When do you actually let them browse the internet unsupervised?

Jan 13·1 min read

My 10yo is becoming more independent and wants to look up random stuff on Google. Right now I'm hovering and checking what he's searching, but that feels like it's going to get old fast. He's not seeking out bad stuff - it's mostly Pokemon facts and dinosaurs and cooking videos. At what point do you let them have some privacy/independence with browsing? What safeguards do you put in place?

6 comments54 views

Comments(6)

SSam T.RegularJan 13

I let mine start around 11 but with google safe search locked on and I check browser history casually. Not in like a creepy way, just to see what they're curious about.

GGarrettNew DadJan 13

Have you considered just setting up parental controls and seeing what happens? Might give you some peace of mind while still letting him explore.

MMarcus J.RegularJan 13

Honestly at 10 I think you're being reasonable with supervision. The internet is wild. Once they're like 13 you have to loosen up but 10 is still young enough to need guardrails.

MMarkRegularJan 14

My approach is supervised first, then gradual independence. We'll sit with him while he googles stuff for a month or two, then he can do it alone but I spot check every couple weeks.

TTrevorNew DadJan 15

10 is probably reasonable with some boundaries in place. YouTube is the bigger concern imo. The algorithm can get weird pretty quick.

JJustinRegularJan 14

The hovering approach drives them crazy but I get it. At 10 mine still wanted help finding things anyway so we just made it a casual thing we did together rather than him feeling watched.