Author name: Jenny Nicole

Reddit App for kids
Social Media

Is Reddit Safe for Kids? Understanding the Front Page of the Internet

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Reddit is among the most popular social platforms, with over 73.1 million daily active users and 267.5 million weekly active users. The network’s vast communities, better known as subreddits, offer users a world of information and entertainment. Reddit has a diverse global audience where individuals of every age can interact with each other, share, discuss, and vote on content ranging from news and hobbies to niche interests and memes. The platform boosts 100k subreddits on almost anything from sports, music, and movies to politics, cute animals, and news. Why is Reddit Called the Front Page of the Internet? Reddit is not just a social platform but a diverse and ever-evolving community driven news bulletin where all the latest stories and discussions emerge. It was launched in 2005 and is now home to millions of users and thousands of subreddits, each representing a particular hobby, interest, or topic. Whether it’s about a cute cat or dog video, politics, or any happening event, people flock to Reddit to start a subreddit and post comments. The diversity and ease of posting anything makes Reddit known as the ‘Front page of the Internet. What Sets Apart Reddit from Other Social Media Platforms? Reddit is a social news and discussion website. Users can post content such as text posts, links, and images, which are then voted up or down by other members. The content on Reddit is organized into user-created boards called “subreddits,” each focusing on a specific topic. Examples of popular subreddits are r/news, r/funny, r/movies, r/music, and so on.  Reddit users are called Redditors. They can start a post and even post comments that can be upvoted or downvoted. The more upvotes a comment gets, the more prominent it will appear on the thread. If a particular post or comment violates the community guidelines, the moderators will remove them. Is Reddit Safe for Kids? Reddit is the 10th most visited website in the US, and its active user base reflects a young audience. A recent study shows that 40% of children in the US, Australia, and the UK use Reddit actively. Perhaps the biggest attraction for teens is Reddit’s anonymity. Users rarely use their real names on Reddit, and there is no way to know their age and gender. Once users make an account, they are open to numerous subreddits, posts, and comments. In short, no, Reddit is not safe for kids, given how much risky content they are exposed to. Anonymity and free-acces is a double edged sword. While it affords teens safety and privacy to explore their interests, it also exposes them to graphic, adult content. Reddit has tightened the grip on hateful, graphic content on the site, but it is no stranger to controversy. Here are some reasons why Reddit is unsafe for kids and teens: i. Hate Speech Reddit does claim to ban users from promoting hate or inciting violence against an individual’s race and identity. However, hateful comments and those targeting individuals can be found aplenty on the platform. If the subreddit is small with few members and less moderation, then foul language can pass without checks. Furthermore, Reddit lacks strict rules for non-English communities. ii. No Age Verification Teens can sign up without verifying their age. Like other platforms, Reddit asks users to be 13 years old or above to make an account. However, teens can easily lie about their age. iii. Exposure to Adult Content Reddit is famous for displaying NSFW (Not Safe/ Suitable For Work) for numerous content and subreddits. All the adult and violent images or videos are flagged as NSFW, and the content is blurred from viewing. However, kids can simply click ‘’Yes, I am above 18’’ and view the explicit material at will.  iv. Private Messages and Abusive Comments Users on Reddit can interact with each other via private messages and invites to group chat. Kids can unknowingly come in contact with online predators and cyberbullies who take advantage of Reddit’s nature of staying anonymous. Many users discuss, share, and give opinions on different things, but some abuse, troll, and cyberbully others. v. Spread of Misinformation The subreddits and content on Reddit are made and moderated entirely by the users. This allows anyone to start a debate, ask questions, or give information. Due to the extent of information, kids can easily come across some that are misleading and false. How Parents Can Ensure Reddit Safety for Their Kids Reddit has the usual settings that users can use to refrain from getting inappropriate content. However, the platform lacks advanced controls that allow parents to view and monitor their teen’s activities. You can adjust the setting to prevent a stranger from interacting with your kid. But for that, you have to log in to your child’s Reddit account.  Also, there is always a chance the kid can reverse the changes you make in the settings. Apart from the dangers that are common in other social networks too, Reddit can be a place where your teen can learn, explore their passion, and connect with like-minded individuals. If your teen is already using Reddit or plans to, here are the tips for you to follow 1. Observe Reddit and Talk with the Teen Before talking with your child, it is better to make an account and use Reddit on your own. You will get familiar with how the platform works and how users interact with subreddits. This activity will let you know about the risks and how to address them to your teen. If the child is already using Reddit, you can observe their activity and the posts they make. Discuss the things you find awkward and inappropriate for the kids. Tell the teen to be polite, recognize suspicious behavior, and avoid sharing information or posting that reveals their identity or location. 2. Ask Teen to Enable Reddit Safety Features It is better for parents to allow their teens to use Reddit if they are 16 or above. Parents must also set the privacy settings

