How to set up parental controls on your phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Parental ControlsMobileSecurityPrivacySettingsSmartphonesDevicesAndroidiPhoneManagement

In today's digital age, it's essential to keep your children safe from inappropriate content and ensure they follow healthy screen time habits. Parental controls are a useful tool for parents to manage and monitor their children's phone usage. This comprehensive guide will help you set up parental controls on both Android and iPhone devices and ensure your children's online safety.

Setting up parental controls on an Android device

If you have an Android phone, there are several ways to set up parental controls. You can use the Android operating system's built-in settings, Google's Family Link app, or a third-party application.

Using the built-in settings

Most Android devices have built-in parental control settings. Follow these steps to enable them:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and select Users & accounts.
3. Tap Add account.
4. Select Google and create a new account for your child. You can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup.
5. Once the account is created, open the Play Store app.
6. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
7. Select Settings from the menu.
8. Tap Parental Controls under the User Controls section.
9. Toggle the switch to turn on parental controls.
10. You will be asked to create a PIN to prevent unauthorized changes to these settings.
11. Set restrictions for apps, movies, TV shows, books, and music according to your preferences.

Using Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free app that allows parents to monitor and manage their children's phone usage. Follow these steps to set up Family Link:

1. Download the Google Family Link app from the Google Play Store on your phone or tablet.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create a Google account for your child.
3. Next, download the Google Family Link app for children & teens on your child's Android device.
4. Open the app on your child's phone and follow the on-screen instructions to link their account to yours.
5. Once linked, you can manage your child's phone use, set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and track their location.

Using third-party apps

In addition to the built-in settings and Google Family Link, you can also use third-party apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Screen Time to set up parental controls. These apps often offer additional features and flexibility:

1. Go to the Google Play Store and search for the parental control app you want to use (e.g., Qustodio, Norton Family, or Screen Time).
2. Download and install the app on your and your child's phone.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account and set up parental controls.
4. Customize settings to limit screen time, block inappropriate content, and monitor online activity.

Setting up parental controls on iPhone

If you have an iPhone, you can use the built-in Screen Time feature to set up parental controls. Follow these steps:

Use of screen time

Screen Time is an iOS feature that allows you to monitor and control your child's phone use. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
3. Tap Turn on Screen Time.
4. Tap Continue, then choose This is my child's iPhone.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set Screen Time settings for your child, including setting a Screen Time passcode to prevent changes.
6. Customize settings like Downtime (set times away from screens), App Limits (time limits on specific apps), and Content & Privacy Restrictions (restrict inappropriate content).

Using Family Sharing

Family Sharing is another useful feature that allows parents to manage and control their child's phone usage. To set it up, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Select Family Sharing.
4. Tap Add Family Member and follow the instructions to add your child's Apple ID.
5. After you add your child's account, go back to Screen Time settings and select your child's name under Family.
6. Set screen time restrictions and parental controls for your child's account.

Using third-party apps

Just like Android devices, you can use a third-party app to set up parental controls on iPhone as well. For this, you need to follow the following steps:

1. Go to the App Store and search for the parental control app you want to use (e.g., Qustodio, Norton Family, or Screen Time).
2. Download and install the app on your iPhone and your child’s iPhone.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account and set up parental controls.
4. Customize settings to limit screen time, block inappropriate content, and monitor online activity.

Tips for effective parental controls

Setting up parental controls is only one part of helping your child use technology responsibly. Here are some additional tips to ensure the effectiveness of your parental controls:

• Communicate with your child: Discuss the importance of internet safety and the reasons for setting up parental controls. Establish open communication to make sure your child understands the rules and feels comfortable coming to you with any concerns.
• Set clear rules: Set rules for phone use, such as screen time limits, approved apps and games, and appropriate online behavior. Make sure your child understands these rules and agrees to follow them.
• Monitor usage: Check your child's phone usage and online activity regularly to make sure they are following the established rules. Use the monitoring features provided by the parental control app to keep an eye on their behavior.
• Lead by example: Model proper phone use behavior by setting an example for your child. Avoid excessive screen time and teach good online habits.
• Adjust settings as needed: Frequently review and adjust parental control settings to accommodate your child's changing needs and maturity level. Be flexible and prepared to adapt as your child grows.

Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on your child's phone is an essential step to ensure their safety and promote healthy tech use habits. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you can use built-in settings, a family management app, or a third-party parental control app to achieve this goal. Remember to communicate with your child, set clear rules, and regularly monitor their phone use. By doing so, you can create a safe and balanced digital environment for your child while promoting responsible tech habits.

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