Using
Parental Controls

Video Streaming On Common Platforms

Prime Video is a subscription-based platform for streaming digital content.  This page summarizes Prime Video’s available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s viewing experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.

Please note: You need to adjust Prime Video settings directly on each device, which is cumbersome; setting adjustments do not flow across to other devices.  Also, any settings you change on a specific device flow across all user profiles on that device.  In other words, parental controls cannot distinguish among different user profiles – but do vary by device.  

Can I filter content?

Yes, you can set a maximum maturity level for content (to include, for example, G, 7, 13, 16, 18), which can only be overridden with a PIN.  You must set this on each device.

Can I turn off autoplay? 

Yes, you can turn off “autoplay” so the next episode doesn’t automatically start to play before you realize you should go to bed.  You must set this in each device.

Can I set time limits? 

Not within Prime Video.  Set clear rules (e.g., “one show only and then turn it off”) and make sure you’ve turned off Autoplay.  Alternatively, check device-level settings; for example, if your child is streaming Prime Video via an Apple mobile (iOS) device, you can set time limits for the Prime Video app within iOS.

Can I monitor or restrict what my child purchases? 

Yes, you can restrict a device so it’s only possible to make purchases with a PIN.  

Can I review what my child watched? 

Kind of – you can see a list of all watched videos via your Prime Video account.  But it’s only a running list – with no indication of when anything was watched, by whom, or via which device.

Can I lock settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

Yes, you can set a PIN needed for purchases and accessing content that’s more mature than settings allow.  

Additional comments: 

Another path to access the above settings is to sign into your account and then hover over "Account and Lists" - from drop-down list, click on Your Prime Video.  On the upper right, where it says who is watching, click on the Settings icon (looks like a cogwheel) - then click on Settings from drop-down.

How do I select content? 

It’s good practice to look up content ratings and reviews on Common Sense Media (which rates digital media by categories like educational value, positive messages, violence and scariness, sexy stuff, drinking/drugs/smoking, and language - from which it provides an age-appropriateness rating) to make informed decisions that you’re comfortable with.  Fellow parents suggest co-viewing the first episode of a new show to check it out before ok-ing it.  When you don’t co-view but would like to chat about what they’re watching, Common Sense Media offers thoughtful discussion questions below each media review under the header, “Talk to your kids about.” Also, this Common Sense Media Guide shows you how to discuss topics around marketing, stereotypes, ethical dilemmas and more.  

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Video Streaming On Common Platforms

Disney Plus is a subscription-based platform for streaming digital content.  This page summarizes Disney Plus’ available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s viewing experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  You can adjust settings differently for each user profile within your account.  You only need to adjust those settings from one device (e.g., on your computer), and they’ll flow across to all devices that access your Disney Plus account – a gold star to Disney Plus for making this simple for parents!

Can I filter content? 

Yes.  Firstly, Disney Plus contains no R-rated content; its family-oriented content caps out at PG-13 and TV-14.  To set further limits, you can toggle on the “kids profile" to deny access to the PG, PG-13, and TV-14 content (i.e., kids profiles only show content rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, and G).  A complaint from users is that some of the older content available has outdated stereotypes, so use those as teachable moments about how the film industry sometimes unfairly portrays certain groups as foreign, exotic, or bad.

Can I turn off autoplay? 

Yes, you can turn off “autoplay” so the next episode doesn’t automatically begin, and turn off “background video” so trailers don’t automatically play while you’re surfing options. Just log into your account to edit your profile settings.   

Can I set time limits? 

Not within Disney Plus.  Set clear rules (e.g., “one show only and then turn it off”) and make sure you’ve turned off Autoplay.  Alternatively, check device-level settings; for example, if your child is streaming Disney Plus via an Apple mobile (iOS) device, you can set time limits for the Disney Plus app within iOS.

Can I review what my child watched? 

Not exactly, but you can see what's been most recently watched under the "continue watching" section of Disney Plus’ home page.  

Can I lock parental control settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

No.  A user can easily change Settings or switch profiles directly on any device that plays Disney Plus (e.g., Roku). However, remember Disney Plus doesn’t contain content more mature than PG-13/ TV-14.

How do I select content? 

It’s good practice to look up content ratings and reviews on Common Sense Media (which rates digital media by categories like educational value, positive messages, violence and scariness, sexy stuff, drinking/drugs/smoking, and language - from which it provides an age-appropriateness rating) to make informed decisions that you’re comfortable with.  Fellow parents suggest co-viewing the first episode of a new show to check it out before ok-ing it.  When you don’t co-view but would like to chat about what they’re watching, Common Sense Media offers thoughtful discussion questions below each media review under the header, “Talk to your kids about.”  Also, this Common Sense Media Guide shows you how to discuss topics around marketing, stereotypes, ethical dilemmas and more.

