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Next to clothes, gift cards and retro toys, one item is on the rise on wish lists.
About 62% of US children ages 10 to 17 have asked for electronics or tech items, such as smartphones and smartwatches, this holiday season, according to a recent survey from the Entertainment Software Association.
With 71% of parents in the U.S. expected, according to a Statista report, to spend more than $50 on holiday gifts per child this year, many kids have probably received what they asked for.
Personal tech devices from Apple are among the most used in the U.S., so if your child is receiving an iPhone this winter or you just want to review, here is what experts recommend parents do when it comes to children and smartphones and the parental settings that are available.
Set it, but don't forget it
When it comes to smartphones and parental settings, don't assume that once options are set, they don't need to be checked regularly, said Ron Kerbs, CEO of cybersecurity company Kidas.
"Don't just assume that it's bulletproof childproof because the tech companies told you," Kerbs said. "It's rarely the case. You do have to set up the parent controls and the limitations with them and show your kids what is expected and what is not expected."
Technology is always evolving, and features change just as quickly, and expectations for how a child reacts or responds to those changes may need to be reevaluated.
For example, younger smartphone users may need to learn how to maintain good boundaries with their device usage and its apps.
"I think the biggest issue with tech is that we basically removed all of the boundaries," Kerbs said."It's always available. You're never bored. Especially when young kids get their devices, and they're not exploring other things because the easiest distraction is taking something out of your pocket and looking at it."
Talk it out
Setting parental controls shouldn't happen in a vacuum. Instead, parents should make it an opportunity to have conversations with their child, reviewing the settings and seeing how it all works together.
It's one of the first pieces of advice he gives to parents about digital devices, Kerbs said. "You can do all of the research in the world, but once you get the tech device, play with your kid."
Kerbs suggests parents and their children discuss risks, what's allowed and what isn't, with whom (and how) children can communicate and rules for using the device.
Some specific settings to check out first on Apple devices