Parental controls

Learn how to make a device safe using parental controls and where you get further support.

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Did you know?

According to Ofcom, 42% of 10 to 12 year olds upload their own videos online, potentially exposing them to interactions from strangers.  

What are parental controls  

Parental controls can help you protect your child from inappropriate or harmful content, limit the amount of time spent online and support safe digital experiences. 

For example, using parental controls can help to: 

• manage screen time 
• filter inappropriate content to reduce the chances of your child seeing it 
• restrict purchases and stop things from being bought  
• monitor online activity and what your child is viewing 
• track location if necessary 

Parental controls are often already installed on devices that can access the internet, but you will need to check they are turned on and set at the correct level. 

What to think about before you set up parental controls 

When setting up parental controls it may be helpful to think about: 

• talking about them with your child to explain why they should be set up 
• the type of device being used (for example, a phone, tablet or games console) 
• your child’s age and the amount of time you want them to spend online (for example, an older child may have screen time restricted after bedtime) 
• the websites and apps your child uses or wants to use, and if there are any additional controls you need to add 
• settings you can put on your home broadband to stop inappropriate content being accessed on devices connected to your WiFi network 

Did you know?

Parental controls are helpful, but they can’t fix everything. Talking to your child about being safe online is just as important.

Top tips  

Here are some top tips for making sure you get the most out of the parental controls you set up.   

Check your parental controls work  

After you have set up your parental controls you should:  

• check they work (for example block certain content or apps) before you give the device to your child  
• consider if you need to add controls for new places your child has access to, (such as online games, games consoles, social media and VPNs) 
• update your controls as your child gets older or gets a new device and check they still work 
• remember that it’s normal for your child to be curious and try to get around the restrictions you have put in place  

Have regular conversations about online safety 

Having regular conversations with your child about being safe online can help them understand why you have parental controls and what they can do if something happens online that upsets them.  

It can also help to talk to your child about when you will review or remove some restrictions, so they understand that things will change as they get older.  

Set up a plan for screen time 

You might want to create a screen time plan with your family that you all agree to and follow. 

You could: 

• agree a ‘digital plan’ for screen time with your child, that covers when it’s okay and not ok to use a device (for example, at mealtimes or when it’s time for bed)  
• show your child that you also won’t be using devices at similar times to help them understand that this is an important rule for your family  
• share it with other family members or friends, who can support you in keeping it in place 

Offer alternatives  

You might feel under pressure from your child to allow them access to content online that isn’t suitable for their age (for example a game with an adult age rating).  

Rather than say no straightaway, see if there are any alternatives that you could offer that will keep your child happy but safe. For example, this could be suggesting a game like the one they want to play, but with the appropriate age rating.  

Then you can talk to your child about it and explain the reasons why an alternative is better for them.

Next steps  

Most devices, apps and websites have parental controls in their settings.

You can find instructions from manufacturers and service providers to set your controls (for example, at Apple, PlayStation, Xbox, Google). 

Some places you can also find help:

Internet Matters has a wide selection of step-by-step instructions on how to set up parental controls across different devices, websites and apps.   

How to find age appropriate content

The Family Gaming database or Common sense media  could help you find a website, game, or app safe for your child to use.

The Games Rating Authority provides information about age ratings and overview of any specific areas of concern in the game, such as language used. 

Digital plans

Internet Matters has a ‘digital family agreement’ template you can use with your family to agree on rules for device use in and out of the home.

Childnet has a ‘family agreement’ tool you can use with your child to help start conversations about how to behave online.

The Online Safety Act

The Online Safety Act is a set of laws that protects children online.

Different social media sites, games, and apps need to follow these laws to help prevent harmful or age inappropriate content being seen by children.

Ofcom provides more information for parents about the online safety act.

Find out where to get support

Get support on the different topics of online safety or use a helpline to speak to an expert.

Know where to report something

If something happens online that upsets your child or puts them in danger, know where you can report it.

 

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