By: Sarah Gallagher Trombley

I have a running list of tricky tricks that kids have employed to get around digital parenting rules.

This post is not the full list, but its a good place to start.

I am not sharing this list to create a panic. I am sharing to raise awareness. If parents understand more about some of the sneaking behaviors out there, they are more likely to sense trouble should it arise.

Next week’s post will be a follow up on Apple Hacks as there are several more that are specific to the Apple Universe. Today we’re starting with general smartphone and Chromebook related hacks.

Smartphone Hacks 

1. Hiding apps on a smartphone. There are actually several ways to hide apps from parents. 

• Move them off the main screen

• Stash them in a boring sounding folder

• Rename them to a boring sounding app

• Delete them after using then re-download again next time you want to use it

• Download an app hider app

PROTIP: Make it your business to know what apps your child is using.Look closely at their apps: go through folders; open apps with boring sounding names; open apps with unfamiliar names; look at app download history including deleted apps.

And, consider activating the parental control that prompts you to approve any new app downloads.

2. Going to the web version of the app(s) you don’t want them on. If you’ve successfully restricted app downloads on your child’s phone, they can still access many of them by going to the web version. 

PROTIP: Block the URLs of any apps you have banned or are actively managing access to in content restriction settings.

3. Changing the time zone on their phone to get around downtime or focus time restrictions. By going into settings and changing the phone’s time zone, a child can get around the focus or downtime settings you have set up for them. 

PROTIP: If  your child’s usage data shows you that they are using their phone at times when it's supposed to be blocked, it's possible they are doing this. 

WARNING: Please note that Apple has a persistent bug with their time controls that allows many kids to simply hit ignore and continue using their phones.  

4. Buying (and paying for) a second secret phone to access apps or the internet you have said no to. Kids have actually gone to great lengths to get access to the internet and apps this way.

PROTIP: If you suspect some funny business is happening, you can check your router's web interface and actually see what devices are using your WiFi. 

5. Storing photos in the My Eyes Only camera roll on Snapchat. My Eyes Only is a secret camera roll in Snapchat that requires a separate password. A child can store photos there without anyone else being able to access them.

PROTIP: If your child uses Snapchat, you need to know this section of the app exists and you need to know if they are using it.

School Hacks 

6. Watching YouTube or getting on browsers on school issued Chromebooks. Many parents don’t realize that Chromebooks are generally not firewalled once the device leaves school. And, if a child is on their school Chromebook logged into their school email, that means they are not logged into to their personal gmail where all the parental controls for Chrome and YouTube are. There is a good chance they have unfettered internet access in your house.

PROTIP: Either be present when your child is on their Chromebook at home or consider purchasing a 3rd party management app like the Bark app which can monitor Chromebook activity across apps and browsers

7. “Chatting,” sharing pictures or even watching movies through Google docs. Did you know you can basically text with a friend in the comment or even the in body of a random google doc? Alot of kids know this. You need to know this. 

PROTIP: 3rd party monitoring apps like the Bark app will monitor google classroom apps

8. Using a burner phones to get around the school phone policy. In schools that require children check their phones in with a teacher, advisor or administrator, some will hand over an old phone and keep their actual phone with them during the day.

PROTIP: Keep track of old devices. Make sure you don’t just leave them lying around.

A Caveat

While 3rd party management apps like Bark are a helpful for some of these hacks, they aren’t perfect. On a recent Reddit Deepdive, I discovered a thread that said “you can delete 3rd party management apps (like bark) and then re-download it. It won't alert your parents and if they find out say you have no idea and that it must have happened when you restarted your phone. “ 

My $0.02

If your child is sneaking, the most important thing to do is to talk to them about it and have clear consistent consequences. Sneaking is a trust issue more than it is a technology issue. 

More Resources

https://protectyoungeyes.com/12-ingenious-screen-time-hacks-how-to-beat-them/

Sarah Gallagher Trombley is a digital parenting expert, ex-Snapchat Executive, Wait Until 8th Advisory Board Member and mom of two. With more than 20 years working in digital media and technology, she understands how child safety decisions get made. She also is a fellow parent figuring out what to do for her own kids.

Sarah’s mission is to help parents navigate the digital world by providing insight, advice and practical tips which she does through her newsletter "Thoughts From A Digital Mom," speaking events and social accounts. Her work covers a wide range of topics including social media headlines, new technology and apps, as well as how-to support for digital house rules, parental controls, social media, group texting and more. Sarah is committed to educating parents in search of good tech solutions for all kids.

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