New Device for the Holidays? Here’s How to Set It Up for Online Safety!

The holiday season has come and gone, and if you’re a parent or caretaker, chances are your kids or teens were thrilled to unwrap shiny new devices. From tablets and laptops to gaming consoles and smartphones, these gifts open up a world of possibilities—and risks. As the excitement settles, there’s one important question to ask: Are your new devices set up and optimized for safety?

The good news is that now is the perfect time to ensure these devices are ready for safe and responsible use. It’s also an ideal moment to start or continue conversations about online safety with your kids. Let’s break it down and get your family on the right track.

Why Device Safety Matters from Day One

It’s easy to assume that devices marketed as "kid-friendly" come with built-in protections. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Even devices designed for children often require additional setup to activate safety features. And for general devices like laptops or smartphones, proactive measures are even more crucial.

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how setting up parental controls and safety features can make a huge difference. For example, on my kids’ laptops, I’ve enabled content filters, set screen time limits, and configured weekly usage reports. These small steps give me peace of mind and help my kids navigate the digital world safely.

Building this foundation from day one ensures your kids can enjoy their new tech without unnecessary risks. It also helps establish healthy habits for device use as they grow.

Actionable Tips to Set Up Devices for Safety

Here are some practical steps you can take to make sure your kids’ new devices are ready to go:

1. Set Up Parental Controls

Parental controls are your best friend when it comes to managing device use. Most devices and apps have built-in options to help you:

• Limit Screen Time: Define how long your child can use the device each day and set bedtime restrictions.

  
  

• Restrict Content: Block inappropriate websites, apps, and games based on your child’s age.

  
  

• Monitor Activity: Enable weekly usage reports to see which apps and websites your child is accessing.

  
  
  
  

2. Install Updates

Before your kids dive into their devices, ensure the operating system and apps are up-to-date. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.

3. Secure Accounts

If your child needs an account for their device or apps, make sure to:

• Use strong, unique passwords.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

  
  
  
  

4. Adjust Privacy Settings

Review privacy settings to control who can contact or interact with your child online. Many platforms allow you to:

• Limit messaging to approved friends.

• Turn off location sharing.

• Disable public visibility of profiles.

  
  

Start the Conversation About Online Safety

Setting up a device is just one part of the equation. Equally important is fostering an open dialogue with your kids about staying safe online. Use the excitement of a new device as a springboard for these conversations. Here are a few ideas:

• Ask Questions: Encourage your kids to think critically about their online interactions:

  • “What do you think is okay to share online?”

  • “How would you handle a message from someone you don’t know?”

• Set Family Rules: Establish guidelines for device use, such as:

  • No devices in bedrooms at night.

  • Taking breaks from screens during meals or family time.

    
    

These conversations don’t have to be formal or intimidating. The goal is to build trust so your kids feel comfortable coming to you if they encounter something troubling online.

Common Myths About Kid-Friendly Devices

It’s a common misconception that devices designed for kids are safe out of the box. In reality, even "child-friendly" devices require setup to ensure proper protections are in place. Here’s a quick checklist to verify:

• Are content filters turned on?

• Are app downloads restricted to age-appropriate options?

• Is location sharing disabled?

Taking a few extra minutes to double-check these settings can make all the difference.

Wrapping It Up

The holiday season is about creating joyful memories, and a big part of that for many families is sharing new technology. By taking a few simple steps to optimize your kids’ devices for safety, you’re giving them the gift of a secure and empowering digital experience.

Remember, setting up these devices isn’t just about protection—it’s about teaching your kids how to navigate the digital world responsibly. Use this time to start conversations, set expectations, and lay the groundwork for healthy online habits.

This holiday season, let’s make safety the foundation of every new device. Because when it comes to protecting our kids online, there’s no better time to start than right now.