Social Media

Social Media Needs Warning Labels’ 5 Key Takeaways from Surgeon General’s Op-ed

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In a vulnerable digital society, it’s high time for each stakeholder to ensure the online security of our future generation. The US Surgeon General has been pretty vocal since last year, stressing the growing impact of social media on the mental health of the youth. He said on CNN’s Newsroom, ‘’I, personally, based on the data I’ve seen, believe that 13 is too early to join social media platforms.’’ The proposed warning label will appear once the user logs in and remind them that excessive social media use can risk mental health. Warning labels are not new and are widely used for other negative elements of society, like cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. The US General Surgeon expressed that these labels will increase awareness of social media risks and prompt a behavioral change. On the other hand, medical professionals continue to underline the harmful effects of social media on the minds of adolescents. An official advisory was even issued by the US General Surgeon together with the Department of Health and Human Services. In the recent column by the nation’s top doctor, one can easily feel the weight of the emotions that his words carried. The words were directed toward all the parents out there who seem to struggle with modern parenting. The more digital advancements we see ever so often, the more our children’s lives are going to be entangled with cell phones and social media. Let us summarise the major talking points for you 5 Key Takeaways from Surgeon General’s Op-ed The most critical aspect we face today is that digital dependency is not going away anytime soon, nor will the Gen Z kids abandon it for good. However, the proactive approach of parents as guardians can bring semblance to what is a dynamic but rather risky digital landscape for the kids. Here are the 5 key points from the op-ed. 1. Screen time among kids has increased exponentially Teenagers are growing up almost integrated with technology, and it’s no surprise for anyone how much time kids spend on a digital screen. More than 95% of teenagers between 13 and 17 years old use a social media app, with more than a third using it excessively. Compared to adults, children seem to have more time to remain active on the internet and social media for long hours. 2. Legislation on the risky online content the kids are exposed to The introduction of artificial intelligence has transformed the dynamics of digital technology. Now, social media apps use advanced algorithms to deliver more user-centric results. However, these algorithms expose teens and tweens to misleading ads, adult content, and online abuse. The advisory recommends that social apps introduce age-appropriate safety standards and share reports on how the platform impacts users’ health.  3. Social media companies should be questioned Tech and social media networks earn billions in revenue and continue to launch fancy features. However, they rarely share information on how social media exposure impacts users, whether adults or teens. Most social networks claim they have robust security and privacy settings in place, but people are asking for proof. Apps like Snapchat and TikTok allow parents to oversee their kids’ activities. However, kids can easily disable the ‘Family Centers’ without their parent’s knowledge or approval. 4. The minds of children are vulnerable to social media Social media is addictive for teens, and most of them constantly scroll their timelines, post their statuses, upload pictures, and make comments. However, excessive use can cause them to venture into risk-taking activities. This includes sharing adult content and bullying. Moreover, adolescence is a tender age when the minds of the youth are still developing. Factors such as bullying, exploitation, FOMO (fear of missing out), and peer pressure can cause all kinds of mental health issues.  Research says children who spend more than 3 hours on social media increase the risk of anxiety and depression. 5. Parents need robust ways to manage their children’s screen time Digital technology is advancing rapidly, and with hectic routines, parents often don’t have time to figure everything out. Ironically, most kids are more tech-savvy than their parents. This is why these kids easily evade the ordinary parental controls that most parents seem to apply. Screen time monitoring of kids is necessary not only at home but everywhere. Parents need a robust monitoring app to gather screen time data and insights into how kids interact on social media and what searches they make on the internet. The US Surgeon General’s Tips for Parents Kids are using social media way earlier before they can grasp the intricacies of the digital medium. More than 40% of kids aged 8 to 12 are active on social media platforms. The surgeon general stressed that the pressure parents have in battling this excessive use is very much real and concerning. Cell phones are necessary for communicating with the kids, whether they are at a friend’s house, at sports practices, or at summer camp. However, it’s hard to know what games they play, who they interact with, and what searches they make. The remedies are present but hard to implement, particularly when the kids become teenagers. Here are valuable tips for the parents i. Develop a family usage plan Two-thirds of parents say parenting is way harder than it was twenty years ago. This is the reason why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents develop a family media plan. The major points should be screen/online time, content boundaries, and avoiding sharing personal information. Search the ratings and age-suitability of apps and programs before allowing them to the kids. Include a list of consequences for those who do not follow the rules, and ask kids when deciding the consequences. Review the plan after 6 months. ii. Model a responsible behavior Young children try to mimic their parents in various aspects, including online behavior. Besides limiting your own use, you must teach kids how to use social media responsibly. Tell them how to post inspiring information, learn

