The Parental Controls Guide: How to Keep Your Child Safe Online

As a parent, keeping your child safe online is a top priority. With so many apps, games, and websites available, it can feel overwhelming to keep track of what they’re doing. That’s where parental controls come in! These tools help you manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and ensure your child has a safe online experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to setting up parental controls on various devices and platforms.

1. Why Use Parental Controls?

Parental controls help you:

• Limit screen time to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

• Filter inappropriate content to protect your child from harmful material.

• Monitor activity so you can see what apps and websites they’re using.

• Prevent unauthorized purchases to avoid unexpected charges.

  
  

Common Pain Points for Parents (and Solutions!)

1. My child spends too much time on their device.

• Solution: Set screen time limits using built-in parental controls (Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, or Microsoft Family Safety). Use Downtime to block usage during homework or bedtime.

  
  

2. My child keeps downloading apps without my permission.

• Solution: Enable purchase restrictions on the App Store, Google Play, or gaming platforms. Require parental approval before any downloads.

  
  

3. My child is exposed to inappropriate content.

• Solution: Use web filters on their device to block explicit websites. Enable Restricted Mode on YouTube and ensure they use YouTube Kids instead.

  
  

4. My child is talking to strangers online.

• Solution: Turn off direct messages in apps like Discord, Instagram, and Snapchat. Make sure they only add people they know in real life.

  
  

5. My child won’t talk to me about their online activity.

• Solution: Keep an open, non-judgmental conversation. Ask them about their favorite apps and games instead of just enforcing rules. Model good online behavior yourself.

By using these controls, you can create a safer digital environment for your child while still allowing them to explore and learn online.

2. Setting Up Parental Controls on Different Devices

Smartphones & Tablets

Apple (iPhone & iPad)

1. Open Settings and go to Screen Time.

   
   

2. Tap Turn On Screen Time and select This is My Child’s Device.

   
   

3. Set a Screen Time Passcode to prevent changes.

   
   

4. Use options like:

   • App Limits: Restrict usage of specific apps.

   • Downtime: Schedule periods when the device can’t be used.

   • Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block explicit content and control purchases.

     
     

Android (Google Family Link)

1. Download the Google Family Link app.

   
   

2. Link your child’s Google account and follow the setup instructions.

   
   

3. Use controls to:

   • Set daily screen limits.

   • Approve or block app downloads.

   • Track location and device activity.

     
     

Gaming Consoles

PlayStation

1. Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls.

   
   

2. Select Family Management and create a child account.

   
   

3. Adjust:

   • Playtime limits.

   • Spending restrictions.

   • Chat and content filters.

     
     

Xbox

1. Open the Microsoft Family Safety website.

   
   

2. Add your child’s account under Family Settings.

   
   

3. Set controls for:

   • Screen time.

   • Game and app restrictions.

   • Online communication.

     
     

Nintendo Switch

1. Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.

   
   

2. Link it to your child’s console.

   
   

3. Use the app to:

   • Limit playtime.

   • Restrict online features.

   • Block certain game content.

     
     

Computers & Browsers

Windows PC

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.

   
   

2. Add a child account and set parental controls.

   
   

3. Use Microsoft Family Safety to:

   • Limit screen time.

   • Block inappropriate websites.

   • Monitor activity reports.

     
     

Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Screen Time.

   
   

2. Enable restrictions for your child’s account.

   
   

3. Set:

   • App limits.

   • Website restrictions.

   • Downtime schedules.

     
     

3. Parental Controls for Popular Apps

YouTube

1. Open YouTube and go to Settings.

   
   

2. Enable Restricted Mode to filter inappropriate videos.

   
   

3. Use YouTube Kids for a safer experience.

   
   

Netflix

1. Open Netflix and go to Account Settings.

   
   

2. Create a Kids Profile with age-appropriate content.

   
   

3. Set a PIN lock for mature profiles.

   
   

TikTok

1. Open TikTok and go to Settings > Family Pairing.

   
   

2. Link your child’s account and manage:

   • Screen time limits.

   • Direct messaging settings.

   • Content restrictions.

     
     

Snapchat

1. Open Snapchat and go to Settings.

   
   

2. Under Privacy Controls, limit who can contact your child.

   
   

3. Enable Ghost Mode to hide location sharing.

   
   

Instagram

1. Go to Settings > Privacy.

   
   

2. Set the account to Private.

   
   

3. Disable Direct Messages from strangers.

   
   

4. Talking to Your Child About Online Safety

Parental controls are useful, but open communication is just as important. Here’s how to talk to your child about staying safe online:

• Explain why parental controls are in place – Let them know it’s about safety, not punishment.

• Encourage them to share – Create a space where they feel comfortable discussing what they see online.

• Teach them to recognize risks – Explain why they shouldn’t talk to strangers or share personal information.

• Lead by example – Show them good screen-time habits by setting your own limits.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Parental controls are a powerful tool to help keep your child safe online. By following the steps in this guide, you can set up the right protections on smartphones, gaming consoles, and apps. Remember, technology is always changing, so it’s important to stay updated and keep the conversation going with your child.