How to Set Up Parental Controls on Devices

Keeping our families safe online is more important than ever. From smartphones to gaming consoles to smart TVs, technology is woven into our family life. But with so much access to content and connections, how can parents make sure their family are safe while using these devices?

This is where parental controls can be a game-changer. They allow you to restrict inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and even monitor online activity. If you’ve been wondering how to secure your home tech with parental controls, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for setting up controls on the most popular devices and share some tips for creating a safer digital environment at home.

Why Are Parental Controls Important?

Parental controls are more than just a way to block certain websites or apps; they empower you to protect your children from inappropriate content, manage their screen time, and even prevent accidental purchases.

For example:

• Protecting children from harmful content: With millions of websites and apps available, some of them might not be age-appropriate. Parental controls can block access to sites and apps that are unsuitable for kids.
  
  
• Setting healthy boundaries for device use: Screen time controls help ensure your kids get a balance of tech time and offline activities like reading, playing outside, or spending time with family.
  
  
• Monitoring to foster healthy tech habits: Many parental control options allow you to see which apps your kids use or how much time they spend on their devices.
  
  

By taking a few moments to set up parental controls, you’re creating a safer, healthier tech space for your family.

Setting Up Parental Controls on Different Devices

Now, let’s cover how to enable parental controls on some of the most commonly used devices at home.

1. Smartphones and Tablets

For iPhone and iPad (iOS Devices):

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
3. If it’s your first time, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts to set it up.
4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. Toggle it to On.
5. From here, you can restrict apps, websites, purchases, and even location sharing. You can also set specific time limits for each app.

For Android Devices:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls (name may vary by device).
3. Tap Parental Controls and select Set up now.
4. Follow the steps to link your device with your child’s device using Google Family Link.
5. Once linked, you can manage screen time, approve or block app downloads, and restrict content by age rating.
   
   

2. Gaming Consoles

For PlayStation 5:

1. Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > PS5 Console Restrictions.
2. Create a PIN (don’t share this with your child).
3. From here, you can set restrictions for age limits on games, movies, and online interaction.
   
   

For Xbox Series X/S:

1. Open Settings, go to Account, and select Family Settings.
2. Add your child’s account and adjust restrictions to fit their age group.
3. You can manage everything from screen time to multiplayer permissions.
   
   

For Nintendo Switch:

1. Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone.
2. Link your account with the console using the app.
3. You can set daily time limits, restrict games by age rating, and even block in-game purchases.
   
   

3. Smart TVs

Streaming Services:

If your family uses platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, many of these services have built-in parental controls.

• Log into the service and locate the profile settings.
• Enable the kids’ profiles, which limit access to age-appropriate content, and set PIN codes for adult profiles.

TV Settings:

For smart TVs, explore parental control settings directly in the TV menu. You’ll often find options to block certain types of content or restrict app downloads.

4. Wi-Fi Routers

Did you know some Wi-Fi routers come with parental controls? These controls allow you to monitor and limit internet access for specific devices.

• Log into your router’s admin panel (check your router manual for the web address).
• Look for a section like Parental Controls or Access Restrictions.
• From here, you can block certain websites, set time-based limits, or schedule offline hours for your child's devices.
  
  

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Digital Environment

Setting up parental controls is a fantastic start, but there’s more you can do to maintain a healthy tech environment at home. Here are some tips to consider:

Open Communication

Talk to your children about the purpose of parental controls. Explain to them that it’s not to spy or punish, but to help them stay safe and balanced online. Encourage them to ask questions if they’re curious.

Regular Check-ins

Periodically review your parental control settings. Kids grow fast, and what’s appropriate for a six-year-old may not be the same for a ten-year-old. Update limits as they mature.

Lead by Example

Show your kids how to use technology responsibly by limiting your own screen time and being mindful when you’re online. Modeling good digital habits goes a long way.

Educate About Online Safety

Teach your children about the importance of privacy, avoiding strangers online, and never sharing personal information.

Wrapping Up

Parental controls are a crucial tool for protecting your children in a digital-first world. Whether you’re restricting screen time, filtering harmful content, or monitoring their devices, a few simple steps can make a big difference.

Remember, these tools work best alongside open communication and active involvement in your child’s digital life. By combining tech with trust, you’re setting your family up for success in a connected world.

Need More Help?

Check out CyberSmart Families’ other resources for tips on raising tech-savvy kids in a secure and balanced way. Together, we can create safe and healthy spaces for our children to explore technology!