Back to How To Guides
How To Guide

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Family Devices

Keep your children safe online with built-in parental controls on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Control screen time, filter content, and monitor usage.

Overview

All major operating systems include built-in parental controls. This guide shows you how to set up screen time limits, content filters, and app restrictions on every platform.

Step 1: Windows Parental Controls

Windows uses Microsoft Family Safety for parental controls.

1

Create a Child Account

Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add a family member → Add a child. Enter the child's email address or create a new Microsoft account for them.

2

Configure Screen Time

Visit account.microsoft.com/family on any device → Select your child → Screen time:

  • Set daily time limits for weekdays and weekends
  • Schedule specific hours when device can be used
  • Block usage during homework or bedtime hours
3

Content Filters

  • Web filtering: Enable "Filter inappropriate websites" to block adult content
  • Search filtering: Force SafeSearch in Bing and other search engines
  • App restrictions: Set age ratings for games and apps
4

Activity Reports

Enable activity reporting to see websites visited, apps used, and screen time. Reports are emailed weekly and viewable at account.microsoft.com/family.

Pro Tip: Children can request more time via the Family Safety app. You'll receive a notification to approve or deny the request.

Step 2: macOS Parental Controls

macOS offers Screen Time controls for managing children's device usage.

1

Enable Screen Time

Apple menu → System Settings → Screen Time → Options → Turn On. Set up a Screen Time passcode (different from the login password) so children cannot change settings.

2

Set Downtime

Screen Time → Downtime → Schedule downtime hours (e.g., 9pm-7am). During downtime, only allowed apps and phone calls are available.

3

App Limits

  • Screen Time → App Limits → Add limit
  • Select categories (Games, Social, Entertainment)
  • Set daily time limits (e.g., 1 hour for games)
  • Enable "Block at End of Limit" to enforce limits
4

Content & Privacy

Screen Time → Content & Privacy:

  • Prevent purchases: Block iTunes, App Store, and in-app purchases
  • Restrict apps: Set age ratings for apps, films, and TV shows
  • Web content: Limit adult websites or allow only approved websites
  • Game Centre: Disable multiplayer games and friend requests

Step 3: iOS/iPad Parental Controls

iPhone and iPad use Screen Time for comprehensive parental controls.

1

Enable Screen Time

Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time → This is My Child's iPhone. Set a Screen Time passcode.

2

Configure Downtime and Limits

  • Downtime: Set sleep schedule (e.g., 8pm-7am school nights)
  • App Limits: Limit social media, games, entertainment
  • Communication Limits: Control who children can contact during Screen Time and Downtime
  • Always Allowed: Select apps that work during Downtime (Phone, Messages, educational apps)
3

Content Restrictions

Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions:

  • Block explicit content in Music, Podcasts, Books
  • Set age ratings for Apps, Films, TV Shows
  • Disable Siri web search and explicit language
  • Prevent account changes and app deletions
4

Family Sharing

Set up Family Sharing to manage multiple children's devices from your iPhone:

  • Settings → Your Name → Family Sharing
  • Add family members and set children's accounts
  • Enable "Ask to Buy" so children need permission for purchases
  • View all family Screen Time reports in one place
Location Sharing: Consider enabling location sharing through Family Sharing to know where your children are. This can be enabled/disabled per child in Find My app.

Step 4: Android Parental Controls

Android uses Google Family Link for parental controls.

1

Set Up Family Link

Download "Google Family Link" app on your phone and the child's phone. Create or link a Google Account for your child (under 13 requires parental permission).

2

Daily Limits and Bedtime

  • Open Family Link → Select child → Daily limit
  • Set total screen time allowed per day
  • Configure bedtime hours to lock the device
  • Set different limits for weekdays and weekends
3

App Management

  • Approve downloads: Children need permission to download apps from Google Play
  • Block apps: Hide or block specific apps remotely
  • Set app timers: Limit time in specific apps (e.g., 30 min YouTube)
  • Age restrictions: Filter apps and games by age rating
4

Content Filters

Family Link → Filters:

  • Google Chrome: Enable SafeSearch and block adult websites
  • Google Search: Hide explicit results
  • YouTube: Restrict to YouTube Kids or age-appropriate content only
  • Google Play: Set maximum content rating for apps, films, books
5

Location and Activity

  • See child's location on a map (if device is on)
  • View activity reports: apps used, screen time, unlock attempts
  • Remotely lock the device
Bonus Control: When your child turns 13, parental controls don't automatically turn off, but they can choose to manage their own account. Family Link will notify you when they reach this age.

Need Help Setting Up Family IT?

We provide family IT setup services including parental controls, device configuration, and internet safety training.

Get a Quote Call 01726 76999