04.17.2025 Brittani Yeager
Estimated Reading Time: 7 Minutes
In today’s digitally-centric world, it’s easy to see the benefits of identity protection for adults. However, children are big users of the internet. According to Pew Research, the vast majority of teens have access to digital devices at home, such as:
- Smartphones (95%)
- Desktop or laptop computers (88%)
- Gaming consoles (83%)
- Tablet computer (70%)
Further research reveals that nearly all U.S. teens say they use the Internet every day (96%). And the share of teens who report being online “almost constantly” has roughly doubled since 2014-2015 (24% vs 46%).
So how can your customers help their children set healthy boundaries between themselves and the World Wide Web?
Let’s explore how implementing parental controls and setting time limits on mobile apps and internet usage can help.
Children on the Internet: The Risks
The Internet offers many conveniences. However, it can also be a playground for malicious content, cyberbullying, and bad actors seeking to prey on unsuspecting individuals for identity theft and fraud — which isn’t limited to adults. In fact, one in eight U.S. children has had their identity compromised in a data breach in the past six years, according to Javelin Strategy & Research.
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children may be exposed to a plethora of risks online and inappropriate content, including:
- Violence and risk-taking behavior
- Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior
- Sexual content
- Negative stereotypes
- Substance abuse
- Cyberbullies and predators
- Advertising aimed at children
- Misleading or inaccurate information
As adults, we know many of the risks associated with internet use and the importance of limiting screen time. So, what happens when children have unrestricted access to the internet and devices connected to it?
We’ve outlined additional details below that you can share with your customers to help them understand the benefits of using a tool like Parental Controls via Iris’ Personal Web Defense privacy solution. Keep reading to learn more.
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
Minors who have unrestricted access to device screens typically exhibit other learning and behavioral issues, including:
- Sleep Issues
- Lower grades in school
- Reading fewer books
- Reduced time with family and friends
- Not enough outdoor or physical activity
- Weight issues
- Mood problems
- Low self-esteem and body image issues
- Fear of missing out
- Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun
With children having access to smartphones – sometimes even getting their own personal device instead of using the family phone or computer – while also having access to TVs, video games, and other technology at home, it’s no surprise that today’s minors get more screen time than previous generations.
How much time are they spending online?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the average daily hours by age group:
- 8-10 years old: Six hours
- 11-14 years old: Nine hours
- 15-18 years old: Seven and ½ hours
These estimates do not account for the screen time used for their schoolwork.
Recommended Screen Time by Age
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents apply the following guidance for their children:
- Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends
- 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling
- 5-17 years old: Generally, no more than two hours per day, except for homework
Limiting screen time can be challenging. As children develop, parents should remember that a one-size-fits-all approach may not always be effective. They need to assess their own comfort levels regarding their children’s screen time and what is appropriate.
What Can Parents Do to Limit Screen Time?
With so many children accessing the internet, it is essential for parents (your customers) to actively monitor their children’s use of internet-connected devices, set restrictions on certain websites and social media platforms, and regularly talk with their children about the potential risks associated with the internet and IoT devices.
There are also tools to help parents set healthy boundaries for their children.
Software with parental controls allows parents to establish digital rules on their children’s devices. These rules can be defined collaboratively as a family. When setting these rules, remind your customers to consider:
- When will the child have time away from media? This can include school hours, bedtime, family meals, and more.
- Are devices permitted before finishing homework, chores, or extracurricular activities?
- How many hours a day are allowed online versus going outside to play?
- Will screen time be adjusted as they grow older or excel in specific activities (e.g., good grades, proactive help around the house, etc.)?
Encourage your customers to keep an open dialogue about online habits, ensuring that screen time and media use stay under control.
Household Data Protection Complete with Parental Controls from Iris®
With Personal Web Defense from Iris® Powered by Generali, you can offer your customers Household Data Protection complete with Parental Controls, Anti-virus and Firewall, and Secure Browsing.
Iris’ Parental Controls enables your customers to block inappropriate online content, monitor daily screen time, and establish digital boundaries. Additionally, Iris’ digital privacy solution allows customers to manage parental controls remotely and offers a range of other features, including:
- Install on children’s devices with an adjusted interface for minor users
- Block web content by category, including social media sites
- Restrict total daily screen time and set usable hours
- Provide VPN status in-app
Personal Web Defense from Iris combines security and privacy in a single app you can integrate with your existing offering. With it, your customers can install enhanced protection on their desktop or mobile device, delivering protection for all household members – adults and children – in a few simple steps.
Iris offers a library of identity protection solutions that perfectly complement your new privacy tool. Choose from over a dozen complementary and high-quality solutions like dark web monitoring, award-winning fraud resolution, scam analysis assistance, and others to deliver alongside your Personal Web Defense offering. With the Iris Platform, you choose what you want your identity and data privacy program to include and how you want to offer it to your customers.
Contact us today to start building your perfect data protection experience fit for your customers and their families.
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