Marcus Peet, Senior Director of Information Security at PT Solutions, shares his unique perspective as both a cybersecurity expert and father of three on navigating the complex world of digital parenting. His "growth with guardrails" philosophy demonstrates how parents can protect their children online while allowing them the freedom to develop necessary digital literacy skills.

• When children should get their first phone (Marcus recommends age 13, but with flexibility based on family circumstances)
• Smart alternatives like GPS watches for younger children who need location tracking
• Understanding the hidden costs of giving children smartphones, particularly the time investment
• Tools for monitoring children's devices including Bark, Family Link, and built-in parental controls
• Creating accounts properly within family ecosystems rather than standalone accounts
• The importance of establishing trust while still verifying children's activities
• Balancing protection with independence to avoid children seeking workarounds
• Navigating platforms like Roblox safely through supervision rather than prohibition
• Recognizing generational communication differences (like how a thumbs-up emoji can be perceived as passive-aggressive)
• Practical strategies for verifying online friends' real-world identities

Remember, the phone is a privilege, not a right. Be transparent about monitoring with your children while still giving them space to make small mistakes and learn from them.

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