VPN for bypassing restrictions: Parental guide
Parenting

Teens Use VPN to Bypass Parental Controls: What Parents Need to Do

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Today’s kids are more tech-savvy than their parents. For instance, some teenagers might use a VPN to access social media platforms blocked by their school’s network. Others might use it to download games or movies unavailable in their country. More than 70% of teens hide their online activity from their parents. This desire to assert their independence and explore the digital world on their own often leads to them finding novel ways to bypass restrictions. Most want to keep their social lives, either physical or online, under wraps. This behavior is often accompanied by hiding their internet history. Today, teens have several options to keep their online activity private. These include using the web browser in incognito mode, proxy websites, and a VPN connection. In this guide, we will focus on VPNs and how kids use them to get around parental controls. We’ll also discuss how you can monitor and manage your child’s online activities even if they use a VPN.  What is a VPN? A virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that forms an encrypted and secure connection between the user’s device and the Internet. VPN masks the IP address and makes the user’s online activity almost untraceable. It is like a server in the middle; before the data travels to a particular website or app, it passes through the VPN, which removes traces of the digital footprint. Almost 1.5 billion people in the world use VPNs, and most do it for legitimate reasons. However, techie kids also use them to circumvent parental restrictions and bypass content filters. Your kid can use a VPN to hide what they search for online and who they talk to, and they can use restricted websites. One common reason for using a VPN is to access ‘geo-restricted content, ‘which refers to online content that is only available to users in certain geographic locations. For example, a teen might use a VPN to watch a TV show only available in another country. The Potential Risks of Using a VPN A VPN offers benefits such as enhanced privacy and access to geo-restricted content. However, excessive use can open the door for potential risks that are ●      Malware and Viruses Your child may install a free or unverified VPN to watch or download restricted content. Installing these VPNs can lead to malware infections and viruses that compromise the device’s data. Over the past decade, malware infections have increased by 87%. ●      Inappropriate Content The Internet is filled with websites that host unsuitable content for children. With a VPN in place, kids can hide their activity and evade parental controls to access restricted websites. For example, a teen might use a VPN to access a website that hosts adult content, which would otherwise be blocked by parental controls. ●      Privacy Leak Trusted VPN service providers assure privacy and anonymity. However, many free VPN services can compromise the user’s data. They might store private information and monetize it by selling the data. The leak of sensitive data threatens not only the kids but also their parents and family. For example, a free VPN app might collect information about the websites a user visits and sell this information to advertisers, who can then use it to target the user with personalized ads. ●      Cyber Predators VPNs provide cyber predators with the ideal cover to remain anonymous and prey on children’s immaturity. These predators stalk websites, social media networks, open forums, and gaming platforms. They often entice children to share private information and take part in other risky online activities. A predator might use a VPN to hide their IP address and location while communicating with a child on a social media platform, making it more difficult for law enforcement to track them down. How does Parental Control Work? Parental control software tools allow parents to manage and restrict their children’s tech usage. These controls are available on smartphones, tablets, web browsers, and social media apps. Almost 75% of parents use parental controls to restrict their child’s screen time. You can apply these controls to Your settings will filter and control the internet traffic and app usage. The controls often rely on the device’s IP address and ISP (Internet Service Providers) to implement the restrictions. Can VPN bypass the Parental Controls You Apply? Yes, a VPN connection bypasses the parental restrictions you apply for. A VPN reroutes all the online information through a remote server before it gets to the ISP. This means no one can view the online activity, whether the ISP or those running the Wi-Fi network. A VPN is a secure bridge through which online traffic can travel without being intercepted or monitored. All the information searched and the URLs the user accesses are encrypted. Furthermore, the VPN hides the device’s IP address and instead shows the IP address of the VPN server. Parental controls primarily block specific IP addresses and prevent kids from accessing those websites. However, a VPN redirects the traffic from a remote server, rendering the IP blocks useless. Here’s why: ●      Encryption and routing The VPN on the user’s device encrypts the internet traffic and redirects it to the remote server. As the data is encrypted, router-level parental restrictions can be bypassed. ●      IP address change The VPN server assigns a new IP address to the user’s internet traffic, making it difficult for the router to identify and apply IP-level blockages. ●      Traffic forwarding The VPN servers forward the traffic to a particular website or app. To the website, it appears that the traffic is coming from the VPN server instead of the user’s device, so even if there is a geo-level restriction on the website, this will be bypassed. The Best Way to Monitor Kids Using a VPN You can use parental controls to restrict the teen’s access to inappropriate websites and content. But as we discussed earlier, the challenge arises when the kid uses a VPN to bypass the screen time and content restriction. You need more than parental

