I've noticed a lot of confusion in my conversations with adults and teens about using incognito mode. Many don't realize that, even in incognito mode, the websites they visit can still track their activity and show them ads related to what they did during that session.
If you are unfamiliar with Incognito mode, let me explain it. Apple introduced it in 2005, and soon after, all search engines adopted it. In Incognito mode, you can browse without being seen. This means that none of what you look up will get saved in your browser history, on-site cookies, or device.
Kids and teens may have many reasons for using incognito mode, such as searching for edgy, sexy, or violent content. They may have questions they are embarrassed about or want information on how to get illicit substances, like vapes and weed, anyone knowing.
Why am I writing about this old technology?
Even though it’s more than 15 years old, the technology allows youth avenues to get involved with things that could get them in trouble. Privacy is important, especially if we want kids to learn to be independent and make good choices. That is why having ongoing conversations about it with youth is important. We want the conversation about online safety to be open and flowing, not turn into a cat-and-mouse game of hide-and-seek around their online behaviors.
Discussions like these also let kids know that you know about incognito, can help dispel myths, or allow them to open up so you can answer questions about things they may otherwise want to keep to themselves.
For Safari
For Chrome
Parents can use Google Family Link, which will automatically disable Incognito Mode for kids under 13 and Supervised accounts.
Monitoring services like Bark can help you manage your child’s search history if they are using Incognito. Before you set the dogs on them, have a conversation about your expectations. Let your child know how to stay safe online and that they can come to you with any questions.
Here are some questions to get the conversation started today with your family or group:
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I've noticed a lot of confusion in my conversations with adults and teens about using incognito mode. Many don't realize that, even in incognito mode, the websites they visit can still track their activity and show them ads related to what they did during that session.
If you are unfamiliar with Incognito mode, let me explain it. Apple introduced it in 2005, and soon after, all search engines adopted it. In Incognito mode, you can browse without being seen. This means that none of what you look up will get saved in your browser history, on-site cookies, or device.
Kids and teens may have many reasons for using incognito mode, such as searching for edgy, sexy, or violent content. They may have questions they are embarrassed about or want information on how to get illicit substances, like vapes and weed, anyone knowing.
Why am I writing about this old technology?
Even though it’s more than 15 years old, the technology allows youth avenues to get involved with things that could get them in trouble. Privacy is important, especially if we want kids to learn to be independent and make good choices. That is why having ongoing conversations about it with youth is important. We want the conversation about online safety to be open and flowing, not turn into a cat-and-mouse game of hide-and-seek around their online behaviors.
Discussions like these also let kids know that you know about incognito, can help dispel myths, or allow them to open up so you can answer questions about things they may otherwise want to keep to themselves.
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