How to Use Parental Controls? A Guide for Parents

It’s important for parents to set clear rules for digital device use. Tools like Family Link from Google and settings available in the Apple ecosystem allow parents to manage screen time and monitor app activity reports effortlessly. This guide will give you useful steps to use these features, making sure your child’s time online is safe and balanced, and supports healthy internet habits. Learn how to manage your family’s online space now with a custom Assistant setup!

What are Parental Controls?

Parental controls encompass software and settings that allow parents to monitor and restrict their child’s online interactions, including screen time, manage content, and access to specific content.

Common types of parental controls include app-based solutions like Family Link and device-based settings such as Screen Time on iOS, which helps in managing account permissions.

Family Link allows parents to set time limits, check device use, control app permissions, and monitor screen time, making it a good choice for Android devices. Screen Time provides monitoring tools for Apple users, allowing parents to manage app use and set time limits.

Parents can use these tools to make online spaces safer, adjusting them to fit their child’s needs, thereby promoting positive family communication. For those interested in a comprehensive overview, this analysis by Tom’s Guide covers the best parental control apps for both Android and iPhone in 2025.

Importance of Parental Controls

Setting up parental controls can greatly improve online safety by shielding children from unsuitable content and encouraging responsible behavior online.

In fact, studies show that 72% of parents view digital safety as a top priority.

To help with this, tools like Net Nanny and Qustodio provide strong filtering features, letting parents block unsuitable websites and keep track of screen time.

A comprehensive study by Tandfonline examined whether parental control tools meet family expectations for child safety, underscoring the importance of setting limits. For instance, setting limits on social media apps can promote healthier digital habits. Including children in talks about these rules helps build responsibility and awareness as responsible citizens.

This team effort keeps kids safe and helps them learn to be knowledgeable about technology.

Types of Parental Controls

Parental controls can be divided into three main types, each focusing on different parts of a child’s online experience and safety. For instance, the setup guide for parental controls in United Community Bank provides detailed steps on ensuring financial security.

Device-Based Controls

Adding device bedtime and remote lock features can improve management of screen time.

Device-based controls, such as Google’s Family Link and Apple’s Screen Time, allow parents to set limitations directly on devices to manage app usage and screen time.

1. To implement these features effectively, start by downloading the respective apps from Google Play or the App Store.

2. For Google’s Family Link, create a Google account for your child, then adjust screen time limits and set bedtime restrictions.

3. Go to Settings in Apple’s Screen Time and turn on App Limits to set time restrictions on certain categories. This way, apps like social media are limited to a few hours each day.

4. Regularly review usage reports to adjust settings based on your child’s behavior and needs.

Network-Based Controls

Network-based controls enable parents to monitor and restrict internet access across all devices connected to a specific network, effectively utilizing SafeSearch features.

To set up network-based parental controls, start by configuring your router’s settings. Access your router’s admin panel via its IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and look for security or parental controls.

For advanced filtering, consider using OpenDNS. Create an account, set up your desired filtering level (like blocking explicit content), and update your router’s DNS settings with OpenDNS servers, as outlined by OpenDNS Home Internet Security.

This method effectively tracks online activity and manages content across all connected devices, ensuring a safer browsing experience for your children.

Application-Specific Controls

Application-specific controls focus on managing individual app usage, including restricting access to certain apps and preventing in-app purchases.

To enable parental controls, follow these steps for popular applications, ensuring to manage account settings adequately.

1. For YouTube Kids, go to Settings > Restricted Mode > On. This will filter out inappropriate content.
2. For Netflix, access your account settings, select the profile you want to restrict, and set the maturity level under Parental Controls.
3. For Roblox, enable the account restrictions by visiting the Account Settings and setting a PIN for purchases.
4. For the App Store, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to stop purchases and set age limits for apps.

Setting Up Parental Controls on Devices

By setting up parental controls on different devices, you can greatly increase your child’s online safety and control their screen time well.

Smartphones and Tablets

Download parental control apps from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store to manage account settings and stop purchases.

To set up parental controls on smartphones and tablets, use apps like Google Family Link for Android and Screen Time for iOS.

If you use Android, get the Google Family Link app. Follow the steps to set up a family group. This will let you control app permissions and screen time from afar.

On iOS, access Screen Time through the Settings app to set downtime, app limits, and content restrictions.

To find clear instructions, check online guides or watch video tutorials that explain each step, which will make setting up simpler.

