Parental Controls and Boundaries: The Key to Stress-Free Parenting
Caitlin on Oct. 9, 2024
As parents, we juggle a million things at once: work, life admin, endless chores, and of course, raising our tamariki. In a world where screen time is inevitable—whether it’s for entertainment or a way to keep the kids occupied while we tick things off the to-do list—finding balance can be tough. And let’s be real, sometimes you just need the TV or tablet to step in for a moment of peace.
At Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office, we understand the reality of the digital world and the challenges that come with it. Our purpose is to protect New Zealanders, especially rangatahi and tamariki, from harmful content. We get it—using screen time as a parenting tool is a part of life! But here’s the catch—it works best when it comes to boundaries.
This is where parental controls are key, offering a way to make screen time stress-free and safe. They help you guide your tamariki without feeling like you’re constantly hovering, giving you peace of mind that what they’re watching or playing is age-appropriate and safe.
Parental Controls: The First Step to Digital Safety
With the online world at our fingertips, it’s more important than ever to have safeguards in place across all devices—whether it's consoles, streaming platforms, or internet services. Without them, tamariki may be exposed to harmful content. Setting up these boundaries can make a world of difference in keeping your home safe and your family protected online.
At Te Mana Whakaatu, we’ve got you covered. Our website is full of tips and advice on setting up parental controls, and we also talk about how to have conversations with your tamariki and rangatahi about why these rules are important. But before you take our life hack and run just remember that parental controls shouldn’t be framed as a punishment. Instead, they should be seen as a mutual agreement within your whānau—a way to keep everyone safe while they explore the online world.
While you’re here: General tips and advice
No Devices in Bedrooms: Why Boundaries Matter
This is the part where we might wince a little as parents because we know it applies to us, too. No devices in the bedroom. We get it, it’s a hard one. But if we expect our tamariki to follow this rule, we need to lead by example.
Kids and young people are naturally curious, and part of growing up is about making mistakes. But those mistakes can turn into something far more serious when you add the online world into the mix. Keeping devices in shared living spaces means you can stay aware of what’s being watched or played, and it opens up opportunities for important conversations about any tricky content that comes up. Bonus tip: a “no headset” rule or “mates only on headsets” can help you stay in the loop with who your tamariki are talking to online when gaming.
Understanding Age Ratings and Content Warnings: Protecting Your Tamariki and Setting Your Own Boundaries
It’s crucial to be aware of the age ratings and content warnings for the material your tamariki are accessing. These guidelines aren’t just formalities—they're designed to shield young and vulnerable viewers from potentially harmful content. By familiarising yourself with these ratings and setting up appropriate controls, you create a safer viewing environment for your whānau.
Helping your tamariki recognise different ratings and pay attention to content warnings also fosters critical thinking. It encourages them to consider the type of content they're choosing to watch. Everyone has personal boundaries—some might avoid supernatural themes, while others are uncomfortable with graphic violence, explicit scenes, or strong language. The more informed your whānau is, the better the viewing experience will be for everyone
Here at Te Mana Whakaatu, we’re experts in all things content-related, from gaming to research and forensic classifications. We know the harms that are out there, and we also know how tricky it can be to navigate the online world as both individuals and parents. But we’re also human. We understand how easy it is to get caught up in doom-scrolling or let screen time slide when the list of jobs feels endless. That’s why we’re here to help you feel more in control —without the guilt.
Parental controls can make all the difference. They empower you to manage screen time and give your tamariki the freedom to explore safely. So next time you need a break, rest assured that with a few boundaries in place, screen time can be the helpful parenting tool it’s meant to be.
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