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Internet Browsing

Safari is a web browser, providing access to the Internet on iOS devices.  This page summarizes Safari’s available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  Parental Controls for Safari are available via “Screen Time” in iOS Settings; controls need to be set for each device individually.

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Under iOS Settings > Safari, under “Privacy & Security,” you can prevent cross-site tracking, block cookies, adjust access to camera and microphone, and more. Coach your child to not chat with people they don’t know and not to accept private messages from anyone they don’t know.

Can I turn off location sharing? 

Yes, you are able to turn off location sharing for Safari.  

Can I filter content? 

Yes, you have a few options:  You can (1) filter mature content by preventing access to Apple’s list of identified adult websites; (2) only enable access to “allowed websites” of your choice, or “never allow” specific websites that you list (e.g., if you never want access to YouTube, type in the following verbatim: https://www.youtube.com – this pro tip from Protect Young Eyes); or (3) block access to Safari, therefore preventing any Internet browsing.  You can also block ads by downloading a content blocking app.  

Can I set time limits? 

Via iOS settings, you can set screen time limits (e.g., 1 hour per day) which apply to more than just Safari, or you can limit access to or block Safari specifically:  see details in our iOS guide under “setting time limits” and “filtering content.”

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases? 

Yes, see our iOS guide for options (under this same sub-header).

Can I review what my child browses? 

You can see a list of all websites visited (and for how long) via Screen Time:  Settings > Screen Time > tap to see all activity. However, know that it’s possible to turn on private browsing with no history.  

Can I lock parental control settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)?

Your Screen Time settings can be passcode protected so your child can’t change the limits you set without inputting the passcode. Alternatively, you can set up Family Sharing – learn more in our iOS guide.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child access to the Internet, check out our guide to mentoring conversations, including how to interpret the legitimacy of sources and how search engines work.

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YouTube & YouTube Kids

YouTube is a free video-sharing platform (for ages 13+) where users can watch other users’ videos or share their own videos.  Interestingly, while adults often Google something to learn more, many kids today use YouTube as their go-to resource for learning more about a topic.

This page summarizes YouTube’s available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s viewing experience (i.e., this is written for users who are watching videos rather than creating/sharing them).  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  You will need to create an account for the user (which happens seamlessly if they already have a google account and visit YouTube from a laptop), and then any settings you adjust for that account will flow across to other browsers and devices as long as the user signs into their account.

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

There are a few steps you can take to make your child’s account more private, including making private what videos they watch and channels they subscribe to. 

Can I filter content? 

Yes, but it’s not perfect.  Content you may not like your child to see comes via videos (including the related videos suggested by YouTube’s algorithm, which can become increasingly outlandish to keep users clicking for more), user comments, and advertisements (which are not yet subject to the same laws and scrutiny as ads on television) – learn more about YouTube’s algorithms from page 2 of Common Sense Media’s YouTube Sleuth Guide.  You can minimize access to mature content by turning on “restricted mode,” which helps filter adverse content (based on imperfect algorithms) and also disables the comments beneath videos.  However, the content of ads cannot be controlled or filtered.  And, as kids get older, restricted mode may start to cause frustration because it may block seemingly innocuous videos unnecessarily.  

Other ways to filter YouTube include: (a) Subscribe to specific channels and only allow your child to view content on those select channels (easily circumnavigable so best with parental supervision).  (b) Make your child a playlist. (c) Subscribe to YouTube Premium which eliminates ads. (d) Download this “DF YouTube” (distraction-free) Chrome extension which filters out the distractions of YouTube; it is recommended by the Center for Humane Tech.  Once you’ve downloaded it, click through all the options to alter your family’s YouTube experience to your liking. (e) Educators sharing YouTube videos with their students can turn any YouTube video link into a “safe” link without related video links, comments or other distractions here (explanation of how it works here); (f) Instead opt for YouTube Kids, or Sensical which has human-curated content with ads.

Can I turn off autoplay?

Yes, you can turn off “autoplay” on each device so the next video doesn’t automatically begin before you can think. Self-control is still needed since luring related videos remain a click away.

Can I set time limits? 

