Parental Controls & Privacy Settings
Parental controls and privacy settings are essential tools that help you manage what your child can access online, limit screen time, and reduce exposure to harmful content. While they’re not a substitute for ongoing conversations and supervision, they provide a practical layer of protection that can be tailored to your family’s needs.
Device-Level Controls
Most smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and computers come with built-in parental controls. These allow you to:
- Set screen time limits for daily device usage or specific apps
- Restrict access to adult content, app downloads, and web browsing
- Block or approve apps before installation
For detailed setup guides, visit the Internet Matters Device Guides.
App & Platform Controls
Social media apps like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat include privacy and safety settings to help manage who your child interacts with and what they see:
- Switch to private accounts to limit who can follow or message them
- Disable direct messaging from unknown users
- Limit commenting to friends or approved users
- Disable location sharing to protect privacy
Check each platform’s safety centre for the latest updates. For example, see YouTube’s parental guide and TikTok’s Family Pairing feature.
Enable Safe Search Features
Most search engines and video platforms offer a Safe Search setting that filters out explicit content. Be sure to enable:
Privacy Best Practices
Encourage children to:
- Use strong passwords and keep them private—even from friends
- Log out of shared devices
- Avoid sharing personal information like full names, schools, phone numbers, and photos with strangers
The Childnet Privacy Guide offers age-appropriate tips on protecting personal information online.
Stay Up to Date
Parental control features and privacy settings change regularly. App updates can reset settings or introduce new ones. Make it a habit to:
- Review privacy settings every few months
- Set calendar reminders to check devices
- Ask your child to show you their favourite apps and how they use them
Conclusion
Parental controls and privacy settings are your digital support team—they help you shape a safe, age-appropriate environment while your child learns to navigate the online world. Combine these tools with open conversations and shared experiences to build trust and confidence in your family’s digital habits.