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The internet offers many things – information through its many sites, connections through social media, and entertainment through various content platforms. But not all of those things are appropriate for your kids, especially when they’re young.
As a parent, it’s your job to protect your kids from things that could harm them – at least, until they’re old enough to make those judgment calls on their own. Read on for our guide to kid-proofing the internet and setting up parental locks on various devices.
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What Are Parental Controls?
If you want to allow your children to explore the internet (or their video game console, mobile devices, etc.) without worrying that they’ll stumble across age-inappropriate content, then you should look into parental controls.
Parental controls act as a device or internet ‘filter’. With a ‘kids lock’ in place, you can restrict specific kinds of content from being viewed by your young ones. You can block out videos, digital television channels, and more depending on the parameters you set.
In addition, parental controls often have other features as well. There are ‘kids search engines’ which automatically block out any adult-related searches. Some tools allow you to restrict how much time your kids spend on a certain device or software, while others even let you monitor your kids’ location and activity.
How To Set Up Parental Controls On Different Devices And Operating Systems
Windows 10
What it does: Monitor activity, block websites or apps, set time and purchase limits
How to do it: First, you’ll need to create and log in to an administrator account on the Windows device. Then, you’ll need to add a child’s account to the system. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have to enable the parental controls. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Accounts’ > ‘Family & other users’. You can also set parental controls for a linked Xbox account this way.
Mac
What it does: Monitor activity, restrict app and device usage, block website and iTunes content
How to do it: Create an administrator account for you and a managed account for your child. While logged into your administrator account, head to ‘System Preferences’ > ‘System’ > ‘Parental Controls’. ‘Unlock’ the features by clicking on the lock icon and confirming your username and password. Customise the parental controls as desired.
iOS
What it does: Monitor activity, restrict app and device usage, block website and iTunes content
How to do it: On your iPad, iPhone, or other Apple device, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Screen Time’. Here, you can manage content & privacy restrictions, app store purchases, built-in apps, web content, and more.
Android
What it does: Restrict app and device usage, block inappropriate apps and app store content
How to do it: Whether you’re on a Samsung tablet or other device, there are two parental control ‘methods’ via Android. The first is to create a restricted child’s profile on the mobile device to prevent your kids from using certain apps. Second, you can limit the kinds of apps, games, books, movies, and music they download via Google Play as well as prevent them from making unauthorised purchases.
Optus Network
What it does: Restrict network usage, block explicit content
How to do it: You’ll have to set up the parental controls on your router or modem. Optus’ basic routers have some level of parental control, but if you want more features, you’ll have to upgrade to a NETGEAR or similar modem.
Telstra Network
What it does: Restrict network usage, block explicit content, monitor activity
How to do it: To access Telstra’s parental controls, you’ll have to add Telstra Broadband Protect on your account. Once you have that, sign in to your Telstra 24×7 account. Then, go to ‘Manage’ > ‘Family Safety’ and enable/setup parental controls.
Google Chrome
What it does: Block explicit content, monitor activity
How to do it: Create a supervised browsing profile via the Chrome browser. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘People’ > ‘Add person’, complete the account creation process, and manage the Google parental controls. Also, make sure to turn on Safe Search to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling upon pornographic or adult content.
YouTube
What it does: Block adult content, preventing search
How to do it: If you’re on desktop, you can access parental controls through the site’s settings. Choose your child’s age profile, and YouTube will filter out any inappropriate videos. If you’re on mobile, simply download the YouTube Kids app!
Netflix
What it does: Restrict access to mature content
How to do it: There are a few ways to prevent your kids from accessing adult content on Netflix. You can set a PIN for mature-rated content or specific TV shows/films. You can also create a kids’ profile, but this doesn’t stop them from accessing your parent/adult profile to bypass the controls.
Nintendo Switch
What it does: Restrict adult game content and device usage, restrict purchases on the app store, monitor activity
How to do it: Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app and connect it to your child’s gaming device. Once that’s done, you can set up the parental controls however you like.
PS4
What it does: Set playtime and purchasing limits, prevent access to mature content, filter web searches
How to do it: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Parental Controls/Family Management’ and customise the controls from there.
The Top Parental Control Apps And Parental Control Software
Norton Family Premier (formerly K9 Web Protection)
Price: $USD 54.99/year
What it does: Monitor activity, block explicit content, set time limits, activity notification, device locking
Norton Family Premier’s website
Kidslox
Price: Free plan available, basic lifetime subscription for as low as $USD 79.99 ($AUD 117)
What it does: Monitor activity, block explicit content, set time limits, track location
Kaspersky Safe Kids
Price: $USD 14.95 ($AUD 22)/year
What it does: Monitor activity, block explicit content, set time limits, track location and battery life
Ourpact
Price: Free plan available; paid plans start at $USD 1.99 ($AUD 3)/month
What it does: Monitor activity, restrict app usage, block explicit content, set time limits, track location
Helpful Tips On Technology & Children
- Understand that all parental controls can be bypassed, especially by a tech-savvy kid. These tools and apps should be just one part of your parenting strategy in regards to technology use.
- Talk to your kids, help them understand why you need to set boundaries, and then involve them in coming up with a reasonable compromise. Discuss when, where, how, and for how long they can use their devices.
- Educate your kids about the internet, what they may find on it, and how to use it responsibly. Make sure to touch on posting etiquette (or what things are appropriate to post) and how to deal with strangers online.
- Foster open and honest communication with your child. Reassure them that they can come to you if they (accidentally or purposefully) find inappropriate, worrisome, or confusing content online. Use these as learning opportunities!
Parenting Websites & Resources: Where To Get Parenting Advice On Kids’ Tech Use
- How to Limit Kids’ Tech Use (The New York Times article)
- Educate Empower Kids
- HealthyChildren.org
- Kathleen Morris
- InternetMatters.org
- Scholastic
- Childnet International
- Focus on the Family
- KidsHealth.org
- Your Gear Deconstructed
‘Care’, Not ‘Control’
Using parental controls doesn’t make you a controlling ‘helicopter’ parent. It just means that you’re realistic about what your child might be exposed to on the internet. Use this guide to protect your young ones – but don’t forget to allow them some freedom as they grow up.
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