Parental Controls

Why Parental Controls Matter

Children and teenagers are not yet ready to independently manage access to the digital world. Just as we don’t let 10-year-olds drive a car, we shouldn’t give them unlimited access to the internet and social media.

Parental controls are not a punishment - they’re a protection tool that helps children develop healthy digital habits.

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Key Tools

For Android: Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free app that lets parents:

• Approve app installations - you decide what your child can download
• Set screen time limits - daily and hourly limits
• See location - know where your child is
• Manage content - filter inappropriate websites and apps

How to set up:

1. Install “Family Link for Parents” on your phone
2. Create a Google Account for your child (under 13 requires parental consent)
3. Install “Family Link for Children” on your child’s device
4. Link the accounts by following the on-screen instructions

For iPhone/iPad: Screen Time

Screen Time is built into iOS and offers:

• App time limits - set daily limits for each app or category
• Downtime - block device use during certain hours (e.g., bedtime)
• Content restrictions - control what your child can see and buy
• Privacy settings - manage location sharing and contacts

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Time
2. Tap “Set Up Screen Time for Family”
3. Choose your child’s device
4. Set a Screen Time passcode (different from device unlock!)

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Essential Settings

1. App Store Approval

Why? Children may download inappropriate apps or games with in-app purchases.

Android: Family Link → Manage settings → Google Play → Require approval for all content

iOS: Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → Installing Apps → Ask

2. Screen Time Limits

Why? Unlimited access leads to addiction and poor sleep.

Recommended limits:

• School days: 1-2 hours
• Weekends: 2-3 hours
• No screens 1 hour before bedtime

3. Content Filtering

Why? Children can accidentally or intentionally access inappropriate content.

Android: Family Link → Controls → Google Chrome → Try to block mature sites

iOS: Screen Time → Content Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Websites

4. Location Sharing

Why? For safety and peace of mind.

Android: Family Link → Location → Enable

iOS: Settings → [Child’s name] → Share My Location

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Common Mistakes

❌ Giving the child the passcode

If your child knows the Screen Time or Family Link passcode, they can disable all restrictions. Use a code they don’t know.

❌ Setting limits but not enforcing them

“Just 5 more minutes” turns into hours. Be consistent.

❌ Not explaining why

Children respond better when they understand the purpose. Explain that it’s about their health and safety, not punishment.

❌ One-time setup only

Review settings regularly. Apps update, new platforms appear, children grow.

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Conversation Starters

Instead of just imposing rules, have a conversation:

• “I want to help you develop healthy habits with your phone”
• “These limits are here because I care about your sleep and schoolwork”
• “As you show responsibility, we can adjust the limits together”
• “What apps do you want to use and why?”

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Summary

Area	Action
App installations	Require approval
Daily screen time	1-2 hours (school days)
Bedtime	No devices 1 hour before
Content filtering	Enable for browsers
Location	Enable sharing
Passcode	Keep secret from child

Remember: Parental controls are a tool, not a complete solution. Combine them with open communication and trust-building.