Kind of.  YouTube has a built-in “take a break” feature that you can turn on; it then suggests the viewer take a break after a selected length of time, but the viewer can simply choose to override it.  Some parents have reported success with the Chrome extension, “Stay Focusd,” which sets a time limit for any website, including YouTube.  Other related tips include:  Set a video limit at the start (e.g., “you can watch two videos and then turn it off”).  You can also tinker with notifications to minimize distractions; for example, you can bundle notifications about new videos into a digest (Settings > Notifications > scheduled digest).  Or, if you’d like to block or limit access to the YouTube app or website on your child’s iOS device (e.g., iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Mac), see instructions in our iOS guide, in the “content filtering” section.

Can I review what my child watched? 

If your child has a YouTube account, you can peak at the user’s “watch history” to see what videos they have been watching; however, watch history can be deleted or edited anytime so it’s not designed with parental controls in mind. In the app version only, you can also view “Time Watched” which shows how much time you spent in the app today, yesterday and the past 7 days.  

Can I lock settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

No.

How do I select content?

If you’d like to create a meaningful playlist, here are YouTube channel recommendations from Common Sense Media: for boys, for girls, for kids and teens, with diverse representation. For other videos, fellow parents suggest co-viewing a YouTube channel to check it out before ok-ing it.

Sharing their own videos

If you want to allow your child to create their own YouTube channel, read this for useful tips, and consider disabling comments on their channel.  Your child’s videos can be tagged as private or unlisted rather than public.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child access to YouTube, check out our guide to mentoring conversations to have with your child, which includes this information about YouTube algorithms:

Did you know that more than 70% of what people watch on YouTube is determined by its recommendation algorithm? Explore this and other mind-blowing Youtube statistics and read about how YouTube’s algorithms actually boost alternative facts told by Guillaume Chaslot, an ex-Google software engineer who worked to improve YouTube’s recommendation engine.  He now speaks out against it.

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Social Media

Snapchat is a free social media app that lets users exchange comments, photos and videos with friends, adding filters and other effects.  Snapchat allows users to send and receive photos/videos to one another only after they have mutually “added” each other as a friend.  Once you add someone, their contact info and Story will appear in your feed.  Snapchat is designed for mobile app usage although some creative tools are available via the web.  

According to Snapchat, users must be 13 or older although there’s no age verification.  Common Sense Media recommends Snapchat for ages 16+.  There are no parental controls so the best tool is mentoring and ongoing check-ins; available settings to optimize usage are outlined below.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  Be warned: there is a lot to consider for social media; decide whether you’re ready to do all the work that is required to onboard your child!

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Yes, but they can be modified at any time.  Walk through available privacy settings with your child and agree on family terms of usage for their account (so they understand why they shouldn’t modify their settings).  In Settings, under “Who Can…”, you can limit so only “friends” (people on their contact list who they have mutually agreed to connect with) can: contact me, view my story, and see me in quick add.  Let your child know that users can also block specific Snapchatters.  Although Snapchat’s design makes it seem like things will disappear, explain to your child that anything can be screenshot and part of their permanent digital footprint.  Explain how to use Snapchat safely and responsibly.  Coach your child to not chat with people they don’t know and not to accept private messages from anyone they don’t know.

Can I turn off location sharing?

Yes, but it can be turned back on anytime so explain to your child why it’s a good idea to safeguard their location. Snap Map shares your location on a map in real time with Snapchat contacts. For optimal safety, enable Ghost Mode to turn off location sharing. In Settings under “Who can…”, under “see my location,” toggle on “ghost mode” and toggle off “allow friends to request my location.”

Can I filter content? 

No.  There’s no filter so it’s especially important to mentor your child about mature content they may see (sexual, violent, consumerism, etc).  Remember this was designed for adults.  Much of the mature content is within the “Discover” section of Snapchat so it’s reasonable to set a family rule limiting their access to this section as you see fit.  “Discover” content varies by individual algorithm so follow these tips to improve Discover content (begins halfway down webpage).  Snapchat’s “Spotlight” has 30-second videos that some find very addictive.  Make sure to discuss how your child should handle or avoid unwanted solicitations, and how to report inappropriate posts.  And make sure to explicitly prohibit your child from sharing pictures of private body parts as the illusion of “disappearing photos” can nudge kids towards dicey judgement.  

Can I turn off autoplay? 

No, and the endless scroll is sticky! 

Can I set time limits?

While there are no time limits within the app, access to the app can be limited for any iOS users under iOS Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. It’s also good to turn off notifications from Snapchat to avoid constant interruptions designed to lure users back to Snapchat.

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases? 

There are no relevant settings within Snapchat to monitor or restrict in-app purchases, but iOS users can turn off in-app purchases (for all apps, not just Snapchat) via Screen Time:  iOS Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In-app Purchases:  don’t allow.  

