With the advancements in technology these days, it almost seems as if parents can be everywhere at once. Indeed, digital parenting is completely possible with monitoring systems directed toward your child's cell phone and computer usage and their online, gaming and social networking history.
As a recent uKnowKids post pointed out, you can even add location monitoring to your child's smartphone that not only lets you know where they are throughout the day, but it also could mean the difference between survival and tragedy in the event of an abduction.
Certainly, the willingness to take proactive measures to protect your children doesn't make you a panicked and frightened person – it makes you a good parent. And although you don't want to dwell on the possibility of someone kidnapping your child, one of the toughest parts of the gig is addressing unthinkable events before they happen so that you are prepared if they ever do occur. That's why you teach your children about the dangers of strangers – not to instill a fear of those they don't know, but to equip them to function in the real world.
Which leads us to our discussion today -- that developing an awareness of one's environment is a key skill that you as a parent are charged with imparting to your kids. And unfortunately, that doesn't end the minute they walk through the front door of your home – especially when you are not there with them.
Teaching your children the ins and outs of home security is a crucial lesson they need to know to be able to take care of themselves when you are not physically present, such as when older kids return home from school and are alone until you get off work or when you and your spouse need a date night but the kids are too old for a babysitter.
You know your children the best, so use your judgment in deciding how much and when to share some of the following information. With that, let's look at some ways you can incorporate a bit of digital/remote parenting into your home security systems.
Alarm Systems
There are many DIY wireless home security systems that you can install and monitor yourself. One example for under $100 is from Mace and includes the following features:
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A 105 decibel alarm which sounds upon activation
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One door/window sensor with the ability to accommodate 14 additional wireless accessories
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The capacity to call up to 5 numbers – you can program in your cell number and receive a notification alert when the alarm is triggered
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A remote control with a panic button feature which you can have your kids keep next to them when they are listening to their music through headphones or on the computer (both of which you are monitoring, right?!)
If you would rather have an outside company monitor your home security system, consider this next life-saving option.
Create a Duress Code
One of the most important features of a monitored security system is relatively unknown and far too infrequently discussed: a duress code. In essence, a duress code alerts your security monitoring system that the alarm is being disabled against your will or "under duress."
Who is alerted depends on who is connected to receive alerts from your system: it could be an external monitoring company, the police, or even your own smartphone.
The beauty of the duress code is that is indistinguishable to an intruder that you have just tipped someone off. It appears that the alarm has been deactivated, the beeping stops and the system seems to reset. However, unbeknownst to the invader, a silent SOS has been sent and hopefully, help will arrive before they have left the premises so they can be brought to justice.
Choose a code that your kids will remember – perhaps one that reverses the last 2 numbers of their normal code. Then, tell them the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and drive home the point that it is only to be used in a real emergency!
General Home Safety Tips
In addition to the tech tips above, there are simple and basic things every kid should know about coming home alone. Again, this isn't to make your kid a poor paranoid mess, it's to help her become more aware of her surroundings and prevent problems before it's too late. Tell your children:
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Always close the garage door – many times doors leading from the home to the garage are unlocked...and intruders know that.
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Keep windows and doors locked at all times. Even if they are just outside in the yard in broad daylight and the door is unlocked, it should be closed and not left ajar. After all, a top of the line security/alarm system is only as effective as its operators allow it to be!
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If a door is open or something seems "off" when they arrive home in the afternoon or at night when they are alone, leave and go to a neighbor's or follow some other pre-established contingency.
What are some other digital/remote parenting tips you have for maximizing your child's safety when you are not physically present?
Looking for a way to keep your family safe and responsible at home? Read our eBook for rules and tips: “15 Digital Safety Rules Every Household Should Follow.”
-Article Contributed by Jay Harris
Jay Harris is a Home Depot "on the floor" sales associate and a regular contributor to Home Depot's website. He likes to write about the latest in home security. To see a selection security cameras and alarm systems, visit homedepot.com.
