If your child unwrapped a shiny new smartphone this season, you may have a few factors to consider.
His or her new phone will present a prime opportunity to start discussions about responsibility, cyber bullying or mobile phone etiquette.
You may want to introduce your child to your smart home security application too.
Concerned your child or teen is not ready to manage smart home devices from his or her phone? That’s understandable. But, keep in mind—knowledge, communication and prevention are keys to keeping your child safe.
And, as 73% of teens already have access to a smartphone, according to the Pew Research Center, it’s likely that your child will be more than capable of utilizing the application judiciously. Kids these days are nothing short of tech-savvy.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to teach your child how to responsibly participate in your smart home security program.
3-Step Guide to Responsible Smart Home Application Use
- Familiarize your child with the application. Download the mobile application to your child’s phone, and walk through its functionalities together. Teach him or her how to correctly control smart lights, locks, thermostats and other devices throughout your home. Go through the application’s centralized offerings, and if you encounter any confusion, reach out to your local dealer for assistance.
Related Read: Teach Children How To Work Your Home Security System - Help your child understand the associated risks. Once your child knows how to use the application, ensure he or she understands managing the program comes with responsibilities (and misuse can lead to major liabilities).
Set ground rules that fit your family’s needs. Work together to establish expectations around home security and energy management. Most importantly, emphasize the importance of passwords to keep phones and associated home-access capabilities private. - Praise your child for smart use. Accepting new responsibilities can be an empowering experience for a young teen. Acknowledge when your son or daughter adheres to the guidelines you created. Some examples may include rewarding your child when he or she steps up to arm your alarm system or remotely turn off lights. Share cost savings associated with controlled energy use, and add a portion of your savings to his or her allowance.
Offering your child an opportunity to exhibit independence and maturity by participating in home security management can be a beneficial experience for your whole family.
How do you work with your children to keep your home secure? Share in the comments below!
Learn more about Vector Security mobile security solutions today.
