like YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, also have parental settings, so make sure you adjust those separately.

3) Geolocation

The invisible map in your child’s pocket

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Geolocation allows apps and devices to track physical location in real time. It powers navigation and “Find My” features but can also share more than you intend if left unchecked.

Why it matters: While location sharing helps families stay connected, it can pose privacy and safety concerns if apps broadcast your child’s whereabouts.

How to manage location access

On iPhone:

Go to Settings
Click Privacy & Security
Then, click Location Services
Tap each app and change “Always” to “While Using the App” or “Never”

On Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Go to Settings
Tap Location (or “Location & security” or “Privacy → Location” depending on device)
Tap App location permissions (or “Permission manager → Location”)
Select an app from the list
Change the app permission from, “Allow all the time” to “Allow only while using the app” or “Don’t Allow”

Pro tip: For younger kids, use “Share My Location” within Family Sharing (iPhone) or Google Family Link (Android) instead of third-party tracking apps to ensure safer monitoring.

4) Private browsing

The mode that hides – but doesn’t erase

Private browsing, also called Incognito Mode, lets users browse the internet without saving history, cookies or logins. While it may sound harmless, it can make it harder for parents to see what kids are accessing online.

Why it matters: Private browsing prevents history tracking on the device, but your internet provider, school or router may still record activity. It’s a reminder that no browsing mode is completely private.

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How to disable private browsing

On iPhone (Safari):

Open Settings
Tap Screen Time
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
If prompted, enter or set a Screen Time passcode
Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions (toggle to green)
Tap App Store, Media & Purchases (or similarly named) and optionally set limits
Click Web Content
Choose one of the options such as, Limit Adult Websites (this will disable Private Browsing in Safari) or Only Approved Websites

On Android (Chrome):

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Family Link app on your Android phone (or download it if it isn’t installed)
Select your child’s profile
Tap Controls
Click Google Chrome & Web
Choose Try to block explicit sites (or select “Only allow approved sites” for stricter filtering)
This setting automatically disables Incognito Mode in Chrome for your child’s supervised account
(Optional) You can also review SafeSearch and YouTube restrictions under the same section for extra protection

Conversations about online safety matter more than rules alone because openness builds digital trust. (iStock)

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Pro tip: Talk to your child about why transparency matters. Turning off private browsing is most effective when paired with open, ongoing conversations about online safety.

5) Digital footprint

The trail your child leaves behind

Every post, comment or photo shared online becomes part of your child’s digital footprint, a permanent record of their online presence. Even deleted posts can live on through screenshots, data archives or algorithms.

Why it matters: Colleges, employers and even peers can access public digital traces. Teaching kids to think before posting helps them build a positive and professional online reputation.

How to check what’s out there

Search your child’s name on Google and image results
Review old accounts or unused apps that may still contain personal info
Help them make their social media profiles private and share selectively

Pro tip: You can also set up Google Alerts for your child’s name to get notified whenever new content appears online, a simple, free way to stay aware of their digital footprint as it evolves.

Also, you may want to consider using a data removal service to help clean up your child’s personal information that may appear on people-search sites or data-broker platforms. These tools scan the web for outdated profiles, cached pages and databases containing sensitive details like addresses, phone numbers and photos. They can automatically submit takedown requests and continue monitoring for new exposures over time.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

Parenting in the digital age doesn’t mean knowing every app or trend. It means understanding the fundamentals that shape your child’s online experience. From screen time limits to digital footprints, these five terms give you the language to set boundaries, foster trust and keep your family safer online.

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Want more help building healthy digital habits at home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Related Topics:Android Featured how to tech iphone parenting Security smart and safe tech

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Technology

Disney is losing over $4 million a day in revenue on the YouTube TV blackout

Published

8 hours ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

Disney is losing over million a day in revenue on the YouTube TV blackout

Disney’s spat with Google’s YouTube TV over a new content distribution contract is costing the entertainment giant $4.3 million a day in lost revenue, Morgan Stanley estimates.

That’s $30 million a week as the blackout of channels including ABC and ESPN stretches into its 12th day, Variety reports, though the analysts expect Disney and Google to reach a resolution by the end of the week. The dispute is also costing Google — Variety reports that a Drive Research survey of 1,100 US consumers found 24 percent canceled or planned to cancel their subscriptions.

More than 20 Disney-owned channels went dark on YouTube TV after their contract expired at 11:59 PM ET on October 30th. While Google accuses Disney of pulling its channels from YouTube TV as a “negotiating tactic,” and says its terms would rise prices for YouTube TV customers, Disney says Google is “refusing to pay fair rates” for its content. Google has been giving $20 credits to its subscribers during the blackout, but it remains to be seen which will end first: the Disney-Google blackout or the government shutdown.

