Parental Controls
Keeping children safe online is about layering protections — device settings, network filtering, and open conversations work together. No single solution covers everything.
Device-level parental controls
Most devices children use — phones, tablets, gaming consoles, and computers — have built-in parental control features. These are a good first line of defence.
- On Apple devices, use Screen Time (Settings → Screen Time) to restrict apps, set time limits, and prevent purchases.
- On Android, use Family Link to manage apps, screen time, and location for children's accounts.
- On Windows, use Family Safety in Microsoft account settings to set content filters and screen time limits.
- On gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), enable parental controls through the system settings.
- Set up a separate child account on shared devices rather than letting children use adult accounts.
Network-level content filtering
Router-based filtering works across every device in your home — including those that can't run parental control apps. Many UK broadband providers offer this for free.
- Check whether your broadband provider offers parental controls — BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk all provide filtering options.
- Enable content filtering in your router settings or through your provider's app.
- Consider using a DNS-based filtering service that works at the network level.
- Network filtering won't cover mobile data — apply device-level controls for phones used outside the home.
Social media and age restrictions
Most major social media platforms require users to be at least 13. Understanding what platforms your children use and checking the privacy settings matters as much as age restrictions.
- Know which platforms your children use — ask them to show you their profiles.
- Review privacy settings on each platform — most default to more public than necessary.
- Enable private accounts so only approved followers can see posts.
- Talk with your children about what's appropriate to share publicly online.
- Be aware that age verification on most platforms is easy to bypass — conversation is more reliable than technology alone.
Open conversations about online safety
Technology controls alone aren't enough. Children who understand the risks and feel they can talk to you are better protected than those relying on filters alone.
- Have regular, non-judgmental conversations about what your children do online.
- Teach children to tell a trusted adult if they see something that upsets or worries them.
- Discuss advertising, sponsored content, and online persuasion — children are often targeted by it.
- Explain that information shared online can be difficult to fully remove.
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) at ceop.police.uk has excellent resources for parents and children.
Monitoring and privacy balance
As children get older, the balance between monitoring and privacy shifts. Transparent monitoring — where children know they're being supervised — tends to be more effective than covert tracking.
- Be open with your children about what monitoring you do and why.
- Agree on shared family rules about screen time and online behaviour.
- Gradually reduce monitoring as children demonstrate responsible behaviour.
- Keep devices in shared family spaces for younger children rather than in bedrooms.
- Consider a family media agreement — many templates are available from UK internet safety organisations.
Ready to protect your home?
Start free — no credit card needed