Skype is doubtlessly a fantastic app for kids to socialize with their friends, and connect with family, and teachers.
However, it also has some negative traits when it comes to kids’ online safety.
It’s essential that parents take some time to familiarize themselves with the Skype Parental Control feature and how to protect their children by implementing it.
In this article, we have outlined the steps to set up Parental Control on Skype and we recommend you go through it all to ensure your kids are safe while using Skype.
How to Set Up Skype Parental Control?
Parental Control is a super useful tool that protects kids from online damage.
It allows parents to monitor all the online activities of their child and control with whom they can communicate and with whom they can’t.
Here are several methods to establish parental control on the Skype app.
Disable Profile Visibility
Your kids surely have added their profile picture and bio, including personal information, to their Skype account, which can be visible to all active users.
This may lead to identity theft and many other potential threats to your kids, so it’s better to hide this information.
All you need to do is:
- On your kids’ Skype Account, click on Profile Picture or icon at the top left corner.
- Next, go to Settings and tap on Account & Profile.
- Under this section, select the option Profile picture and set the given pointer to Contacts only.
Select who can Find Your Kids on Skype
Your kids’ Skype account can pop up on the suggested list of random users and they may try to contact your kids.
To turn off this management:
- Tap on the Profile Picture present at the top left corner.
- Scroll down and tap on Settings.
- Then, tap on the option Account & Profile.
- Lastly, tap on Your Profile.
- Under the Profile Settings section, uncheck the box next to Appear in search results and suggestions.
Delete Contacts From Your Profile Visibility List
Skype Parental Control also has a feature that allows you to remove a specific contact from the profile visibility list.
Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings, and click on the option Contacts.
- Next, click on Privacy.
- And then, click on the View List.
- Choose the contact you want to remove, then click Delete Contact.
Manage Call Settings
You can make changes in Skype call settings to not let any unknown individual make a direct call to your child’s account.
You can do it in this way:
- Go to Settings, and then to Privacy.
- Scroll down to the section Calling and turn on the toggle next to “Only allow Skype calls from contacts to ring on this device.”
Block and Report Annoying Users
Blocking specific individuals will prevent them from contacting your kids in any way.
Also, they wouldn’t be able to see their personal profile and information.
To block someone:
- Click and hold on to the contact you want to block or report.
- Click on the option View Profile.
- Now, scroll down a bit and tap Block.
What Additional You Can Do to Make Skype Safe for Kids?
There’s no doubt that Skype Parental Control is an effective measure you can take to protect your kids from potential online harm.
However, there are also many other excellent tips you can utilize to keep your little ones safe on the platform Skype such as:
- Have an Open Conversation: Establishing an open conversation means creating a safe and judgmental-free space for your kids to let them share their online experience without fearing being punished and feeling ashamed.
This trick can be a little hesitant in the beginning, but the more you become a part of it, the more honest your communication will be.
- Educate them on Online Safety: Placing Parental Control is not enough to keep your kids safe online. What you can do is educate them on Online safety.
It’s vital to make them aware of the potential harm and scams they can encounter while using the app Skype.
Moreover, teach them the strategies and techniques they can implement to protect themselves from unexpected online damage.
- Teach them About Responsible Online Behavior: While your kids are using Skype, sit with them and teach them the appropriate online behavior.
It may include not sharing any inappropriate content and not even getting engaged in inappropriate conversation.
Moreover, make them believe that they can directly come to you if they encounter any trouble while using Skype.
Teaching these concepts may help kids to know how to better protect themselves in online interactions with others.
Wrapping Up
You can’t restrict your kids from socializing, as it’s an essential part of their mental development and growth.
But what you can do is place restrictions and limits on their screen time usage with Skype.
Also, by following additional precautions, you can create well-built security for your kids on Skype.
