I think the most necessary step is for parents to use a very effective word and that word is NO! Must start early, not when kids are pre- teens.
NO:
Phone until high school, and only if trust is firmly evident
Computer in bedrooms, only in open area
Watching objectionable TV programs
Objectionable books
Teachers pushing objectionable behaviors and lifestyles
Car until proven responsibility, good school reports and have a job to buy own gas, and provide simple maintenance
Leaving the house inappropriately dressed
Disregarding curfew
TRUST IS EARNED FIRST

Yes! there are several programs but 99% can't track activity on snapchat which is what all kids use.
there are several i can't remember but there is secure teen, but there are others. I can't remember them but I've used them for my children

Not trying to be A prick, but as a parent of a 12 year old boy & 6 yo girl, I talk to them enough to know the basics of why they can’t get on this 💩. I don’t GAF what others think & I teach that to my kids. There is no App that can replace a parent. Again…..trying not to be a prick, but be a better parent is my advice.

I think if my kids were young in the days that we are living in I would only allow them to use the computer for school work and it would be in an area that is not in their room. I wouldn't allow computers in their rooms. I probably wouldn't be a fun mom right now but I would get them involved in other things . . . reading, gardening, puzzles, art, hobbies.

As someone who conduct investigations we reach out to forensic cyber specialists, there will be some in your area, they are usually part of larger investigation units outside law enforcement. This would be if there was a serious concern for the youth or child. You an also reach out to the local cyber crimes teams, they usually have some good info for parents. As a parent my kids had to sign a contract for use of their cell phone, this included the need for us to have passwords and approve any apps before they were installed. Of course we had a privacy and respect claise, that we would not sneak onto their device to spy on them or track them. This really helped up be open, they asked questions and when something went wrong for them or their friends they knew they can come to us first. This was very important and helped catch a guy for international cyber crimes who was targeting a friend. Good Luck. It is not easy going these days

My parents were using Net Nanny for me back in 96, but I don't think that is around anymore.

Once the cat is out of the bag it may be too late.

But it is of the utmost importance to curb all media for as long as possible.

This is about your child's brain development.

Once media is introduced, it is not meant to be a baby sitter.

It has to be as heavily controlled as possible for as long as possible.

For as long as possible they should not consume unsupervised.

Educational is a euphemism for reduced guilt. There is almost nothing educational out there. By that logic rocks and sand are educational.

Watch with your children. Teach them what they are watching. Teach them the "tricks" of media so they don't fall prey to them.

Ok tech people! This sounds like a great idea for a business

Back in olden times we called these protectors........ parents.

I am a girl scout leader and some of the stuff i hear them talking about watching on social media is scary. They have definitely gotten to a large portion of our youth, not mine, but i am VERY diligent on what they have access to. The technology you are speaking about would be awesome, because unfortunately a lot of parents are just not paying attention to what their children are being exposed to. One girl called me a birthing person the other day in front of her mom and she was appalled and wanted to know where she learned that from. So sad.

I have my kids 50%,so i cant monitor 100% but i am when its my watch

Why not keep them busy with sports, camps that teach about nature and "homeschooling" learning trades & skills. Cooking and sewing are life long skills and playing team sports are a great way to learn to cooperate and work together as a whole (team).

The online stuff if exactly what the ds wants, giving your children to their control and addiction. Unless the children can explain to you convincingly why the online interaction is useful they may not need it. Community centers have lots of activities.

Just try something with humans where they can interact and hopefully be outside in nature.

Nana is not aware of anything like that but it sounds like it might be a good thing to look into doing for someone with the computer skills to design apps.

Much love for bringing it up!
We all worry about what our children are looking at and to me making them the only child in their world that doesnt have a phone or computer is damaging to them in other mental ways, imho. (I do realize many would disagree with that statement)

However, I have a 12 yr old that has an extremely high IQ that is grounded a lot.
Since she was small I would say well why do you do things that you know already that the punishment is coming?

She would say, well I just weigh what I know the punishment will be against what I want to do and sometimes the doing of it is worth the month without the phone.😁

So having a way to block would be great while still being able to allow the internet time that is beneficial.

Dont let them go on social media. Take away those phones. Predators are everywhere. Or to say as a clever anon here posted: give them a fishing rod or a football, so much healthier.