What are parental controls?
Parental controls are settings available across devices, apps and networks. They let you manage screen time, in-game spending, content, communication and more.
We know how hard it is to navigate online safety across all the tech your child interacts with. That’s why we’ve created a range of step-by-step parental controls, safety and privacy guides.
For younger children, these parental controls guides can help you customise their digital experiences and learn online safety. For older children, these guides can help lead conversations around safety settings on social media, in video games and beyond. Showing them how to use safety tools can help them take ownership of their safety.
Will parental controls keep my child safe online?
Parental controls are an important part of online safety. They work like a safety net for when your child spends time online — like the helmet they wear while cycling.
However, they work best if you also take other actions. Having regular, casual conversations about their online experiences is one way to do this.
Learn how to talk about children’s digital lives.
Additionally, learning about common online safety issues and staying up-to-date can help you catch any potential harms.
Explore our online issues hubs to learn more.
It’s also important to consider whether your child is ready for whichever device, app or game they express interest in.
See our guidance on children’s first connected devices.
See online safety checklist