Can I review what my child views/posts? 

No.  Much of your child’s Snapchat activity is not saved (there’s no feed to scroll through) so there’s no good way to monitor their Snapchat activity.  You can onboard them under your guidance, and then check in with them about how they’re using it, how it makes them feel, and check their contacts list.  Set family guidelines about who they can add to their contact list depending on how discerning you want them to be; you can only see their contacts list from directly within their account.  Also check in with them about who they “subscribe to” to see what kind of content they are following.

Can I lock settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

No.  Any settings can be changed at any time so mentoring conversations are essential.  

How can I delete an account? 

There are specific instructions for deleting an account.  

Want more? 

Check out the Snapchat Playbook by Wait Until 8th and START’s Snapchat Guide.  If your child is a heavy Snapchat user and you have ongoing concerns about what they’re doing online, Bark monitors platforms like Snapchat “for issues like cyberbullying, adult content, sexual predators, profanity, suicidal ideation, threats of violence, and more” and alerts you of potential issues. For more thoughtful assistance with the social media experience, check out START’s Social Media playbook.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child access to social media, check out our guide for adding new apps/games to your child’s devices and our guide to mentoring conversations.

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Social Media

Instagram (by Facebook) is a free social media platform for sharing photos and videos; it is designed for mobile app usage with an account.  To comply with COPPA, users must be 13 or older although there’s no age verification.  Common Sense Media recommends Instagram for ages 15+.  

There are no parental controls so the best tool is mentoring and ongoing check-ins; available settings to optimize user experience are outlined below.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  Be warned: there is a lot to consider for social media; decide whether you’re ready to do all the work that is required to onboard your child!

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Yes, but your child can modify them anytime, so it helps to walk through privacy settings with your child and agree on family terms of usage for their account.  To make your child’s Instagram account private, there are two essential steps:  First, make the account private rather than its public default:  Settings > Privacy > toggle on Private Account.  When your account is private, only people you approve can see your photos and videos on Instagram. Second, disable the ability of anyone on Instagram to send your child a direct message (otherwise, DM’s can be sent to a private account); in short: Settings > Privacy > Messages > Scroll down to “Other people,” click on “others on Instagram,” and click “don’t receive.”  Another privacy setting to consider is:  Settings > Privacy > Activity Status > unclick “show activity status.”  For deeper understanding of Instagram’s privacy settings, read here.  In any case, coach your child to not chat with people they don’t know and not to accept private messages from anyone they don’t know.

Show your child ways to handle problematic interactions from other users:  First, they can block another user anytime and the blocked user won’t know they’ve been blocked. When on that person’s profile, click “…” and then Block. They can also do the same but click “Report” instead (reporting is anonymous).  Second, if they want to remove a follower, open their list of followers: Profile > Followers > select the follower you want to remove by clicking the three dots next to their name and tap “remove.”  Any removed followers will not be notified that they have been removed, but they will no longer see your child’s posts.  Third, someone posting hurtful comments can be “restricted:” swipe left on the comment and select “Restrict person” – their comments on your posts will not be displayed publicly but that poster won’t know that.

Can I turn off location sharing?

When posting something, you can add a location so it’s important to tell your child to never do that. Unfortunately, there’s no built-in setting to prevent that.

Can I filter content? 

No.  While Instagram can provide a fun way to connect, have a voice, and be creative, parents also complain that Instagram can be a gateway to mature content, porn (very easy to find via hashtags), drug usage how-to videos, vicious comments, social comparison/body image issues, feeling left out, and how the pressure to contribute and keep up with friends can be consuming.  Some users report Instagram’s Reels (short videos) can especially consume time.  Spend some time looking at content with your child and helping them learn the ropes; consider co-creating some initial posts with them to guide that process.  Make sure to be explicit about what type of content your child can and can’t post, and what they should do if they see something inappropriate.  Help them find content/ people to follow that you’re comfortable with.

Be aware that even if your child has a “private” account, they can still search for and find any kind of content on Instagram, and there is no filter for broader Instagram content. Protect Young Eyes shows sample mature content easily found on Instagram that is acceptable per their Community Guidelines (scroll down two-thirds of their webpage to see visuals of sample content).