Using these tools helps you properly manage and check how your children use their devices.

Computers and Laptops

Setting up parental controls on computers and laptops is important for protecting kids from unsuitable content and controlling how long they use screens.

To set up Family Safety on Windows, open Settings, click on Accounts, and go to Family & other users. This helps block inappropriate content. Add your child’s account and set up web filters under Family Safety online. You can specify which websites to block, allowing only approved content.

On macOS, open System Preferences and select Screen Time. Here, you can enable ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’ to filter web content and set time limits per app or daily screen time.

These controls help you tailor the online experience for your children, ensuring a safer environment.

Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox come with built-in parental controls to help manage gaming habits and restrict access to certain content.

To set up these controls, start by going to the system settings.

1. For PlayStation, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Parental Controls/Family Management’, where you can set content ratings based on age and restrict purchases.
2. Xbox users should head to ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’ > ‘Family Settings’, allowing you to manage screen time and multiplayer interactions.

To make gaming safer for your kids, restrict multiplayer options, prevent explicit language, and stop communication with unknown players.

Smart TVs

Parents can manage the content their children watch and set time limits on Smart TVs.

To set parental controls, go to the settings menu on your TV and apply content ratings and media limits. For Samsung TVs, go to “Broadcasting” and then “Start Parental Controls” to create a PIN for filtering content based on ratings.

LG users can access “General” settings, selecting “Safety” to enable restrictions and adjust viewing times.

For Roku, choose “Settings,” then “Parental controls” to restrict channels and set daily viewing limits.

No matter which platform you use, keep it updated often and talk to your children about why these rules are in place.

Using Parental Controls on Social Media

Social media platforms include tools that allow parents to watch and limit their children’s online activities, ensuring healthier media habits. If interested, check out our guide on how to monitor children’s online activities with best practices.

Facebook

Facebook allows parents to manage their children’s accounts by setting restrictions on friend requests, posts, and privacy settings.

To set up parental controls on Facebook, first log into your child’s account, then go to ‘Settings & Privacy’ and select ‘Settings.’ This helps in securing the child’s account.

Under ‘Privacy,’ adjust settings to limit who can send friend requests by changing the ‘Friend Request’ option to ‘Friends of Friends.’

Next, go to ‘Timeline and Tagging’ to control who can view posts and tag your child. Open ‘Who can see my future posts?’ and choose ‘Friends’ or create a custom list.

This approach helps you have a more secure online experience.

Instagram

On Instagram, parents can use settings to block certain content and manage interactions with strangers.

To change privacy settings, go to `Settings’ and pick `Privacy.’ Parents can limit direct messages by choosing `Messages’ and selecting `Only People You Follow.’

To filter explicit content, enable the `Hidden Words’ feature, which automatically hides offensive comments and messages.

Parents can turn on `Restrict Account’ for users who may not be suitable for their children, limiting their interaction without completely blocking them.

Check these settings often to match your child’s changing needs and create a safer online space.

Snapchat

Snapchat’s parental controls include options to limit who can send messages and view stories, enhancing safety for younger users.

To turn on these controls, parents can go to ‘Settings’ by tapping the profile icon, then choose ‘Family Center.’

Here, they can manage who can contact their child by adjusting the ‘Who Can Contact Me’ setting. Parents can set ‘Who Can View My Story’ to ‘My Friends’ or ‘Custom,’ restricting visibility and use tools like Family Sharing to manage account permissions.

Frequently check the ‘Friend List’ and talk about online behavior to create a safer space for their child.

Monitoring Online Activity

Watch what your child does on the internet so you know how they use it and keep them safe.

Using Monitoring Software

Effective monitoring software like Qustodio or Norton Family allows parents to track their child’s online activity across multiple devices.

Qustodio costs $54.99 per year and includes features such as blocking websites, keeping an eye on social media, and tracking locations, providing a complete solution for parents who are concerned about privacy settings and the safety of their child’s online presence. For more on how to protect your children’s privacy online, see our privacy guide for parents.

In contrast, Norton Family, available at $49.99 a year, focuses heavily on time management and activity reports.

Both tools are compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but Qustodio provides a more user-friendly interface.

To decide, consider which features are most important for your family’s needs and test out the free trials each offers to gauge practicality.

Setting Activity Reports

Creating regular activity reports can give you a clear view of your child’s online behavior and help you find any potential issues.

