Security Tools for Keeping Your Child Safe: A Parent’s Guide to Peace of Mind
Every 40 seconds in the U.S., a child goes missing. While not all of these incidents are abductions, this number is enough to make any parent pause. Whether your child is napping in the nursery, walking to school, or playing in the backyard, their safety is your top priority.
This article will provide expert advice for families seeking to keep their children safe.
At BrickHouse Security, we understand the challenges parents and families face. As a father and CEO, I’ve made it our mission to provide reliable, easy-to-use safety solutions and trusted advice that help protect children at every stage of life. From baby monitors to GPS trackers, here’s what you need to know—and how to choose the best security tools for your family.
Why Today’s Parents Need Modern Child Safety Tools
- Over 9 million children visit emergency rooms each year due to preventable injuries (CDC).
- Children under 5 are at the highest risk of injury at home.
- As digital and physical risks increase, parents need tools that offer both visibility and control.
Having the right security technology in place doesn’t just reduce risk—it brings peace of mind.
Educators also play a key role in teaching children about safety and responsible technology use.
At-a-Glance: Top Child Safety Solutions
Tool |
Purpose |
Best For |
---|---|---|
Video Baby Monitors |
Visual and audio monitoring |
Infants and toddlers |
Childproofing Products |
Prevent access to hazards |
Homes with crawling babies |
Hidden Nanny Cameras |
Monitor caregivers |
Working parents |
Pool & Door Alarms |
Alert for unsupervised access |
Homes with pools or young children |
GPS Trackers for Kids |
Real-time location tracking |
School-aged children |
The Most Effective Child Safety Tools for Every Stage
Here’s a breakdown of the top child safety tools we recommend, based on age, environment, and use case.
1. Smart Video Baby Monitors
Today’s baby monitors offer more than just audio. The best options include:
- HD video with night vision
- Two-way audio for real-time communication
- Temperature sensors to ensure a comfortable sleep environment
- Wi-Fi and mobile app access for remote viewing
These monitors are ideal for multitasking parents who want to stay connected without hovering. Some models also integrate with smart home systems, providing additional convenience and control.
2. Childproofing Essentials
Effective childproofing is all about anticipating hazards. Focus on these key areas:
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Electrical outlets and cords
- Sharp corners and unstable furniture
- Doors to pools, garages, and staircases
BrickHouse Security offers a variety of practical solutions, from magnetic cabinet locks to pool door alarms, designed for easy installation and lasting protection.
3. Hidden Nanny Cameras
Nanny cams allow you to monitor your child’s care when you're not home, providing an added layer of reassurance. Whether you're working with a family member or a professional caregiver, discreet cameras offer:
- Live or recorded video monitoring
- Remote access from mobile devices
- Motion detection and alert features
Choose models hidden in everyday objects like clocks, smoke detectors, or USB chargers to blend seamlessly into your home environment.
Legal note: In most U.S. states, it is legal to record video in your home without notifying the caregiver. Always check your local laws before installing.
4. Alarms and Sensors
Children are naturally curious—and that curiosity can lead them into dangerous situations quickly. Alarms and sensors can help prevent accidents and unauthorized access, especially around:
- Pools and spas
- Windows and sliding doors
- Medicine cabinets or garages
For example, a pool alarm can alert you the moment someone enters the water, triggering both an outdoor and indoor receiver. These few seconds can be critical in preventing tragedy.
5. GPS Tracking Devices for Children
Wearable or portable GPS trackers give parents real-time location updates and alert options. Common use cases include:
- Monitoring walks to and from school
- Receiving alerts when a child enters or exits designated safe zones
- Helping parents and children connect and communicate in real time during family travel or public outings
Key features to look for:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Geofencing with instant alerts
- SOS or panic buttons for emergencies
- Long battery life and durable design
These trackers can be worn as wristbands, clipped onto backpacks, or discreetly placed in personal items.
Setting Up Parental Controls: Your Digital First Line of Defense
Parental controls are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your child’s online experience. These powerful features allow parents to manage and monitor their child’s account, set screen time limits, and restrict access to inappropriate websites, apps, and content.
To get started, consider creating a family link or family group through your internet service providers or directly on your devices. This gives you the ability to oversee your child’s account across multiple platforms, including web browsers like Microsoft Edge, and devices such as Android phones, iPads, and Apple devices. Most modern devices and apps come with built-in parental control features that let you:
- Block or allow specific websites and apps
- Set content restrictions based on age ratings
- Limit daily screen time and schedule device downtime
- Manage app downloads and in-app purchases
- Monitor activity on platforms like YouTube, ensuring only age-appropriate videos are accessible
For example, Google’s Family Link app makes it easy to manage your child’s device usage, set boundaries, and review app activity. On Apple devices, you can use Screen Time to set limits and control access to apps and websites. Many internet service providers also offer parental control features at the network level, giving you even more control over what your child can access online.