As part of a project to understand predatory behaviors, Bark’s staff created a fake 11-year-old girl public account and shared the crude grooming messages the fake account received – an alarming but important read for parents of Instagram users that underscores the need to use the privacy settings described above.  Another relevant step is to help filter explicit comments:  Settings > Privacy > Comments: Under Filters, toggle on “hide offensive comments” and “manual filter,” then toggle on “filter most reported words.”  Show your child that if they later want to block someone’s comments, they can do that here, too.  If your child accesses Instagram via an iOS device, it’s helpful to also turn on content filtering via Screen Time:  Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions, then under Content Restrictions > Web Content > click “limit adult websites.”

Many parents suggest having your child (especially new users) ask parent permission before posting anything to Instagram, until the parent feels they are mature and responsible enough to post wisely. A long mentoring runway here is helpful in the long-run.

Can I set time limits? 

Not time limits, but a nudge.  Instagram allows users to set a gentle reminder when they have reached a self-designated time limit each day:  Settings > Your Activity > Time (tab at top) > here you can see user’s time on Instagram each day in the last week (and average daily usage), and you can custom set a daily reminder.  This is not a time limit, but it’s a step closer to building awareness about usage.  You can also set a time limit for the app for any iOS users under iOS Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. It’s also good practice to turn off app notifications to avoid needless disruptions:  Settings > Notifications > here you can pause all notifications, or custom-select which notifications are enabled from whom.  Spend time combing through each section here with your child, helping them determine whether to allow specific types of notifications from everyone, only people they follow, or none.  Another built-in digital wellness feature is that the app will let the user know when they’re “All Caught Up” – meaning they’ve seen all new posts in their feed since last visiting.

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases?

There are no relevant settings within Instagram to monitor or restrict in-app purchases, but iOS users can turn off in-app purchases (for all apps, not just Instagram) via Screen Time: iOS Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In-app Purchases: don’t allow.

Can I review what my child sees? 

Yes. It’s a good idea to occasionally review your child’s account with them; you can see their posts, what they have searched for, who they are following, and who follows them:  Under Profile, click on Followers, and from there you can scroll through both lists. Do they know everyone?  What types of people do they like to follow?  To find their search history:  Profile > upper right 3 bars > Settings > Security > Clear Search History > here you can view their search bar history or it can be cleared anytime by your child.  It’s important to check in with your child about how they’re using Instagram and how it makes them feel.  

Some parents suggest having your child’s account on your phone — with an understanding that you’ll be monitoring their Instagram account — so you can easily keep tabs on their Instagram feed and start a conversation when you see something worth talking about.

Can I lock settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

No.  Any of the above settings can be changed by your child so set rules and discuss expectations about trust and safety.

How can I delete an account? 

There are specific instructions for deleting an account.  

Want more? 

Check out the Instagram Playbook by Wait Until 8th and Instagram’s own parent guide. For more thoughtful assistance with the social media experience, check out START’s Social Media playbook.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child access to social media, check out our guide for adding new apps/games to your child’s devices and our guide to mentoring conversations.

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Gaming Consoles

Play Station 4 (PS4) is a video game console made by Sony; the PS4 offers more than just gaming but also virtual reality, movies, Internet and more. To set up parental controls, you need to create a free family account to which you add your child.  It’s especially important to use your child’s correct birthdate when setting up their Play Station account as default age restrictions are based off that.  You can then set/modify any parental controls per child directly on the PS4 console, via a web browser, or in the PS4 app (downloadable from the app store).  Follow along with written instructions for all parental controls or similar instructions via video.  

This page summarizes PS4’s available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s gaming experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Yes-ish.  Via the instructions linked above, you can allow or block a child from communicating with other players via chat, messages, and game invitations; this setting also restricts the ability to view content (e.g., videos, images, text) created by other PS4 players.  If you want to grant the ability to access communication features while using a specific game, your child may request an exception (new update as of Oct 2020).  However, you can’t custom-allow chatting with specific people like only friends.  In any case, coach your child to not chit chat with people they don’t know (beyond necessary gaming tactics, if that's allowed) and not to accept private messages from someone they don’t know.

Can I filter content? 

Yes.  Via the instructions linked above, you can set allowable content levels for games and videos based on their ESRB age ratings, but you can’t make any exceptions so there’s no space for parental discretion/nuance.  On the PS4, the ESRB ratings align with PS4’s 11-number options like this:  level 0 = rating pending; level 2 = ESRB EC (Early Childhood); level 3 = ESRB E (Everyone); level 4 = ESRB E10+ (Everyone 10+); level 5 = ESRB T (Teen); level 9 = ESRB M (Mature); level 10 = ESRB AO (Adults only).  You can also allow or block Internet access or pay via a Sony subscription to filter the web; and you can allow or restrict VR access (Play Station notes VR is not for children under age 12).  