XNSPYs-Our-Exciting-Mid-Year-Update
NEWS

XNSPY’s New Version Release: Announcing Our Exciting Mid-Year Update

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XNSPY is launching a highly anticipated update this month. With a deep devotion to empowering parents to seamlessly monitor their child’s digital life, the new update aims to further enhance the user experience. A Word from the XNSPY Team ‘’The app’s latest version will auto-update once it’s rolled out later this month. Features such as GPS Tracking is getting a major upgrade. The Call and Surround recording tool will also get a much-needed refresh,’’ said the XNSPY team. With over a decade in the monitoring industry, XNSPY is distinctively reputed for providing robust parental controls. The development team behind every new upgrade meticulously researches and tests every upgrade, constantly integrating user feedback into the mix. ‘’The secret to the success of XNSPY lies in prioritizing user feedback. The team not only provides immediate responses to the queries but also takes note of the changes that users often request,’’ as quoted by the XNSPY’s Marketing Lead. He further explained how the shortcomings of some features pointed out by users allow the team to bring worthwhile changes and expand the functionality.  What’s New With Android 14 and iOS 17 already being rolled out, XNSPY has ensured that the new update will support the compatibility of Android and Apple devices. Users can even easily check the compatibility of their child’s device on the app’s website. Let us see what XNSPY has in store for its valued users More Robust GPS Tracking Location tracking is a useful feature of XNSPY that lets you view the live location of the monitored device. The highlight of the newest update is a refined user interface of the dashboard along with multiple additional information about GPS functionality. The Location History Logs will show the current whereabouts and visited places of the target device with far greater accuracy and details. Once you click on the ‘Location’ tab on the dashboard, the pointer on the app’s geolocation map will show the real-time position of the monitored phone. The history of previously visited places is organized in sequence with the relevant time details. Clicking on a particular entry will open the address on the location map. The latest update fine-tunes the capability of the geolocation tracker and allows it to analyze longitude and latitude coordinates with pinpoint precision. This is why users can view complete address information. The details on each location entry include the house or plot number, area name, city, state, and zip code. One noticeable addition the development team made is adding a link to Google Maps beside each location entry. Users can open the link to get directions or share the address on their phone. Call and Surround Recording Improvement Apart from GPS tracking, users can witness much-requested fixes and improvements for the call and surround recording features. XNSPY already offers an exclusive functionality to record all incoming and outgoing calls automatically. The XNPSY team worked to address common concerns with the latest app update. All the audio on the incoming and outgoing calls are smoothly recorded and uploaded to the dashboard. The standout addition is the increase in call recording duration. Previously, you could record only 20 minutes, but with the upgrade, calls are recorded for up to 30 minutes. The surround or ambient recording feature works similarly to call recording. This functionality captures background sounds around the proximity of the target device. Users have requested longer recording times and the ability to download, which the team complied with in the latest release. Now, users can hear the recording in high-definition and the audio files will also upload more quickly. The duration to record ambient sound is also increased from 20 to 30 minutes. Ability to Send Multiple Remote Commands XNSPY offers an advanced remote control functionality that is not commonly found in other monitoring apps. Parents use this tool to remotely lock the phone, block an app, capture screenshots, and record surrounding sounds. The app dashboard only allowed users to send one request at a time. However, parents complained that in some situations, they need to send more than one request. ‘’Working on this issue was tricky for the team as each remote command performs an entirely different functionality’’ – XNSPY development team head. User Review ‘’I have tried a couple of apps to monitor the cell phone usage of two of my kids. Honestly, XNSPY turned out to be the best in many places. It delivers more control with screen recording, location tracking, call recording, and keylogger. Oh, and the watchlist alerts are the best feature ever!’’  About XNSPY XNSPY offers a wide range of tracking features tailor-made for parental control and employee monitoring. Users benefit from stealth-mode operation, high compatibility, fast and easy installation, affordable pricing, and round-the-cloud customer support. The app provides power-packed performance with many of its features that will give advanced functionality with the latest update. XNSPY continues to inspire users with regular fixes and updates, ensuring they get full value.  Download XNSPY Now!

Parents-Need-to-Know-About-Incognito-Mode
Parenting

What Parents Need to Know About Incognito Mode

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Today’s tech-driven teens are more adept at understanding and using digital tools than their parents. It’s no wonder teens and preteens can easily dodge the restrictions parents apply to their tech usage. According to Pew Research, 97% of teens use the Internet daily. Most use it for research, learning, and social connection. However, they may unintentionally or intentionally come across age-inappropriate content. Modern parents have the dilemma of balancing their children’s right to the internet while safeguarding them. Most struggle to keep up with all the sneaky ways their kids can surf the internet. Some of those ways include private browsing modes, proxy websites, and deleting web history. An online survey stated that 70% of teens hide their online behavior from their parents, and the best way to do that is to use Incognito mode to hide their browsing history. Many web browsers offer an InPrivate or Incognito mode where teens can browse the internet without leaving any evidence altogether. It becomes difficult for parents to determine the content their kids search and consume online. Why Kids Use Incognito Mode Mobile devices provide teens with an easy way to access the internet at all times. Furthermore, private mode lets them keep their online habits under wraps. Some of the reasons why your child may use the incognito mode are Hiding their Search History Teens like to keep most of their online activities private as they move into the latter years of teenage. Incognito mode appeals to young as it allows them to search for something sensitive or personal without leaving a web trail. Puberty, sexual relationships, and mental problems are some of the topics that kids want to search for without anyone else finding out about their searches. Digital Freedom As they age, kids want an online space where they can explore digital boundaries freely without judgment or restriction. Private mode gives them the luxury and convenience of engaging in content without worrying about parental oversight. Avoid Marketing Ads In this digital age, browsing the internet comes with a plethora of targeted promotions and ads. Teens may enable private browsing to save themselves from constant ads. The incognito mode prevents the websites from tracking their actions and using cookie data to send personalized ads. What Parents Must Know of Incognito Mode? Incognito mode is a feature of web browsers that allows users to browse the internet without leaving a trace. An incognito mode session is an online activity that does not save any login information, cookies, browsing history, or website data. Apple first introduced private browsing in 2005, but now almost every web browser offers it under a different name. For example, it is called ‘Incognito Mode’ in Google Chrome, ‘Private Mode’ in Opera, ‘Private Browsing’ in Firefox, and ‘Private Window’ in Safari. Each browser has a different name, but the function of hiding the internet activity is the same. Incognito mode works by setting up a temporary session that does not store any user activity. When the teen opens the private window, the browser does not save the URLs visited or the cookies and cache. Browsing in private mode is helpful for specific purposes, but that doesn’t make it 100% private. Here is why: Private Browsing is Not Entirely Private Teenagers think using incognito mode gives their activities an invincibility cloak and ensures anonymity, but that’s not true. There is no record of the web pages they visit on the device they use. However, websites can track the IP address of the child’s device. Moreover, websites use analytics and cookie data to gather browsing habits. If they log in to a particular website, that information is used by websites to know when and from where the account was accessed. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also keep a clear record of daily Internet usage. They can track the websites your child visits and the content they consume. Any web page the child bookmarks, or the file they download in private mode is also stored on the device. No Safety from Online Threats Incognito mode can compromise internet safety and offers little protection against online threats like phishing, malware, and scams. It can prevent cookies and other information from being stored on the device, but it cannot prevent cyber attacks or data from malicious websites. Your teen can easily click on a suspicious link or fall victim to a phishing scam. The Dangers of Private Browsing Screentime and unrestricted internet access are two notable challenges that parents face. The ubiquity of the internet, coupled with incognito mode, increases the possibility of risky online behavior. Teens could make sensitive searches and browse adult content without realizing the potential threats they are exposed to. Let us know some of those. Cyberbullying Like kids, cyberbullies also use incognito mode to remain anonymous. They can interact with the teens and harass them without leaving any trace. Lack of Online Protection With regular browsing, many safety features work automatically and prevent any cyberattack. However, in private mode, the risks of malware increase tenfold. The information that the child enters can easily be used for phishing scams and identity theft. No Parental Control When kids use incognito mode, none of their browsing history is stored. Parents cannot discern what their children search for and the content they consume. The child will engage in unsafe online behavior without any consequence or guidance from their parents. How Parents Can Monitor Kid’s Incognito Browsing Installing a monitoring app on a child’s mobile device is one of the best ways to monitor their private browsing mode.  XNSPY is a reliable parental monitoring app that provides insights into the child’s online habits, including activities in Incognito mode. The app is compatible with a wide array of Android and iOS devices. XNSPY works in stealth mode and discreetly records the browsing activity when the child opens incognito mode. The recorded data is uploaded to the user dashboard in real-time. You must open the ‘Internet History’ in the Phone Logs section. XNSPY lets you

