How to Set Up Parental Controls on macOS

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In the digital age, children are more exposed to the internet and digital devices than ever before. As a parent or guardian, it's important to ensure children's online safety by managing their computer use. An effective way to do this is by setting up parental controls on macOS. This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the process of setting up parental controls on Mac, helping to provide a safe and responsible digital environment for children.

Understanding parental controls on macOS

Parental controls on macOS are designed to give parents the power to control and monitor their children's computer activities. These controls help limit the websites children visit, the applications they access, the way they use their computer, and even the time they spend on the computer. With macOS Parental Controls, you can also manage contact lists and restrict communications to approved individuals.

The importance of parental controls

Before we get into the steps to set up parental controls, let's discuss why they're important:

• Restrict inappropriate content: Children may inadvertently stumble upon inappropriate content online. Parental controls help block adult websites or any other content that is deemed inappropriate.
• Manage screen time: Limiting the time children spend on their devices is important for their health. Parental controls allow you to set specific hours for using the computer.
• Monitor activities: It's important to be aware of what your child does online. With parental controls, you can monitor their internet usage and application access.
• Protect personal information: Children may not understand the risks of sharing personal information. Controlling their online activities can prevent them from revealing sensitive data.
• Prevent unauthorized purchases: Some apps and websites have purchase options that children may inadvertently use. Parental controls can restrict such transactions.

Getting started with parental controls on macOS

Setting up parental controls on macOS is easy, but it requires you to have administrative access. Let's take a look at the steps involved:

1. Create a separate user account for your child

To implement effective parental controls, it's best to create a dedicated user account for your child.

1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3. Open Users & Groups.
4. In the Users & Groups window, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner to make changes. You will need to enter the administrator password.
5. Click the + button below the list of user accounts to create a new account.
6. Select Standard as the account type. Enter the child's full name, account name, and password. If they forget the password, providing an alternate password hint can help.
7. Click Create user to set up the account.

2. Enable parental controls for the child's account

Once you’ve created a separate user account, you can enable parental controls for it.

1. In the Users & Groups window, select the child's account from the list.
2. Check the box labeled Enable Parental Controls and click Open Parental Controls.
3. If prompted, enter your administrator password to proceed.

3. Configure parental control settings

Now that parental controls are enabled, it's time to configure the settings according to your preferences:

Application

This section allows you to manage the applications your child uses.

• Restrict apps: Choose which apps your child can access by checking or unchecking the box next to each app. You can restrict apps from the App Store, and allow only the apps you choose.
• Use Simple Finder: Enabling Simple Finder simplifies the Dock and removes potentially distracting features, making it easier for young children to use the Mac.

Web

Here, you can control the online content available to your child.

• Try to automatically limit access to adult websites: This option blocks access to a list of known adult websites. You can still add or remove specific sites to customize this list.
• Allow access to only these websites: This option limits access to a list of websites you specify. This is a strict mode, suitable for young children.

Store

Manage your child's access to the iTunes Store, iBooks Store, and App Store.

• Allow iTunes Store: You can disable the iTunes Store completely or only allow access to the content you deem appropriate.
• Restrict explicit content: Check this option to prevent access to explicit content in iTunes, Music, Books, and Apps.

Time

Set time limits for your child's computer use.

• Weekday time limits: Specify the maximum period for which your child can use the Mac on weekdays.
• Weekend time limits: Set separate usage limits for weekends.
• Bedtime: Set a time during which the child cannot use the computer (e.g., bedtime or homework time).

Privacy

This allows you to manage the privacy settings for your child's account.

• Limit ad tracking: Check to prevent apps from collecting data to deliver targeted advertising.

Other

Impose additional restrictions or controls if necessary.

• Disable the built-in camera
• Prevent child's account from printing
• Restrict mail and messages to known contacts

4. Review and adjust

Once you've configured parental controls, review these settings periodically to make sure they're appropriate for your family's needs. As your child grows, his or her needs and access to the computer and the Internet evolve, and so should your parental controls.

Troubleshooting common problems

When setting up or managing parental controls, you may encounter some challenges. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common problems:

Forgotten password

If you or your child forget the user account password, you can reset it through the Apple ID associated with the account or by using an administrator account.

Parental controls not working as expected

If the controls aren't restricting apps or websites as expected, double-check your settings and make sure you've applied the changes correctly. Make sure the child's account is logged in when you check these settings.

The need for more stringent controls

The built-in parental controls may not meet every need. There are third-party applications available that provide more advanced features, such as detailed activity reports, remote management, and more specific application and browser controls.

Additional tips to ensure online safety

In addition to setting up parental controls, there are other ways to keep your child's online experience safe:

Educate your child

Teach children about the dangers of the Internet, including online predators, cyber bullying, and the importance of protecting personal information.

Encourage open communication

Create an environment where children feel comfortable speaking up about their online experiences, especially if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Stay involved

As technology advances, new challenges emerge. Stay informed about these developments regularly and adjust your family's digital security strategy accordingly.

Use device-level controls

In addition to computers, make sure all devices, such as tablets and smartphones, have the necessary restrictions in place to maintain family standards of digital safety.

Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on macOS is a proactive approach to ensuring your child's online safety. With these controls, you can customize their digital environment, allowing them to explore and learn safely. While no system is foolproof, combining technologies like parental controls with education and frequent interactions creates a balanced approach to child safety in our connected world. Regularly reviewing and updating these controls in response to your family's changing needs is sure to support a safer digital future for your child.

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