Can I set time limits? 

Yes, you can set PS4 play time limits by day of the week, duration and end time.  When they reach their time limit, they can either receive a notification that it’s time to get off or be automatically logged out. (Same instructions via video here.)  

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases? 

You can set a monthly spending cap.  

Can I review what my child plays?

No, there are no records kept of which games were played. However, if you look at the games menu, the most recently played games should be listed for easy access, so you can get an imperfect sense of games played there.

Can I lock settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

Yes, settings are locked into place with a PIN (called a system restriction passcode).

How do I select video games?

It’s good practice to look up game ratings on ESRB (which rates games by categories like explicit language, sexual content, gore, and drug use) to make informed decisions that you’re comfortable with; also check out Common Sense Media’s video game reviews. We are also thrilled to share personal tips from a veteran Dad in the video game industry.

For those who have upgraded to the new PS5 (released Nov 2020)

Your PS4 parental controls will remain with your child when you migrate your existing family account to your new console. More details about PS5 parental controls here and Protect Young Eyes provides great instructions here.

Talk about tech!

If your family is getting a gaming console, check out our guide for introducing digital devices to your child and our guide to mentoring conversations. Also, each time your child wants to add a new game, check out our guide for adding new games to a device.

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Other Devices & Operating Systems

iOS is the operating system for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, and other Apple devices.  This page summarizes iOS’s available settings and parental controls that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.

One of the most important things to do when you first allow your child to access an Mac laptop or iOS device is to create a separate AppleID for your child that correctly assigns their age. This will allow you, as an adult “organizer” in the Apple system, to be able to monitor, control, and manage their ScreenTime, App installs, and Content and Security settings.

Most iOS settings and parental controls are accessed within Screen Time (located in iOS settings) and need to be set up for each iOS device individually (for free).  You can manage them directly on your child’s iOS device, Mac Laptop (either giving them control of their own settings, or locking settings in place with a parental passcode), or remotely from a parent’s device or laptop if you set up Family Sharing.  First you need to turn on Screen Time as its default is off; find setup instructions below.  

Note: the instructions below can be used to “strip down” an iPhone so it only has basic phone and texting capability - plus whatever else you’d like your child to have custom-access to on their phone.

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Yes. In Settings > Screen Time > “Content & Privacy Restrictions” > toggle on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”  Under the “Privacy” header, you can decide which private information you’re willing to share with which apps, and you can also lock that setting in place (note these settings are nearly replicated at Settings > Privacy).  We recommend the following considerations:  (a) “Contacts:” here you can choose which apps are allowed or not allowed to have access to your Contacts; (b) “Share my Location:” choose whether to allow this or not; (c) The same goes for all the other options:  calendars, reminders, photos, Bluetooth sharing, Microphone, speech recognition, advertising, Media & Apple Music.  

You and your child will need to adjust additional privacy settings that are built in to social media and other apps directly via those platforms to layer on additional safety.  For example, see the separate Social Media pages for further instructions.  Coach your child to not connect or chat with people they don’t know and not to accept private messages from anyone they don’t know.

Can I turn off location sharing?

Yes. Under Screen Time > “Content & Privacy Restrictions” > toggle on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” Under “Privacy,” then “Location Services,” you can determine to what extent you’d like your teen’s mobile device location to be shared. You can scroll down and select “never” for apps that you don’t think need to know your location (most!), or you can select “while using the app” for apps that work best knowing your location (like mapping apps). (Note: this same tool is also located under Settings > Privacy > Location Services). It’s also worth knowing how to use or stop “Find My” location sharing.

Can I filter content?

Yes, to varying degrees — you can block access to the Internet, or allow filtered access to the Internet, or enable open access to the Internet.

Under “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” toggle on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.” Then under “Allowed Apps,” you can remove default apps from your child’s phone, including Safari (yes, you can remove Safari and therefore block internet access!), camera, wallet, etc. To remove the App Store, see separate instructions below - under “Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases?” Also, under “Content Restrictions,” go to “Allowed store content,” where you can custom-restrict access to mature content by genre in the app store, including the ability to block access to: explicit music/podcasts/news, movies by ratings or to block all movies, TV shows by ratings or to block all TV shows, explicit books, apps by age-appropriateness or to block all apps). Also go to “web content,” where we strongly suggest you select “limit adult websites” to turn on the web filter (it’s not perfect but a good attempt). You can fine tune that filter by “always allowing” specific websites that you list, or “never allowing” specific websites that you list. If you want to never allow any form of YouTube (even from a shared video link), you would type in the following verbatim: https://www.youtube.com (tip from Protect Young Eyes). You can alternately select “allowed websites only” to only allow access to a custom list of websites. Under “Content Restrictions,” you can also restrict components of Siri and game play, etc.