May - Mental health awareness month
Parenting

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: How to Monitor Your Child’s Mental Health

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May is celebrated as Mental Health Month, and it is more important than ever to discuss the social and emotional difficulties our children are experiencing. For several decades, discussing mental issues was taboo and people suffered in silence to avoid the embarrassment. Today, Gen Z and Alpha kids are more open to talking about their stress, anxiety, and depression. However, the stigma still exists and some kids have the fear of being stereotyped and judged. Mental Health Month aims to normalize the discussion surrounding mental challenges among kids. The emphasis is on awareness and making the teens realize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Why is a Child’s Mental Health Important? For many people, ‘’good health’’ only means physical fitness but mental and emotional well-being are equally important. Physical health shows how strong the kid is and how fast they can recover from an illness or injury. While, mental health shows how a child thinks, behaves, and copes with various emotional, physical, and mental changes. According to a recent survey by Statista, 87% of youth experience mental health problems regularly. A mental disorder causes delays and disruptions in the child’s thinking, social skills, and behavior. Consequently, these disruptions impact the child’s ability to function adequately at home, school, and social situations. Signs of Mental Health Problems in Children Not one but multiple factors impact mental health in children. However, the more risk factors the teens are exposed to, the more impact on their psychological well-being. Major factors include exposure to hardships, identity crises, and pressure to fit in social circles. Moreover, societal norms and social media influence intensify the difference between the teen’s existing reality and their perception of the future. Mental health issues are increasing among teens and children. However, as children grow faster, it can be difficult to say if they are anxious out of instinct or due to any underlying factors. Parents, therefore, need to be watchful of all obvious and subtle changes in their child’s life.  Anxiety and Depression It’s no surprise that academic pressure, social media, and even the responsibility of daily chores can cause anxiety and depression in most adolescents. While certain stress and anxiety are part of everyday life, increasing instances can surely take a toll on the child’s mental health. Declining School Performance Falling school grades is another telling sign that the child is undergoing emotional and psychological stress. One or more factors can impact the child’s focus, intellectual ability, and energy level and hinder the optimum performance necessary to excel at school. In some extreme cases, older teens may even drop out of school. Also, last year’s Gallup survey states that Gen Z kids may struggle more and have distinct mental health problems as compared to millennials. Behavioral Changes Parents know their children better than anyone and can easily notice the stark difference in their mood and other aspects like eating and sleeping patterns. If your child suddenly withdraws from social gatherings, develops signs that might indicate digital addictions, is disinterested in their favorite activities, and has moments of outbursts, then something is not right. How to Talk About Mental Health to Your Child Once you recognize the signs, discussing them with your child is significant. Some parents may be apprehensive about how the child may react. However, discussing the child’s mental well-being is as important as when they have any illness or injury. The way you approach the situation will define the child’s perception of mental health for years to come. Here is what you need to do Choose the Right Time It is crucial to pick the right time for the conversation. Experts say to choose a time when both the parent and child are calm, and there is no rush of emotions or have to go somewhere. Apart from the time, the setting also matters. Pick a weekend and take the child for a walk, fishing, or talking in the evening after dinner. The purpose is to make the child comfortable and at ease. Listen without Judging When discussing sensitive topics with children, it is better to understand them from their perspective. Yes, you may have more knowledge and experience, but for the children, it may be their first time going through stress or depression. Let the children talk and complete what they are explaining. It is all about giving the child confidence to open up rather than speculating and making assumptions. Acknowledging the Child’s Feeling Children are quite truthful, whether they express excitement by discussing their favorite hobby or talking about getting a new gadget as a gift. Similarly, the child’s emotions while discussing their struggles are also true. You need to acknowledge and realize that what the child is saying is real. The child will also know that you respect and support them, and they will be eager to manage their stress.   5 Ways to Monitor and Manage a Child’s Mental Health Children undergo drastic changes in their teens, which can be an emotional rollercoaster for many. Only timely parental love and support can help the child overcome teenage challenges. There are many ways that can help the child pull through the stressful experiences and manage their mental health. Let us explore the best solutions. 1. Fostering a Loving Home Children spend most of their time at home, and the environment shapes their present and future lives. A supportive and loving home is the best solution for almost all the mental issues a child experiences. Ensure that the living space is one where mistakes are accepted, and children are acknowledged for their sincere efforts. Everyone must follow the rules, and concerns must be understood and not ignored. 2. Promoting Healthy Habits Children will be resilient only if they eagerly follow healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest. Take time from your busy schedules to take your kids on trips, sporting activities, and anything that makes them appreciate the world around them. 3. Reduce Screen Time A

