Most parents don't use parental controls on children's devices, expert says

Like many children, LaRita Aubespin's 8-year-old son has a tablet.  "He just loves devices," she said. "So, when we're in the car, 'Mom, can I play on your phone"?'" Working in IT, Aubespin knows about devices. She doesn't allow her son to use his tablet without limits, and that's where she has the advantage. Local author Stephen Smith said "the overwhelming majority" of parents put no controls on their children's devices. He talks to students and parents about children's digital habits. "I don't have any problems with kids using technology," Smith said. "It's the length of time that they're using technology, certainly, what you're allowing them to access." One national group believes parents should wait until children are in eighth grade before allowing them to have smart phones. But Smith said content control is key. there are a lot of things parents can do to keep tablets safe.  Aubespin said many tablets and televisions have parental controls. She also can see what her son looks at online. "I have a weekly log that is sent to me from Microsoft, actually," Aubespin said. "It tells me what are the different sites that his profile has been hitting."