Can I set time limits? 

Yes, the Screen Time tool lets you limit screen time in several ways.  First, under “Downtime,” custom-set one window of time away from the screen each day (e.g., overnight) during which apps are unavailable with the exception of those you decide are “always allowed,” along with phone calls (Apple makes phone calls “always allowed” in case of emergency).  Protect Young Eyes shares a useful trick:  If you want to shut down apps on your child’s phone immediately from your own device via Family Sharing, you can set a time that just passed in “Downtime” and those apps will become immediately unavailable. 

Second, under “App Limits,” you can set limits for app categories. These are preset categories that you can’t reorganize in any way (e.g., education, social networking).  Or you can select “All Apps & Categories” and then hand-select specific apps you want allowed all the time under “Always Allowed.”  Those apps that are always allowed will also be available during “downtimes.” 

Alternatively, you can set limits for specific apps elsewhere:  from the screen time homepage, click on the screen time bar chart that shows screen time data. Then scroll down to the list of each app you’ve visited. Click on the app you want to limit, and scroll down to “add limit.” Here you can set a time limit that varies by day of the week. (Note: this only works after Screen Time has been turned on long enough for app usage data to be listed here.)  A second way to set limits for specific apps is: App Limits > Add Limit > Click on the right side carrot for a drop down to find your app within a category > Next (and set limit).

Another useful tool to show your child is:  Settings > “Do Not Disturb.”  Maybe they want to turn on Do Not Disturb while doing their homework so that calls and notifications are silenced?  This area also holds the “do not disturb while driving” function which is a good one to make sure to leave on “automatically” for those able to drive.

Similarly, explain when might be good times for your child to turn on “airplane mode” to keep their phone quiet in certain contexts.  Airplane mode is available in one touch if you slide down from the upper right corner of the screen. 

Lastly, explain to your child that every app on their phone wants their eyeballs (that’s how they make money) so they want to lure them back to their app as much as possible via notifications.  Visit Settings > “Notifications,” to help your child thoughtfully designate their notifications so they aren’t interrupted unnecessarily. Maybe they only want to allow notifications from real people (like a text) but could turn off the other ones?  Teach them to protect their time and attention by reconsidering their notifications on a regular basis. 

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases?

Yes, to varying degrees — you can remove access to the App Store altogether, or require your child to get parent permission to buy or download an app (at which point you can explore the option together), or provide unlimited access to the App Store.

Under “Content & Privacy Restrictions,” toggle on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”  Then under “iTunes & App Store Purchases,” you can limit app store purchases.  For example, you can block or allow the ability to install new apps, delete existing apps, and make in-app purchases directly via Screen Time.  Note that if you don’t allow “installing apps” then the App Store is removed from the phone.  If your family goes the route of Family Sharing (setup instructions here), you can alternatively add “Ask to Buy” which allows your child to request a purchase or download that is vetted by you first and can’t be downloaded without your permission. Family Sharing also enables you to allow and manage your child’s Apple Cash.

Can I review my child’s activity?

Yes. Once you set up and turn on Screen Time, usage data will be collected and summarized within the app, and you can click on the data chart to see details, including how much time the user spends using specific apps, how many times they pick up their device, and how often they get notifications – both daily and weekly. This is a useful (and free) teaching tool for you to occasionally review with your child to promote self-awareness, optimize tech habits, and align with family rules and values. While the Screen Time tool displays screen time overall and by app “category,” it also breaks down usage data by specific app if you click on “show apps and websites.”

Can I lock parental control settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)?

Yes, to different degrees — Settings can be controlled and locked remotely from a parent’s device via Family Sharing, or settings can be locked with a PIN on your child’s device, or you can merely trigger a “reminder” when a limit has been reached which can be bypassed or adjusted by your child.

Depending on your child’s maturity and level of self-regulation, you can choose whether to set up Screen Time as modifiable by them or passcode-protected so only the parent can modify Screen Time settings.  If you are setting up Screen Time for the first time, you’ll visit Settings > Screen Time > and click “continue.”  Then you choose from either of the following options:

Select “This is my [device]” if you’d like management of Screen Time settings to be under the control of your child.  If you choose this route, all Screen Time settings would be gentle nudges and reminders that could be bypassed by the child unless they are passcode-protected (see below).  You can show your child how to review and monitor their own screen time use and optionally set downtimes or limits.  Encourage your child to review their usage data occasionally to get a sense of habits and points of distraction.  

