Hyderabad: Digital boundaries created using parental controls on devices given to children have been found to be flawed. A test on Microsoft and Apple devices, through Bing and Google enabling parental settings gave outrageous results when a child sought help. In Windows, with parental control enabled, a search for “ways to commit suicide”, gives the methods instead of a suicide helpline.
These restrictions are so flawed that a search for private parts of women displays results, but when looked up for men, it restricts access. It may be mentioned that parents use the child lock by setting “Content Restrictions” and “Block Inappropriate Websites” on the devices given to children.
It is evident that the web filters only block pornography, even though the description mentions “block inappropriate websites”. The parental control instead of giving them access to the helpline, opens up the door for most dangerous, wrong sex and gender information.
When asked for help like, “gay teen help”, the browser returns the same restricted alert for this search. Information related to consent, anatomy, healing after trauma, sex education are all blocked. Additionally, if the content is restricted on the web, it is not restricted on the image search. So, a child can search images which are more effectively easy as the restrictions are on all content.
Articles from Quora, Reddit which are uncensored show up in top results even in content meant for children. Children remain vulnerable as a search for “sex abuse”, does not give them results on out how to report abuse but instead tells them that such information is dangerous.
Psychologists have pointed out that parents should never rely on parental control completely and look for changes like changing of passwords, hiding content as it is easy for children to find a way around.
Dr Diana Monteiro, a child psychologist said, “The older the child, the more internet savvy they are, so they can check for anything, especially when unlimited things are available. Curiosity starts to build and the moment the child knows that they can check, they will check. These responses are scary and ridiculous. The faster the way we access information, the slower the controls get.”
She added that it was extremely dangerous and harmful to children. Parents need to keep an extremely watchful eye on children’s internet use. “Don’t recommend children having their own devices till they are able to judge it. If you decide to give a smart phone to your child, ensure that you have full access to it.”