Kid using smartphone in classroom
Parenting

Should I Let My Kid Take Their Phone to Summer Camp?

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The yearly summer break is around the corner, and kids are excited to gear up for their favorite summer camp. On the other hand, parents are debating whether to let their children take their phones to camp. Many are mindful of the increasing social interactions, distractions, and negative impact of a smartphone. Parents want their kids to learn new things, have fun in physical activities, and form social bonds with other kids instead of depending on the internet for social interaction. Fortunately, summer camp provides invaluable enrichment without the saturation of electronic devices. The activities include sports, art, educational programs, and outdoor games. Most summer camps used to have a strict ‘no phone policy’ and wanted kids to immerse themselves in the natural environment rather than a digital one. However, for parents, it was stressful thinking about their child being bullied by a peer or an adult. Bullying is prevalent everywhere, particularly in sleepaway camps, as discussed in a report by USA Today. A bully might even take advantage of the no-phone policy and abuse children at will. Now cell phone usage is increasing in summer camps, so most have a defined cell phone policy. However, with this shift, parents are divided. Some see the benefit of their child having a phone for emergencies or simply staying connected, while others worry about the potential downsides.  It can be a tough call! To help you decide, let’s weigh the pros and cons of not allowing phones at summer camp. The Advantages of Not having a Smartphone at Camp Summer camp is a favorite American tradition where millions of kids frolic for fun, games, and learning. It is also the only screen-free place for kids these days. Not having a smartphone may seem like a dystopian concept for Gen-Z and Alpha kids, and most are reluctant to take a technology break. However, summer camp presents an ideal platform for children to improve their physical fitness, mental intuition, social skills, creative intellect, and problem-solving skills. A research study states that summer camps make kids resilient and develop skills that last for a lifetime. This happens as children take on new challenges, whether physical activities like sailing or archery, making new friends, or coping with unpredictable situations. Camping and being outdoors present an opportunity to escape from the ubiquity of tech and daily grind. Here is how a child can benefit from cell phone-free summer camp Meaningful Connection and Communication There is no denying that people communicate more frequently these days with social apps. Kids are no different, and they do communicate more frequently than adults, but it’s not face-to-face. At camp, with the phones tucked away, kids will connect and communicate with each other without digital means. Moreover, spending excessive time on social media increases the risk of cyberbullying, stalking, and exploitation. In addition, the children’s mental health is also at risk. Children can easily prevent that and, instead, interact with fellow campmates and socialize at a deeper level. Learning and Personal Development A recent study by Pew Research details the widespread screen time of kids on devices such as smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and televisions. When faced with a question or problem, almost all kids search for solutions online without much effort. In summer camp, when faced with a challenge, a child has to use their intuition and knowledge to reach the solution. Unplugging at the camp allows the kids to take on unfamiliar tasks and competitions and work independently or in a team to solve them. There is an opportunity for them to learn through trial and error instead of using an online resource for help. Less Screen Time A staggering 93% of teens use social media and spend considerable time on numerous apps and platforms. Your child will likely post on Snapchat, share photos on Instagram, comment on Facebook, scroll through X, and send incessant messages on WhatsApp daily When not involved in these activities, kids develop what experts call FOMO (fear of missing out), and breaking away from this habit is difficult. With no cell phone usage or social media activity at the camp, kids have time to unwind and participate in dozens of purposeful activities. Some games are those that children seldom get a chance to play throughout the year. The child can improve confidence and find satisfaction instead of a few status and photo likes on social networks. The Disadvantages of Not Keeping a Smartphone Most American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camps provide guidelines for cell phone, internet, and social media usage. Many popular day and overnight camps have a ‘no phone’ policy. The management believes the purpose of summer camp is to help teens escape the constant stimuli of digital tech. It can only happen if there is no access to a cell phone. But this can have repercussions. Here are some more disadvantages of not allowing cell phone use at camps No Communication in Times of Emergency The biggest downside of kids not having smartphones is the lack of communication in times of emergency. During physical activity or games, the child can get injured, or there is an emergency at home that parents want their kid to know about. Most summer camps have systems that ensure communication is possible when needed. However, apart from emergencies, a child has no way to interact with a parent if they are not having a good time and have to face constant bullying. Also, bullying causes embarrassment, and the child may want to share it with the parents instead of the camp staff. No Pictures and Fewer Options for Creativity Phones are a distraction, but modern ones have diverse features that children can use positively. For example, a child who loves photography wants to take scenic pictures of the outdoor activity they perform, whether it’s kayaking or trekking.  They may also meet with fellow enthusiasts who can show them tools of the built-in camera they have never used before. But without a cell phone, a child may be

