Kidslox is a parental control app designed to give families the tools they need to set boundaries, monitor device usage and stay informed—without taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Some families prefer strict limits, others take a more relaxed stance—and Kidslox is built to support both. As a bonus for our readers, Kidslox is offering a special 20% discount for Kinzoo families.
We sat down with longtime team member Tim Phipps to talk about digital well-being, finding the balance between independence and safety, and how parents can help their kids thrive online.
{{subscribe-form}}
How do you help families balance independence with safety online?
Every child and every family is different. Usually, parents know what’s best for their own child. Kids will also let you know if they feel their privacy has been overstepped.
It’s a tricky balance—there are real risks out there, and not just “scare tactic” ones. Everyday situations, like friends sharing inappropriate content or risky group chats, can be a problem. The kind of limits that work for a younger child often shift as they grow. Ideally, by the teen years, kids are ready for more relaxed boundaries—but parents still want to stay connected and make sure their values are holding steady.
How do you define digital well-being for kids?
Digital well-being is about helping kids build a healthy relationship with technology. Screens aren’t inherently bad—it’s about how they’re used.
Take something like Minecraft: one child might use it to build with friends after homework; another might retreat into it to avoid responsibilities. Same activity, very different context. The goal isn’t just to limit screen time—it’s to support positive, intentional use that fits each family’s values and each child’s needs.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in parental controls over time?
Parental controls have come a long way. They’ve evolved from simple on-off switches to tools like location tracking, app usage insights and behavior-based rewards—all helping parents set boundaries without constant conflict.
The biggest shift came during the pandemic. Screen time skyrocketed, and even kids started noticing that endless scrolling doesn’t always feel good. That awareness made digital well-being a bigger conversation. Now, parents are looking for tools that not only restrict but also support better habits and more intentional tech use.
What red flags should parents look out for?
The biggest red flag is change—when a child starts acting out of character. They might seem more withdrawn, secretive or lose interest in things they used to love. That’s always a signal to check in.
We also hear a lot about screen addiction. Even if it’s not a clinical term, the behavior—constant scrolling, trouble unplugging, screens replacing real-life connection—is familiar. It often happens slowly, making it harder to spot. That’s why it’s important for parents to stay connected and notice subtle shifts.
What can parents do to help kids thrive online?
The biggest thing is to be present. You don’t have to be making TikToks together—but understanding the apps your child uses makes a difference.
Ask simple questions:
- “What are you watching on TikTok?”
- “Can you show me a funny one?”
- “Have you seen anything that made you uncomfortable?”
Conversations don’t need to be formal—they can happen at dinner, in the car or while hanging out. Staying engaged encourages critical thinking and helps kids navigate digital spaces with more confidence.
Do parents have misconceptions about their kids’ tech use?
One common surprise for parents: kids often try to get around parental controls. Many families start with built-in tools from Apple or Google, but once kids start pushing boundaries, they often find workarounds.
At Kidslox, we offer advanced modes that are harder to bypass—but sometimes parents are shocked when they get alerts. They think it must be a mistake. In reality, it’s usually a sign that the child is testing limits—which is normal. It’s not a failure; it’s part of parenting in the digital world.
What are some of the positive ways kids use technology?
Positive tech use often comes down to context. If screens aren’t replacing sleep, schoolwork or real-life connection, that’s a good start.
Creativity, collaboration and learning are all great signs—whether it’s building something, sharing ideas or choosing content thoughtfully. Even negative moments online can lead to valuable conversations and help kids learn how to take control of their digital lives.
{{messenger-cta}}
-01.png)
-01.png)
-01.png)
