- A survey conducted by Kinetic highlights a significant portion of consumers prioritizing cybersecurity features and parental controls when selecting tech devices for children.

- Shoppers should consider a variety of solutions when purchasing gifts this holiday season including coverage across devices, depth of protection, and customer support, among others.

As the holiday shopping season kicks off this Black Friday, shoppers nationwide are gearing up to find the latest tech gifts for children. This year, the excitement over new gadgets is coupled with a growing concern for online safety, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by Internet Service Provider, Kinetic. This survey, which involved 1,100 participants across 18 states, underscores a growing trend: consumers may be poised to prioritize cybersecurity features and parental controls when selecting tech devices for children.

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Kinetic Secure helps guard against cyber threats and inappropriate content.

  • Parental Controls: 30% of respondents have implemented some form of controls to manage a child’s internet activity.
  • Device-Free Meals: 27% of families enforce a no-device rule during meals.
  • Screen Time Limits: 21% set screen time limits.
  • Active Supervision: 20% of respondents actively supervise a child’s device usage.
  • Bedtime Restrictions: 16% restrict device usage before bedtime.

With these findings in mind, here are essential considerations for shoppers hunting for tech gifts this holiday season to ensure both safety and fun:

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure security software offers protection across all devices, from mobile phones to tablets, beyond just PCs and laptops.
  2. Depth of Protection. Look for features beyond basic antivirus, such as online banking and shopping protection, browsing protection, and parental controls.
  3. Update Frequency. Choose software that updates frequently (at least several times a day) to protect against the latest threats, as opposed to free products that may update only every one-to-two weeks.
  4. Robust Customer Support: Opt for software that offers 24/7/365 premium technical support, which can include home service repairs if needed.
  5. Integrated Solutions: Consider bundled packages that combine internet service with security software, offering ease of use and enhanced protection.

“This holiday season, as you consider high-tech gifts for your family, don’t forget to prioritize the security of your children’s online experience,” said Ben Midanek, Kinetic’s chief marketing officer. “The best tech-gifts are those which provide entertainment for your family along with peace of mind for you. With Kinetic's advanced parental controls and security features, families can get the most out of their high-tech gifts on our ultra-fast fiber network and remain confident, knowing they’ve made the informed choice to create a safer place for their families.”

Visit https://www.windstream.com/kinetic-secure-packs for more info. Also consider fiber technology that grows with new technology and purchases as it offers superior security by being resistant to interception and interference. Visit https://www.windstream.com/fiber-internet for more info.

This study includes data from two surveys conducted Jul 25-31, 2024, and Jun 28-Oct 7, 2024, of 1,100 18-60-year-old respondents across Kinetic’s 18-state footprint.

About Kinetic

Kinetic, a Windstream company, offers fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers in 18 states. The company’s quality-first approach connects customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a full suite of advanced communications services. Kinetic is one of three brands managed by Windstream. The company also offers managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises and government entities across the U.S. as well as customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream is a privately held company headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. Additional information about Kinetic is available at www.gokinetic.com or windstream.com.

Category: Kinetic

Megan Krtek, Megan.Krtek@windstream.com