Android Rooting
Android

A Definitive Guide to Spying on Android Without Rooting

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Tracking a person’s phone activity becomes necessary for monitoring and elucidating suspicion. Installing an Android tracking app without root is the conventional method of spying on a device. However, gaining access to someone’s phone is not always simple. People don’t usually leave their phones unattended. If you want to know how to spy on Android without rooting, keep reading this blog. We will tell you about a spy app for Android without rooting that you can use for extensive spying purposes. Is it Possible to Use an Android Phone Without Rooting? Rooting, in simple words, is the process of bypassing a phone’s administrative system to maximize its capabilities. If your mobile device is rooted, you have complete control over the phone’s operating system. However, your operating system will be less stable, you will lose your warranty, and your device security will be compromised. But don’t worry. As of 2022, the Android OS has improved. It is becoming faster and more powerful than previous OS versions. And if you want to keep an eye on another person’s activities, you can do that with an Android no root spy app, XNSPY. Why Use XNSPY Spy App for Android Without Rooting? If we compare XNSPY to other spy apps, not only is it the most affordable, but it also offers a variety of features that most spy Android phones without root apps don’t offer. Xnspy is also compatible with Android OS version systems versions 4.0 to 12, unlike its competitors’ offerings. The data XNSPY collects is easy to access from any internet-ready device. Everything is uploaded to your Xnspy web account. You can view anything from calls, texts, social media, location, and browsing history in real-time, depending on the package you subscribe to. The owner of the target device will not know anything since Xnspy works discreetly in stealth mode. Xnspy’s pricing model is far more affordable than other spy apps, with its premium package being $7.49 a month. How Can You Install the Android Tracking App Without Root? Mentioned below is a simple Android spy without a root download and installation process. Step 1: Subscribe to Xnspy Select a subscription plan on the XNSPY website. You will receive an email containing the download URL, an activation code, credentials for your web account, and an installation guide. Step 2: Download Xnspy You would need physical access to the target phone to install the app. Using the download URL, install the app and add the activation code. The process will be over in a few minutes. Step 3: Log in to Xnspy To access your web account from your PC or Xnspy dashboard app on the Play Store, log in to https://cp.xnspy.com/ by entering your login credentials. Step 4: Check your dashboard to start monitoring On your dashboard, you will see a menu on your left-hand side from which you can choose to see anything you like from the phone, whether it is text messages, phone logs, photos, location, or even IMs. Features That Await You—Use Xnspy! You can only have complete access to a phone if you install a spy app. Xnspy allows you to view everything stored on the phone. You will require physical access to the device for about 5 minutes, but to prevent the target person from finding out, you can hide the app as well. An Android spy without root is convenient. An Android No Root Spy App has the following features:   1. Keylogging You can remotely record all the keystrokes on the target phone on WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Skype. 2. Surround Recording You can activate the target phone’s microphone by sending a remote command and recording the surrounding sounds of everything that goes on around them. You can access these recordings from your dashboard. 3. Location Tracking You can track the location of the target phone and check where it is at different points in time. You can also track location history logs. 4. Remote Control You can remotely control the target device by sending commands to lock the device, erase its data, and take live screenshots. 5. Monitor Internet Browsing History You can track the web browsing history and see how many times the websites were visited and the number of times they were accessed. 6. Monitor Text Messages You can remotely read all the sent and received text messages on the target device. You can also view the time and date stamps along with the contact details. FAQs How can I control other phones remotely? It is possible to remotely control another person’s phone by installing a spy app as long as the device is connected to the internet. The target person will not find out about its installation and you can remotely control the target phone, wipe its data, and lock the device. Is rooting harmful for Android? No. You can continue using the Android device after rooting normally. However, you may have to exercise some caution. If the process goes wrong, your phone can become a brick and turn useless. An incorrect process can compromise the device’s security and take away its warranty. It can also disturb the device’s operating system and make it less stable. Does rooting erase data? Rooting doesn’t have any effect on a device’s data. However, if you want to root your Android device, you want to make sure you have made a backup. Though the process won’t wipe your data, it can erase some user-installed apps because it involves unlocking the bootloader. Therefore, before rooting your device, you should back up everything. How can I spy on Android? An Android spy without root download is easy with Xnspy. The app operates in stealth mode, so the person you spy on will not find out. You can track their calls, texts, multimedia, social media, instant messenger activity, location, and more. You can access everything from your web-based dashboard. Is rooting an Android phone illegal? Yes, rooting your phone is legal. However, once you have attained

