Parental Controls to Keep Kids Safe Online

Practical steps to protect children from online dangers while still letting them learn and explore.

3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026

1. Step 1. Why online safety matters for kids

   The internet is amazing for learning. But it also has risks for children.

   Dangers parents should know about:

   • Inappropriate content — Violent or disturbing material that is easy to stumble upon
   • Online predators — Adults who contact children through games and social media
   • Cyberbullying — Bullying through messages or online games
   • Oversharing — Kids may share personal information without understanding the risks
   • Too much screen time — Excessive use can affect sleep and mental health

   Every phone, tablet, and computer has built-in tools to help protect your children.

2. Step 2. Set up parental controls on iPhone and iPad

   Apple's controls are called "Screen Time."

   1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time
   2. Tap "This is My Child's iPhone"
   3. Content Restrictions: Tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions" > turn it on

   • Set age limits for apps, movies, TV, and music
   • Block explicit websites
   • Prevent app purchases

   1. App Limits: Set daily time limits for categories (games, social media)
   2. Downtime: Set hours when the device is mostly locked (great for bedtime)
   3. Create a Screen Time Passcode only you know

   Manage everything from your own iPhone through Family Sharing.

3. Step 3. Set up parental controls on Android

   Google uses "Family Link" for parental controls.

   1. On YOUR phone, download "Google Family Link"
   2. Tap "Add child" or "Set up"
   3. Create a Google account for your child or link an existing one
   4. On your child's device, sign in and enable parental supervision

   What you can control:

   • Screen time limits and bedtime lock
   • App approvals before any download
   • Content filters by age rating
   • Website filtering in Chrome
   • Location on a map
   • Remote lock if needed

   You manage everything from the Family Link app on your phone.

4. Step 4. Set up safe search and YouTube safety

   Make sure search engines and YouTube filter inappropriate content.

   Google Safe Search:

   1. Go to google.com/preferences on your child's device
   2. Check "Turn on SafeSearch"
   3. Save

   YouTube:

   • For younger kids: Use the "YouTube Kids" app instead of regular YouTube
   • For older kids: In YouTube app, Settings > General > turn on "Restricted Mode"

   No filter is perfect — some content may still get through. That is why talking to your children about online safety is just as important as technical controls.

5. Step 5. Have ongoing conversations about online safety

   Technology alone cannot keep kids safe — open communication is the most important tool.

   1. Talk early and often — Start conversations at an age-appropriate level
   2. Teach the rules:

   • Never share your full name, address, or school name online
   • Never meet someone in person that you only know online
   • If something makes you uncomfortable, tell a parent right away

   1. Be approachable — Make sure your child knows they will not get in trouble for telling you about something scary they saw
   2. Check in regularly — Ask about their online activities
   3. Know what they use — Be aware of their apps, games, and social media

   The goal is to prepare them to navigate the digital world safely on their own.