To create helpful reports, use monitoring tools like Qustodio or Norton Family, and think about adding Family Link for a complete approach to digital wellbeing. Start by tracking key metrics such as screen time, app usage, and website visits.

For instance, Qustodio allows you to view daily activity logs and set weekly summaries sent to your email, helping to manage location and restrict explicit content. Identify patterns: if a child spends excessive time on gaming apps, consider discussing time management strategies.

By reviewing these metrics monthly, you can adjust parental controls and further engage with your child about their online choices.

Communicating with Your Child

It’s important to talk openly when explaining parental controls, helping kids know why certain limits are in place.

Discussing Online Safety

Talking about staying safe online means teaching your child about the possible dangers and how to use the internet safely.

1. Explain clearly which personal details should not be shared online, such as their full name, home address, or school information.

Use concrete examples, like explaining how some online games may ask for these details under the guise of creating an account. Teach them to recognize scams by discussing common tactics, such as phishing emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations.

Encourage them to always verify sources before clicking links or providing information, reinforcing that it’s okay to ask a trusted adult for help.

Setting Boundaries Together

Getting your child to help decide limits for their online use encourages them to take responsibility and follow the rules.

Start by having a family meeting where everyone can discuss their thoughts on internet use and activities. Use tools like the AAP Family Media Plan to promote healthy media habits. Discuss the importance of screen time limits, privacy settings, and appropriate content.

For example, you might agree on a rule like no devices during family meals or a two-hour daily limit on gaming.

Use tools like Family Link or Qustodio to check and control usage and filter explicit results with SafeSearch. This team-based approach encourages open conversation and helps your child take responsibility for their online actions.

Reviewing and Adjusting Controls

Regularly checking and changing parental controls, such as using the Google Play Store to restrict explicit content, is important to match your child’s growing online activities and maturity level.

Regular Check-Ins

Talking with your child regularly about their online activities can build trust and make parental controls work better.

1. Schedule these check-ins at least once a week, perhaps on weekends when both of you are relaxed.

During these talks, discuss any new apps they’ve downloaded, their feelings about content restrictions, and any issues faced online, such as unwanted messages or bullying. Encourage them to share their thoughts openly.

Use tools like Google Family Link to keep track of app usage or Bark to get alerts about content, which can give you useful information for your discussions.

This proactive method creates a secure online setting and strengthens communication.

Adapting to Changing Needs

As children grow and their online activities change, adjusting parental controls to fit their new needs is important for proper guidance.

1. Start by assessing your child’s age and technological literacy. For younger children, tighter controls may be necessary-consider tools like Qustodio or Norton Family, which allow you to block inappropriate content and limit screen time.
2. As they mature and demonstrate responsible behavior, gradually loosen restrictions. For example, use social media platforms with monitoring tools like Bark. It notifies you of any concerning interactions and helps maintain independence.
3. Regularly discuss their online experiences, encouraging open dialogue about safety and responsible usage. This approach balances freedom with protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are parental controls and why should I use them?

Parental controls are tools that allow parents to monitor and restrict their children’s access to certain content and features on electronic devices, including using Chrome OS to prevent changes in account settings. They are essential for helping parents keep their children safe and healthy while using technology.

How do I set up parental controls on my devices?

The process for setting up parental controls varies depending on the device and operating system. Generally, you can access parental control options through the device’s settings or through a specific app or program. Consult the user manual or search online for specific instructions for your device.

What kind of content and features can parental controls restrict?

Parental controls can restrict a wide range of content and features, including internet access, app and game downloads, social media use, and in-app purchases. Some parental control tools also allow parents to set time limits for device use and block specific websites or keywords.

How can I choose the appropriate level of restriction for my child?

The appropriate level of restriction will depend on your child’s age and maturity level. Consider your child’s needs and your family values when setting up parental controls, utilizing screen time trackers, and be prepared to adjust them as your child grows and gains more responsibility.

Can my child bypass parental controls?

While parental controls are an effective way to limit your child’s access to certain content and features, they are not foolproof. It is important to have ongoing conversations with your child about internet safety, teaching points on online experiences, and responsible technology use, and to regularly check and update the parental control settings as needed.

Are there any downsides to using parental controls?

While parental controls can help keep your child safe and teach responsible technology use, they can also limit your child’s autonomy and ability to make their own choices. Consider using personalized Assistant features to maintain security and flexibility. It is important to find a balance between safety and trust, and to communicate openly with your child about the reasons for using parental controls.