If you’re like me, you put a lot of thought into what your kids watch, play, and interact with. You probably have some level of control over the devices they use—whether it’s setting up parental controls, curating kid-safe apps, or just making sure they aren’t scrolling through heated Facebook debates or weird YouTube videos. But there’s one area you might not have considered: your babysitter’s phone.
We ran into this issue when we noticed our kids were getting way too good at navigating tech—specifically, in ways we hadn’t taught them. It didn’t take long to realize they were learning from their babysitters. That meant they weren’t just looking at emoji buttons; they were seeing menus, notifications, and who knows what else. Later, we found out that some babysitters were even taking FaceTime calls while watching our kids—meaning other people, people we didn’t authorize, suddenly had a visual and auditory window into our home and our children. Thankfully, we knew those people, but it still made us uncomfortable.
That led to some awkward but necessary conversations. And if you’re in the same boat, I want to share what we learned—both about why this is an issue and how to talk about it with your babysitter in a way that’s honest, respectful, and actually helpful.
5 Things Your Kids Might See on a Babysitter’s Phone That Aren’t Age-Appropriate
Even if your babysitter is an amazing, trustworthy person, their phone isn’t set up for kids the way yours might be. Here are just a few things your child could stumble across:
1. Private Texts That Aren’t Meant for Kids
A sweet or flirty message from a spouse? Totally fine for an adult. But for a child, it can be confusing or even embarrassing. And that’s just the innocent stuff—what if the messages are heated, dramatic, or too personal? Kids are sponges, and they absorb more than we think.
2. Unfiltered Social Media Content
Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook might seem harmless, but social media is packed with mature themes, arguments, and content that can range from mildly inappropriate to outright disturbing. Even if your babysitter isn’t intentionally showing your child anything bad, a random video or post can pop up in seconds.
3. Heated Political Debates & Toxic Comments
It doesn’t take much for an online discussion to turn into a full-on shouting match. While political and social issues are important, the internet doesn’t exactly model healthy, respectful debate. Kids exposed to that kind of hostility too early might struggle to process it or, worse, start mimicking that negativity.
4. Inappropriate Ads or Pop-Ups
Many websites and apps run ads, and even if your babysitter is just checking something simple like a news article or a recipe, all kinds of unexpected content can show up. Some ads push clickbait junk, others may have suggestive content, and many are designed to grab attention in ways that aren’t great for little eyes.
5. Video Calls with Unapproved People
We were genuinely surprised when we found out our kids were being seen and heard by people we didn’t even know were on the other end of a FaceTime call. While our babysitters weren’t doing anything wrong, the reality is that no one should have access to our kids without our say-so.
How to Talk to Your Babysitter About It
If this is something you haven’t thought about before, don’t worry—you’re not alone. And if the idea of bringing it up with your babysitter feels awkward, I get it. But setting clear expectations now can prevent bigger issues later.
Here are four things that can help you navigate the conversation:
1. Make It About the Child, Not the Babysitter
This isn’t about accusing them of doing anything wrong; it’s about making sure your child has an age-appropriate environment. Start by saying something like:
“We really appreciate how great you are with the kids! One thing we’ve been thinking about is how much kids absorb from the screens around them, even when they’re just watching. So we’d love to make sure they aren’t using your phone or seeing things that aren’t meant for them.”
2. Be Clear About Expectations
Set specific guidelines, such as:
• No FaceTime or video calls while babysitting.
• No social media scrolling around the kids.
• No letting the kids handle their phone, even just to look at pictures or play around with emojis.
Making expectations clear upfront prevents misunderstandings later.
3. Offer Alternatives
If your child usually reaches for a phone when they’re bored, provide other options. Maybe leave out a favorite book, puzzle, or a designated “kid-safe” device with pre-approved content. This helps your babysitter keep your child engaged without relying on their phone.
4. Keep the Door Open for Questions
Let your babysitter know they can ask questions or bring up any concerns. You’re not trying to micromanage them—you just want to make sure your home and your child’s experience remain in line with your values.
Final Thoughts
Technology is a huge part of our world, and kids will inevitably learn from the people around them. But as parents, we have the right—and the responsibility—to set boundaries that keep our children safe.
Having this conversation doesn’t mean you don’t trust your babysitter. It just means you’re being intentional about what your child is exposed to. And in the long run, that’s something both you and your babysitter can appreciate.
Recommended Further Reading:
• Screen Time Guidelines for Kids – What Experts Say
• How Social Media Affects Kids’ Mental Health
• Tips for Setting Digital Boundaries in Your Home
And that’s it—just a simple, honest conversation that keeps your child’s best interests at heart. Have you ever run into this issue before? How did you handle it? Let me know in the comments!
TechWise Believer 