Parental controls are the names for a group of settings that put you in control of what content your child can see. They are useful tools to help minimize the risks your children may face, but they are not 100% effective. Combined with privacy settings these can help you protect your children from the things they shouldn’t see or experience online. It’s really important to teach your child skills like critical thinking and resilience, so they know what do if they encounter risk. Always encourage them to talk to you about anything they find upsetting online.

 

Guidelines for Safe Internet Browsing by Age

Kids under 5 years:

Build a white list and choose a handful of sites you’re comfortable with, and plug them into the device your child uses. As he gets older and needs greater access, simply add to the list.

Kids 5 to 8 years:

Use a kid-friendly browser and disable the browser on your child’s device by going to Settings. Replace it with a kid-friendly one that you download from the app store. Choose an app which lets her access only sites it identifies as safe.

For 9 years and up:

Go with Google Safe Search, this search engine does an effective job of filtering explicit images and content. On a computer, go to the preferences section in Google, click “Turn on Safe-search” and then “Lock Safe-search.” On a mobile device, go to Google, click “Settings,” then select “Search settings” and choose “Filter explicit results.” Repeat for each browser.

 

How to Set Parental Controls

Android Parental Controls

On these features you can restrict apps, games, movies, and TV your child tries to download from the Google Play Store. In order to limit or track, you need to download the Family Link app, then create a Google account for your child. Continue to select your child’s name and tap the Daily limits card, then select Edit limits and follow the instructions. When time is almost up and the device is about to be locked, the user will get a notification.

 

Amazon Fire Parental Controls

This includes Free Time, this is built into every device. It restricts purchases, bans ads, and allows access only to content you approve. On the limits you can set time restrictions for various activities and prevent the playing of games or videos for a set amount of time.

This parental control is best for kids 8years and under.

Windows 10 Parental Controls

Microsoft family lets you filter websites, block apps, games, and other media on this features. It also regulate your child’s ability to make Microsoft Store purchases.

You can set screen-time limits for individual user sessions. Keep in Mind you’ll have to set up an online Microsoft account and e-mail address for your child.

This is best for kids over 8 year.

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