Our Digital Responsibility as Parents

In Puerto Rico—and across the world—we now raise children in an age where the Internet is everywhere. But just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s safe.
The Internet is NOT made for children. It’s a wild field filled with beauty, but also with garbage, violence, extreme sexuality, and content a young child is not ready to handle.

“A child’s mind is like fertile soil. Whatever you plant now will either bloom—or rot—later.”

🛡️ Why do we need to protect kids from the Internet?

• Children’s developing brains can’t tell the difference between fantasy and reality like adults can.
• Violent or sexual content can cause trauma, anxiety, identity confusion, or even early addiction.
• Algorithms have no compassion. Their only goal is to keep your child watching.
• Modern porn is not educational or harmless. It’s often grotesque, violent, and degrading.

⚙️ How to keep your child safe on Windows 11 or macOS

Step 1: Create a child account with parental controls

On Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Add a family member > Child.
3. Use Microsoft Family Safety to filter content, block apps, and set screen time limits.

On macOS:

1. Go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy.
2. Create a child account or use Family Sharing.
3. Set:
   • App limits
   • Explicit content filters
   • Browsing restrictions

Step 2: Check browsing history

• Use Chrome/Safari/Edge to manually check history.
• Consider apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Bark for detailed monitoring.

🚨 What if I find out my child watched porn?

Stay calm. Guilt doesn’t help—love does.

For children under 6:

• Do not scold. They may not understand what they saw.
• Say something like:

  Those images aren’t for kids. If you ever see something that confuses or scares you, come tell me.

For children ages 6–12:

• Ask gently:

  “How did it feel to see that?"
  "Did someone show it to you, or did it pop up by accident?”

• Explain:

  “What you saw doesn’t show real love. Our hearts and bodies deserve kindness and respect.”

If the content was violent or humiliating:

• Seek professional help if needed.
• Reaffirm safety and connection daily.

💬 How to talk about hard topics without fear

• Use stories, analogies, and symbolic play.
• Teach them to say “no” and trust their instincts.
• Avoid moralizing. Teach boundaries, not shame.

📚 Recommended Reading for Conscious Parenting

• “No-Drama Discipline” – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
• “The Whole-Brain Child” – Daniel J. Siegel
• “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” – Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
• “Glow Kids” – Nicholas Kardaras
• “For Your Own Good” – Alice Miller

📖 Glossary

• Algorithm: A program that decides what videos or content your child sees.
• Parental controls: Tools that help filter content and set limits.
• Explicit content: Sexual, violent, or hateful content.
• Digital addiction: A compulsive need to stay online to feel pleasure or avoid discomfort.
• Overstimulation: When the brain receives too many stimuli and can’t properly rest.

🔗 Useful Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 138(5). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591
• Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The Whole-Brain Child. Bantam.
• Kardaras, N. (2016). Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids. St. Martin’s Press.
• Common Sense Media. (2025). Family Guides and Reviews. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
• Qustodio. (2025). Parental Control Tools for All Devices. https://www.qustodio.com/

🌱 Final Thought: Protect Now, Educate Always

What we teach a child in the early years is stronger than any algorithm.
More than securing a device, we’re protecting a soul in formation.

Do it with love. Do it with presence.
Because there is no app more powerful than a conscious parent.