Free Guide to Understanding Device Parental Controls

What Parental Controls Are and Why They Matter

Parental controls are tools built into devices that let parents and guardians manage what content their children can see and do online. These features exist on smartphones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, and streaming services. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, about 60% of parents with children ages 13-17 use some form of parental control on their child's devices. Understanding how these tools work can help you make informed decisions about your family's digital safety.

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The purpose of parental controls goes beyond just blocking websites. These tools allow you to set time limits on screen use, monitor which apps get downloaded, control in-game purchases, and track location in some cases. Different devices offer different levels of control, so what's available on an iPad might differ from what you'll find on an Android phone or a Windows computer.

Parental controls serve several functions. They can prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content, including adult websites, violent games, or programs with mature language. They can also limit screen time to encourage healthier habits—the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 6 and older have consistent limits on screen time. Some parental control systems let you see what your child is doing online, which can open conversations about digital safety.

It's important to understand that parental controls are one part of digital safety, not the whole solution. They work best alongside open communication with your child about online safety, responsible behavior, and what to do if they encounter something uncomfortable or unsafe online.

Takeaway: Parental controls are built-in tools that let you manage content, time, and activity on your child's devices. They're most effective when combined with conversations about digital safety and responsible online behavior.

Parental Controls on iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

Apple devices use a feature called Screen Time, which replaced earlier parental control systems. Screen Time shows how much time is spent on apps and websites, and it lets you set limits on different categories of content and app use. According to Apple's own documentation, Screen Time is available on all devices running iOS 12 or later, iPadOS 12 or later, and macOS 10.15 or later.

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To set up Screen Time on an iOS device, you go to Settings, tap Screen Time, and then select "Turn On Screen Time." If you're setting it up for a child, you choose "This is my child's device." You'll then create a Screen Time passcode—different from your device unlock code—which prevents children from changing the restrictions you've set. This passcode is important because without it, kids could simply turn off the limits you've created.

Within Screen Time, you can configure several types of controls:

• App Limits: Set daily time limits for specific apps or app categories (Social Networking, Games, Entertainment, Productivity, etc.). When the time runs out, the app becomes unavailable until the next day unless you manually allow more time.
• Downtime: Schedule periods when only phone calls and apps you've specifically allowed can be used. For example, you might set Downtime from 9 PM to 7 AM on school nights, allowing only Messages and Phone during those hours.
• Content & Privacy Restrictions: Control what apps can be installed, what content can be viewed, and what features can be used. You can restrict apps by age rating, prevent changes to privacy settings, and block explicit content in music and movies.
• Communication Limits: Manage who your child can call, text, or FaceTime during Downtime. You can allow contacts only, or specific people you choose.
• Location Services: Control whether location data is shared and which apps can access location information.

Screen Time also shows detailed reports about which apps your child uses most and how much time they spend in each one. These reports update daily and can help you understand your child's digital habits.

Takeaway: iOS Screen Time lets you set app time limits, schedule downtime periods, restrict content by age rating, and control which apps can be installed. You protect all these settings with a separate passcode.

Parental Controls on Android Devices

Android devices offer parental controls through Google Play Family Library and a separate app called Google Family Link. Family Link is Google's main parental control tool for Android phones and tablets. According to Google's information, Family Link is available for children under 13 in most countries, though parents can also use it to supervise teenagers up to age 19.

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To use Google Family Link, you need to have a Google account, and you set up a separate supervised account for your child. The child's device will have Family Link installed, which communicates with your parent account. This setup requires downloading the Family Link app on both your device and your child's device, then linking them together through your Google account.

Google Family Link provides these controls:

• App Management: See what apps are on your child's device and approve or block new app downloads from Google Play Store. Your child can request permission to install apps, and you can approve or deny the requests.
• Screen Time Limits: Set daily screen time limits for the device overall. When the limit is reached, the device locks until you manually unlock it or the next day begins.
• Bedtime Controls: Set a bedtime when the device automatically locks, which helps establish healthy sleep habits.
• Content Filtering: Filter web content based on age-appropriate categories through Google Chrome.
• Location Tracking: See where your child's device is located, which can be useful for safety purposes.
• Activity Reports: View reports about app usage, including which apps were used, how long, and when.

One advantage of Family Link is that it works with multiple devices. If your child has both a phone and a tablet, you can manage both from one parent account. The system also works with Chromebooks, which are common in schools.

For older Android devices or if you prefer additional options, Samsung devices include their own Samsung Kids mode, which creates a separate, controlled space on the device with its own apps and settings.

Takeaway: Google Family Link lets you manage app installations, set device-wide screen time limits, filter web content, and track location. It works across multiple Android devices and requires setting up a linked account for your child.

Parental Controls on Windows and Mac Computers

Desktop and laptop computers from Microsoft and Apple both include parental control features, though they work differently than mobile device controls. Windows computers use Family Safety, while Mac computers use Parental Controls (on older systems) or Screen Time (on newer systems running macOS 10.15 and later).

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Windows Family Safety is part of your Microsoft account setup. To use it, you create a child account linked to a parent account, then manage settings through the Family Safety section of your Microsoft account online. According to Microsoft's documentation, Family Safety works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The controls you set apply automatically to your child's account on that computer.

Windows Family Safety includes these features:

• Screen Time Limits: Set when the computer can be used and for how long. You can create different schedules for different days of the week.
• App and Game Restrictions: Block specific programs or limit access based on age ratings. This is useful for preventing use of certain games or programs.
• Website Filtering: Allow or block certain websites. You can set the browser to block adult content automatically, or you can create custom allow/block lists.
• Activity Reports: View reports about which apps, games, and websites your child used, including how much time was spent on each.
• Purchase Controls: Set spending limits on the Microsoft Store and prevent purchases without your permission.

Mac computers running macOS 10.15 or later use Screen Time, which works similarly to iOS Screen Time. Older Mac systems use the Parental Controls system, though these older systems are no longer receiving updates. On newer Macs, you