Giving a child their first phone, tablet or games console is exciting, but it also raises questions about what they can see, who they can talk to and how long they spend on screen. Parental controls will not solve everything, yet they are a sensible first layer of protection.
This guide covers the main places you can set limits: the device itself, apps and games, and your home broadband. Menu names change with software updates, so use the search box in Settings if you cannot find an option. Every family is different, so treat these as options rather than rules.
Start with the device’s built-in settings
Both Apple and Google offer free family tools. On iPhone and iPad, Screen Time lets a parent set app limits, downtime and content restrictions. On Android, Google Family Link does something similar, and many Samsung and other handsets add their own options.
The usual first step is to create a child account linked to your own, rather than letting a child use an adult account. That gives you a dashboard where you can approve downloads, see usage and set bedtime locks. Choose a strong passcode for the settings and do not share it, since children are often good at guessing.
Set age ratings for apps, films and music
Stores let you restrict content by age rating. You can block apps above a certain rating, hide explicit music and limit films and programmes. It is worth setting these to match your child’s age, then reviewing them every year or so.
Remember that ratings are guidance, not a guarantee. Some apps with a low rating still allow chat with strangers, so check the features of an app as well as its label.
Control purchases and in-app spending
Unexpected bills are one of the most common parental complaints. Switch on approval for purchases so a child must ask before spending, and be cautious about saving card details on shared devices. In-app purchases in games can add up quickly, especially when virtual items look like toys rather than money.
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If a surprise charge appears, contact the store and your bank promptly. Policies vary, so we cannot promise a refund, but asking early gives you the best chance.
Set screen time limits that you can explain
Controls work best when children understand the reasons for them. Rather than a flat ban, many families agree a daily allowance, a school-night cut-off and phone-free times such as meals. Built-in downtime features can enforce the agreement without a daily argument.
Consider keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight. Sleep is one of the areas where evidence on heavy night-time use is most consistent, though we are not medical professionals, and a GP or school nurse is the right person to ask if you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing.
Use controls on your home broadband
Most UK broadband providers offer free network-level filters that block categories of websites on every device at home. You can usually switch them on through your provider’s app or account page. Some routers also let you pause the internet for a particular device at set times.
Network filters only work at home, so they do not cover mobile data or a friend’s house. That is why combining them with device settings gives the best coverage. If your connection is struggling, our guide to speeding up a slow smartphone may also help.
Check games consoles and streaming apps
Consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch each have a family app where you can limit play time, restrict online chat and approve friend requests. Streaming services, including YouTube, offer kids’s profiles or supervised modes that filter what is shown.
Set these up on each service separately, because settings on a phone do not automatically carry over to the television. Take a few minutes to test the child profile yourself so you know what your child will see.
Teach online safety as well as blocking
No filter catches everything. Talk openly about scams, strangers and sharing photos, and make it clear that your child can come to you without being in trouble. Our article on spotting fake websites and the guide to stopping spam calls and texts are good ones to read together with an older child.
Explain why privacy settings matter and why they should never share passwords, even with friends. Setting up two-factor authentication on their important accounts is a good habit to start early.
Review and adjust as they grow
A setting that suits a seven-year-old will frustrate a thirteen-year-old. Schedule a quick review every few months, and loosen limits gradually as your child shows responsible behaviour. Involving them in the decision tends to build trust.
The aim is not to watch everything, but to give them safe space to learn. Official charities and the NSPCC publish up-to-date family guidance, and your child’s school is another good source of advice on current apps.
