1. Inadequate and Intentionally Complex Parental Controls
Users widely criticize tech companies like Nintendo and Microsoft for convoluted, revenue-driven parental controls that fail to provide simple restrictions like blocking eShops or stranger chat.
"Here's what I want: an off switch. A single setting that says 'this child cannot go online, communicate with strangers, spend money, or download anything without my explicit permission.' Instead I get a maze..." - beasthacker (OP context).
"The 29 separate confusing overlapping effects is by design. A single 'local only' switch would...lock out all manner of potential future revenue..." - pwg.
2. Prioritize Active Parental Supervision and Education Over Tech
Many advocate monitoring kids' device use in shared spaces, teaching risk awareness, and gradual loosening of controls by age, dismissing over-reliance on flawed software.
"when we were raising our kids we solved this by the simple expedient that gaming and computer use was done with us as parents present. Full stop." - zaphar.
"It's the parents obligation to educate their child. It's the child's obligation to use that education wisely." - mothballed.
3. Need for Age-Appropriate Balance Without Total Bans
Debate on delaying phones/social media (e.g., no phone until 16), allowing supervised online gaming for socialization, while warning of harms like grooming or addiction.
"My daughter will not get a phone at all until she's at least 16... I don't trust parental controls to do everything for me." - jameskilton.
"no phone until 16 rule, and it was awful. Completely cut me off socially." - nicoburns.