Select “This is my child’s [device]” if you (as parent) would prefer to control and manage device use. You can then set/control limits directly on your child’s device that are locked in place with passcode protection.

If you’ve already set up Screen Time and would like to add a passcode so your child can’t override the settings, go to:  Settings > Screen Time > “Use Screen Time Passcode.”  Make sure to set a passcode that is unknown to your child and do not let them know the passcode.  At any time, you can also create a family account to manage your child’s screen time remotely from your own mobile device (i.e., Family Sharing): Screen Time > “Set up Screen Time for Family.”

For additional details:  Protect Young Eyes provides useful iOS tips and helpful screenshots, and they also provide a list of ways kids can get around Screen Time limits so you can keep your eyes peeled for sneaky behavior.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child an iOS device (iPad, etc), check out our guides for introducing digital devices or a new phone to your child, our guide for adding new apps/games to your child’s devices and our guide to mentoring conversations.

We try to keep this content updated, but the platform changes regularly and so some things may be outdated.

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Other Devices & Operating Systems

A Windows PC is a personal computer or laptop that uses Microsoft Windows as its operating system.  Free parental controls via Microsoft Family are set up for each child’s Microsoft account, and they flow across Microsoft devices.  Therefore, the first step is to create a Microsoft account for your child and add them to your family account. Then you can adjust parental controls via Microsoft’s Family Safety website.  Step-by-step instructions with screen shots are available from Internet Matters here.  Microsoft Family works just as well from a browser or the app.  Once you’ve created a Microsoft account for your child, you need to have them log into their PC via that Microsoft account (and no other account) for the settings and controls to work on that device.

This page summarizes Microsoft’s available settings that you can custom-adjust to optimize your family member’s experience.  Any hyperlinks direct you to our favorite set of how-to instructions.  

Can I adjust privacy settings? 

Yes, configure privacy settings to your liking. Your child will also need to adjust privacy settings for social media and other apps directly to optimize safety. In any case, coach your child to not chat with people they don’t know and not to accept private messages from anyone they don’t know.

Can I turn off location sharing? 

N/A for a PC.  Only relevant for Microsoft mobile devices - Microsoft Family allows family members to share their mobile locations with each other; when it comes to location privacy, it’s up to you how you share location data with each app.

Can I filter content? 

Yes, you can restrict web browsing to block inappropriate websites per Microsoft’s built-in filter for Microsoft Edge, or you can only allow your child to visit specific websites you custom list.  To handle more nuances, you can also add websites that are always allowed or always blocked.  You can limit access to apps and games by age ratings, and you can additionally list apps and games that are always allowed or always blocked.  Since Microsoft’s filtering tool only works for Microsoft Edge, other browsers are blocked; however, you can unblock specific browsers (e.g., Chrome) and apply their own filters to them manually (in Chrome’s case via Google Family Link).

Can I set time limits? 

Yes, you can set time limits per day of the week that control how early and late your child may use their Windows device, and for how many hours during that available time.  You can also set limits for specific apps and games, including web browsing.

Can I monitor or restrict what my child downloads or purchases? 

Yes, you can review purchases and/or add money to your child’s Microsoft account to make purchases within the designated parental control boundaries. 

Can I review my child’s activity?

Yes, in Microsoft Family you can see what your child has been doing on their Windows device, including their web browsing history (only when using Microsoft Edge as their browser), and how much time they’ve spent on which apps and games. You can also have weekly activity reports emailed to you. If they use a non-Microsoft browser (e.g., Chrome), you’ll only see how much time they spent on that browser with no further details (however, in the case of Chrome, you can check their browsing history directly on their PC – more details at the bottom of this page).

Can I lock parental control settings so they can’t be changed (i.e., childproof them)? 

Yes, these settings are childproofed and controlled from the parent’s browser or app.

NOTE: if your child has a Windows PC and uses Chrome as their web browser, you can set up Google Family Link with limited functionality that includes the ability to: (a) filter the web via “try to block mature sites” per Chrome’s built-in filter, or to only allow certain websites; and (b) lock on “SafeSearch” when using Google as the search engine. To view their web browsing history, you have to look on their PC directly by opening Chrome, clicking on the 3 stacked dots at the upper right, and clicking on history.  FYI, your child can delete their history at any time.

Talk about tech!

If you’re giving your child an Windows PC, check out our guides for introducing digital devices or a new phone to your child, our guide for adding new apps/games to your child’s devices and our guide to mentoring conversations.

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