[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07084004\/2024-04_Blog_HowToPickAge-appropriateContentHero.png” alt=”Dad and children using a tablet” title_text=”2024-04_Blog_HowToPickAge-appropriateContentHero” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||24px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Born into a world of constant connectivity, today\u2019s children have access to a never-before-seen wealth of online content. A bottomless pit of apps, videos, music, and games guarantees that even the most voracious content consumer won\u2019t go hungry.<\/span><\/p>\n We parents have the complex task of ensuring that our children have a healthy and safe online experience. An important part of this is making sure they consume age-appropriate content.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Age-appropriate content refers to apps, videos, games, and other online media that are suitable for a defined age group based on typical developmental stages, cognitive abilities, emotional maturity, and social awareness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What a child does online is just as important as the amount of time they spend online<\/b>. Although reducing overall screen time has its benefits, parents realize that it can be a losing battle and would rather play a more active role in their children\u2019s digital lives. Consuming age-appropriate content can support a child\u2019s learning and development while protecting them from <\/span>things their young minds aren\u2019t ready for<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Our 2023 report on families\u2019 digital habits showed us that the risk of <\/span>exposure to adult content or pornography was<\/span><\/a> parents\u2019 main motivator to monitor their children\u2019s devices. When children are allowed to view content inappropriate for their age and developmental level, it can lead to <\/span>stress, anxiety, embarrassment, shame, <\/b>and other negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/05\/07084246\/2024-04_Blog_HowToPickAge-appropriateContentInsideImage.png” alt=”Mother and daughter using a tablet” title_text=”2024-04_Blog_HowToPickAge-appropriateContentInsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n When most of us were children, the main way we could view age-inappropriate content age would be to stay awake and watch late-night TV – with the sound low so parents couldn’t hear!<\/span><\/p>\n With the internet and all its dark corners available at any time and place, parents have to be much more informed and involved to protect their children from questionable material.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are our 5 tips to help you choose age-appropriate content for your child:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. Check age ratings\u2026 but do your research!<\/b><\/p>\n Like with movies, apps and games have age ratings that recommend how old a child should be before they use them. Age ratings are usually given by the developers or creators, the store or site where the content is acquired, and, in the case of games, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) or the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n These \u201cofficial\u201d age ratings can be confusing as they don\u2019t always match up, and while they can be useful when deciding what\u2019s appropriate for your child, they should be used as a guide only.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Qustodio has a dedicated <\/span>app safety guides<\/span><\/a> section where parents can check the appropriateness of apps, games, and other media, and see unbiased age recommendations. You can continue your research by reading a range of parent reviews and checking other resources like <\/span>Common Sense Media<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. Consider your child\u2019s developmental age<\/b><\/p>\n While age ratings can be useful when deciding whether content is appropriate for your child, these guidelines may not always align with their developmental stage<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n A child\u2019s developmental age measures how they function on a social, physical, intellectual, cultural, and emotional level <\/b>– and these can differ greatly from their chronological age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As you know your son or daughter better than anyone, you might have to make a judgment call on whether or not a piece of content is okay for them. For example, if your child\u2019s maturity level is greater than their chronological age suggests, you might allow them to view videos meant for slightly older children.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. Encourage open conversation<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n Chat with your kid about their favorite YouTuber, TikToker, or Twitch streamer. By engaging in casual conversations about their online activities you\u2019ll learn more about the type of content they like and can help them find related, age-appropriate material.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More importantly, these conversations give them a safe space to express their worries and ask for advice when they come across something online that makes them feel uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to start having positive conversations about technology with your children, consider creating a <\/span>family digital agreement.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is age-appropriate content and why is it important?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How to pick age-appropriate content for your child<\/b><\/h2>\n