Technology

VA issues overpayment scam alert for veterans

Published

9 hours ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

VA issues overpayment scam alert for veterans

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As the nation honors veterans for their service, the Department of Veterans Affairs is reminding the community to stay alert to a growing threat, the VA overpayment scam.

Reports show that fraudsters are contacting veterans through text, email and phone calls, pretending to be VA employees. They claim you were overpaid on your benefits and must send money or banking details to correct the issue.

These criminals often make their messages look official with VA logos, formal wording and even fake caller IDs. Once they gain your trust, they push for quick payment, hoping you act before verifying. Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect your benefits and your identity.

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Scammers are claiming veterans were overpaid on their benefits by impersonating VA employees. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to spot a VA overpayment scam

Be on alert for these red flags:

Messages demanding urgent payment, especially by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
Requests for your VA login or password.
Emails or texts with links that don’t lead to VA.gov.
Caller ID spoofing showing “VA” or “Debt Center” to look official.
Messages or letters that lack detailed explanations or account numbers.

If you spot any of these, don’t engage; instead, verify the communication directly through VA.gov or by calling the VA’s official number.

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Legitimate VA communications always direct veterans to VA.gov or the official Debt Management Center. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How real VA overpayments work

When the VA determines an actual overpayment, it sends a formal letter explaining the amount and your options to appeal or set up a payment plan. You’ll never be told to pay through text or third-party apps, and you’ll never be asked to share login credentials or banking info outside VA.gov.

Real VA notices always direct you to official channels like VA.gov or the Debt Management Center (1-800-827-0648). If something feels off, it probably is, so always verify before taking action.

To protect your hard-earned VA benefits stay alert and verify messages through official channels. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top ways to protect yourself from VA overpayment scams

Stay ahead of scammers by following these simple but powerful steps to protect your VA benefits.

1) Verify through your official VA.gov account

Whenever you receive a notice about an overpayment, log in to your VA.gov account directly instead of clicking any link or responding to a message. The site shows your current balance, payment status and any real debts.

2) Use official VA payment channels

If you discover a legitimate debt, handle it only through VA’s official payment options. Call the Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 or make payments through your secure VA.gov dashboard. Avoid sending funds through apps, wire transfers, or prepaid cards as the VA will never ask for those.

3) Never share your login information

Your VA login and password are like your house keys. The VA will never ask for them, not by phone, email, or text. Anyone who requests them is a scammer. If you think your credentials were compromised, change your password immediately and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) if available.

Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at CyberGuy.com.

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4) Avoid suspicious links and attachments

Fraudsters often embed fake links in messages that look real at first glance. Hover over a link before clicking to preview the URL; if it doesn’t start with “https://www.va.gov,” it’s fake. Be equally cautious with attachments, as they can install malware designed to steal your personal data.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

5) Use a data removal service

Data brokers often publish your name, phone number and even veteran status online, information scammers use to target you. Personal data removal services can automatically request data removals from hundreds of broker sites, reducing your exposure and lowering the odds of being targeted.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com.

6) Watch out for unusual payment methods

Scammers love untraceable transactions. Any request for payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers is an instant red flag. The VA does not and will not use these methods to collect payments.

7) Limit your social media exposure

Scammers sometimes gather information from social networks to make messages seem more personal. Review your friends and followers, tighten privacy settings and think twice before posting details about your military service or VA benefits.

8) Report suspected fraud immediately

If you think someone tried to scam you, contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000. You can also report incidents at VSAFE.gov or call (833) 38V-SAFE (833-388-7233). Reporting quickly helps protect others in the veteran community.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This Veterans Day is a time to reflect on service, sacrifice and strength, and that includes protecting what you have earned. Scammers may be persistent, but staying alert and using official VA resources gives you the upper hand. Your benefits represent more than money; they are recognition of your service. Keep them safe, stay skeptical of sudden messages and verify everything before you act.

How can technology companies and the government do a better job of protecting veterans online? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

Siri Shortcuts now works with Samsung SmartThings routines

Published

1 day ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

Siri Shortcuts now works with Samsung SmartThings routines

Samsung’s latest SmartThings update adds support for Siri Shortcuts. In a press release, Samsung announced that you can now use Siri to run SmartThings routines, allowing you to use Apple’s voice assistant to control your smart home.

Siri Shortcuts is a feature in iOS that lets you run automations by asking Siri. These can either be created by the user in the Shortcuts app or by the manufacturers in their app.

This update should make it easier to control your SmartThings home using your iPhone, HomePod, or other Apple device. For example, you can now call on Siri to trigger your “Good morning” routine through SmartThings that automatically adjusts the lights, turns on your coffee maker, and opens your blinds when you wake up.

Samsung is also enhancing its SmartThings app for Apple devices. On the Apple Watch, you can now see a full list of your devices, send commands, and carry out routines, while the SmartThings app for iOS gives you the ability to view and control up to five of your most recently used devices from your lock screen with Live Activities.