Safer Internet Day 2026: Innocent children are getting trapped in the web of adult content, set these parental controls before handing over the phone..

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year on the second Tuesday of February. It was initiated in 2004 as part of the European Union's "Safe Borders" project, which later received full support from the European Commission. It aims to make the internet a better and safer place for everyone, especially children.

What is the goal of Safer Internet Day?
It originated in Europe, but today it is celebrated in more than 150 countries around the world, including India. Its primary objective is to raise awareness among children and youth about online dangers such as cyberbullying, data misuse, and pornography. This day reminds us that it is our collective responsibility to make the internet a responsible and safe place.

In today's era of social media, children are spending a lot of time on gadgets. This is not only hindering their mental development but also creating a dangerous addiction to derogatory content. Therefore, parents must protect their children from the quagmire of online adult content.

Understanding technology is needed, not restrictions.

Parents often hide their smartphones or are strict with them to discourage them. This is justified to some extent to prevent them from becoming addicted to them. However, running away from technology is not the solution; understanding and making it safe is the only way forward. This is precisely the goal of Safer Internet Day. Instead of imposing strict restrictions on children, setting digital boundaries, controlling screen time, and choosing the right settings proves to be much more practical and effective.

Where does the danger lurk?

It was once believed that pornographic content was only available on certain websites, but today the situation has changed. Adult and pornographic content is now readily available even on platforms we once considered safe. For example:

Social media algorithms: The engagement model of Reels and Shorts inadvertently draws children to videos with provocative visuals and explicit gestures.

Gaming and in-game chat: The threat of obscene language persists through chat features and third-party links within online games.

The new threat of AI: The recent controversy involving the AI ​​chatbot Grok creating offensive images has made it clear that unfiltered AI tools can pose a serious threat to children. Safer Internet Day, therefore, serves as a reminder to recognize and prevent this threat.

Which apps can help?
Google Family Link: This app is considered best for children under 13. It allows you to remotely control which apps your child can download and how long they can use the phone at night. Once the time limit is reached, the phone will automatically lock.

Watcher - Parental Control: This app is only for Android. It allows you to view your child's screen live and access their gallery.

FlashGet Kids: It allows you to remotely turn on your child's phone's camera and microphone to monitor their surroundings and what they are talking about.

ScreenTrim: A psychological trick for young children. This app reduces the phone's brightness to zero after a set period of time, making the child believe the phone is damaged.

Screen Time and Digital Wellbeing: These are built-in features that help set app-specific time limits, helping to curb screen addiction.

Make these changes immediately in these apps
1. YouTube: Restricted Mode and Kids App
To do this, go to General in YouTube's settings and turn on Restricted Mode. Allow young children to use only YouTube Kids, where content is pre-curated.

2. Instagram: Teen Safety and Less Content
Make your child's account private. Then, go to Settings and Content Preferences. Here, set Sensitive Content to Less. Its Hidden Words feature can also block abusive language.

3. Control AI Tools
Instead of allowing tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to be used directly, connect them to your family account through parental controls. This will allow you to monitor what questions your child is asking the AI.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.