Got a new Chromebook for schoolwork and he's already trying to bypass parental controls | DadHQ

Forums Digital ParentingGot a new Chromebook for schoolwork and he's already trying to bypass parental controls

Got a new Chromebook for schoolwork and he's already trying to bypass parental controls

Dec 15·1 min read

We set up Google Family Link when he got his Chromebook last month. Kid's 11. Yesterday I noticed he'd somehow gotten around the app restrictions (not completely, but like... he got creative). We had to have a whole conversation about why we have them in place. I'm not mad at the resourcefulness tbh, but it does make me realize he's getting too old for blanket restrictions and too young for full trust. How do other dads handle this middle ground phase?

5 comments425 views

Comments(5)

PPaul W.Regularjust now

lmao he's 11 and already thinking like a hacker. That's actually kind of impressive even if it's annoying. Just don't let it escalate to him thinking he can hide other stuff later.

DDante J.New Dad19h ago

Family Link is solid but also not unbreakable if they're motivated. Might be worth having an actual conversation about trust rather than just better tech barriers. 11 is right on the edge where that starts mattering.

TTim K.Regular16h ago

What did he actually bypass though? Like did he get into actual inappropriate stuff or just override app blocks so he could use YouTube instead of Khan Academy?

DDanny R.Regularjust now

Honestly? That resourcefulness is a good sign. He's curious and problem-solving. Obviously you still need the guardrails but I wouldn't shut that down completely - just channel it better. Maybe even tell him 'nice work figuring that out, here's why we still need the controls though.'

FFrank D.Regularjust now

This is the age where they start realizing they CAN do this stuff. You're not going to lock him down enough to completely prevent workarounds - that's not the goal. The goal is teaching him WHY the limits exist and developing his judgment.