Smartphone Cloning
Business

Smartphone Cloning: 3 Definite Ways to Clone A Phone

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The latest technological advancements like blockchain, web 3.0, and 5G took the digital world to a whole new level. You can perform almost every type of digital activity through your smartphone. It shows how smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. With all these super-exciting benefits, smartphones are also a way to get into someone’s personal life. Over the last few years, the world has witnessed an upsurge in cyberbullying, online scams, and child harassment. Cyberbullying is a critical issue, and kids are the most common victims. Alongside this, online scammers usually target kids because of their naivety. Now, looking at all these things, parents should be aware of their kids’ activities to keep them safe. However, how can they do that? Well, there is an easy way to fetch someone’s private data through smartphone cloning. What is Smartphone Cloning, and How to Execute It? Smartphone cloning—the name diverts your attention toward the physical cloning of smartphones. However, it’s not like that. Smartphone cloning is all about transferring data from the targeted device. It may involve copying of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). How Does Smartphone Cloning work? Smartphone cloning has always been a hard nut to crack. In the initial years of smartphones, physical access was essential for smartphone cloning. The only way to perform smartphone cloning was through a wired connection. However, things have changed disruptively over the last few years. Now, smartphone cloning is possible remotely. All you need is a spying application like XNSPY to clone and transfer data from any Android or iOS device. Apart from installing any smartphone monitoring applications, there are plenty of other ways to clone any smartphone. You can either do this with a Bluetooth hacking tool or by copying the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information. Here are the details of all three methods of cloning any smartphone. 1.   Smartphone Cloning with a Monitoring Application Smartphone cloning with the help of a monitoring application is the most suitable way. It does not require much technical knowledge, and you can easily do that yourself. There are many monitoring applications available with numerous features. You can use XNSPY to clone and transfer data from someone’s smartphone. One thing to remember here is that this act should take place legally. You can clone your kids’ phones to check what they are doing. As a parent, you always want that your kids are safe and sound. Alongside, you can also clone your employees’ smartphones with their consent. The sole reason for monitoring your employee’s smartphone is to ensure security and enhance productivity. Here’s how you can use XNSPY to clone an Android or IOS device. First of all, you need to visit XNSPY’s official website. The website’s homepage will show the “Try XNSPY Now” option to create an account. After creating an account and buying a subscription, you will receive an email with all instructions. Follow those instructions to get into anyone’s smartphone. XNSPY is a complete smartphone monitoring software. It is more than just cloning software. A cloning software just transfers data from one device to another. On the other hand, XNSPY not only transfers data but also offers numerous other features. These features include Location Tracking, Call & SMS Tracking, and Social Media & Instant Messaging Tracking. 2.   Smartphone Cloning with a Bluetooth Hacking Software The idea of cloning a smartphone with the help of Bluetooth hacking software feels intriguing. However, it is less effective and much more complicated than monitoring applications. It is a semi-remote procedure as both devices should be in the range. Here’s how you can clone a smartphone with the help of Bluetooth hacking software. To clone a smartphone through this procedure, you first need to download Bluetooth hacking software. There are a few good software like Super Bluetooth Hack 1.08, Blue Sniff, and Blue Scanner. Download any of these Bluetooth hacking software and install it on your device. Remember to allow installation access from unknown resources. After that, turn on your device’s Bluetooth and connect it with the targeted device. Make sure the targeted device’s Bluetooth is on and in range. You can now clone the targeted devices after a successful connection between both devices. Bluetooth hacking software can track text messages, calls, and multimedia. Always make sure to download and install legit Bluetooth hacking software. You may face a trojan horse virus/malware attack while applying this practice. So, stay vigilant, and go with software having more positive reviews. 3.   Smartphone Cloning Through Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) SIM is an integral part of a phone. It is a gateway to communicating with others through the cellular network. Now, the cellular network is limited to text messaging and calling. So, you can only access text messages and call logs through this limited cloning method. It is much more complicated than the other two methods—and hardly used nowadays. Firstly, you need to download a SIM cloning tool with all the necessary drivers on a PC. This method requires prior programming and technical knowledge. So, if you possess such skills and knowledge, then go for this method. Otherwise, it’s better to stick with the other two. Conclusion Out of all these methods, using smartphone monitoring software is the best. It doesn’t require any technical knowledge. Moreover, there is no physical connectivity, and you get numerous other features too.

Infographic

What Does the Metaverse Mean for Parents?

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The world of technology is fast-paced and chock full of innovation. It seems every few years a new development is made which gets the news brewing, which in turn excites or horrifies the masses. The most recent outlook has been on the Metaverse. Incorporating augmented and virtual reality, is the Metaverse really where we’re headed? And will it become the bane of every parent’s existence?

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