By taking advantage of these tools, you can help ensure your child’s safety on the internet, encourage healthy digital habits, and give yourself peace of mind as your child explores new ways to learn and play online.
Social Media Safety: Guiding Your Child’s Online Interactions
Social media opens up a world of connection and creativity for kids and teens, but it also comes with unique risks. As a parent, guiding your child’s online interactions is essential for their safety and well-being.
Start by enabling parental controls on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Many of these platforms now offer parental supervision tools that allow you to monitor your child’s activity, set screen time limits, and restrict access to certain features or content. These tools can help you keep an eye on who your child is communicating with and what they’re sharing.
Beyond technical controls, it’s important to have regular conversations with your child about online safety. Teach them to:
- Never share personal information, such as their full name, address, or school
- Be cautious when accepting friend requests or messages from strangers
- Report and block any suspicious or inappropriate behavior
- Think carefully before posting photos, videos, or messages
Encourage your child to come to you with any concerns or uncomfortable experiences they encounter online. By combining parental controls with open communication and practical tips, you can help your child develop healthy online habits and a positive digital presence.
Home Network Security: Protecting Your Family’s Digital Gateway
Your home network is the gateway to all your family’s connected devices, making its security a top priority. Taking a few simple steps can help protect your family’s data and prevent unauthorized access.
Start by setting a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network and router. Enable WPA2 encryption to keep your connection secure, and activate your router’s firewall to block unwanted traffic. Many internet service providers now offer routers and modems with built-in security features, such as automatic updates and parental control options.
To further protect your family, consider:
- Setting up a guest network for visitors, keeping your main network private
- Using parental control features to block access to unsafe websites and apps across all connected devices
- Regularly updating your router’s firmware to patch security vulnerabilities
By taking these precautions, you can safeguard your family’s internet access, protect sensitive data, and ensure that your children can explore the digital world safely.
How to Teach Your Child About Safety Without Creating Fear
Technology is powerful, but it’s only one part of the solution. Teaching your child basic safety principles is just as important. Here's how to do it:
- Use age-appropriate language to explain risks and safe behaviors
- Practice safety drills, like how to respond if they get lost
- Encourage open conversations about their routines, friends, and environment
- Show them how to use tracking devices or alarms responsibly
- Simple visuals, videos, and interactive activities can help school-age children understand safety without becoming anxious or overly cautious.
Creating a Family Safety Plan: Proactive Steps for Every Household
A family safety plan is a proactive way to keep your loved ones safe online and set clear expectations for digital behavior. Start by gathering your family for an open discussion about online safety, risks, and the importance of healthy screen time habits.
Together, you can:
- Set up parental controls on all devices and accounts
- Establish screen time limits and device-free zones or times
- Agree on which websites, apps, and games are appropriate for each child
- Decide on rules for sharing personal information and communicating online
- Use location tracking and device monitoring features to stay informed about your child’s activities
Leverage resources like family safety plan templates and online safety guides to help structure your plan. Make sure everyone understands the rules and consequences, and encourage your children to ask questions or share concerns. By working as a team, you can create a supportive environment that protects your family and empowers your children to make smart choices online.
Reviewing and Updating Your Child Safety Measures
Child safety is not a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing process that evolves as your child grows and technology changes. Regularly reviewing and updating your safety measures ensures your child stays protected and develops responsible online habits.
Make it a habit to:
- Check your child’s online activity, including social media, browsing history, and app usage
- Use parental control software to monitor and adjust screen time limits as needed
- Stay informed about new online risks, apps, and features that may affect your child’s safety
- Have ongoing conversations with your child about their digital experiences and any new concerns
- Consult trusted resources, such as online safety guides and expert tips, to keep your knowledge up to date
By consistently reviewing and refining your child safety strategies, you can adapt to new challenges, reinforce healthy boundaries, and help your child navigate the digital world with confidence and security.
Stay Ahead of Safety Threats
As your child grows, so do their needs—and the potential risks. Our team constantly evaluates new technologies and updates our product line to keep pace with the evolving world of child safety.
Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates and resources for families:
- Product updates
- Family safety tips
- Real-life use cases and success stories
- Be the first to know about new safety features added to BrickHouse Security products
For parents ready to take the next step, visit our Child Safety Collection and choose the tools that work best for your family’s needs and budget.
Why Parents Trust BrickHouse Security
At BrickHouse Security, we test every product ourselves. We don’t just sell safety solutions—we use them in our own homes. That means every camera, GPS tracker, and alarm system we offer has been evaluated for reliability, ease of use, and value.
We prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our users, especially families with children, by ensuring our products meet the highest standards for protecting those who rely on them.
When you shop with BrickHouse, you get:
- Expert-curated safety tools for every age and stage
- Free support from real security specialists
- Access to our Learning Center with how-to guides, articles, and product comparisons
- A 100% satisfaction guarantee
Posted by Todd Morris on Jan 16th 2025