Filter content
Block adult material, violence, or other harmful sites.
Understanding parental controls
Key takeaways
- Parental controls help keep kids safer online by blocking harmful content and limiting screen time.
- You can set them up on devices, apps, and even your home Wi-Fi to manage what your kids see and do.
- They work best when you also talk to your child and set clear family rules.
Parental controls are tools that help you manage what your child sees and does online. They can be built into devices, apps, or added through special software.
What can parental controls do?
Depending on the tool, you can:
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Set time limits
Manage daily screen time or schedule offline hours.
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Restrict features
Turn off cameras, disable in-app purchases, or block chat functions. -
Monitor activity
Get reports on what your child is doing online.
Where can you use them?
You can set parental controls on:
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Devices
Phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. -
Apps and platforms
Social media, streaming services, and games. -
Home Wi-Fi
Many Wi-Fi routers let you set filters and time limits.
Why are they important?
Kids spend a lot of time online for learning, playing, and socialising. While the internet offers great opportunities, it also has risks like:
- Seeing harmful or inappropriate content
- Talking to strangers
- Too much screen time
Parental controls help reduce these risks by:
- Creating safer spaces for kids to explore
- Supporting healthy screen habits
- Giving you peace of mind
Tips for using parental controls:
Parental controls work best when you:
- Use them on every device your child uses
- Review and update them regularly to keep up with new apps and features.
- Combine them with other strategies, like:
- Talking about online safety.
- Using technology together.
- Setting family rules for when and where devices can be used.
Remember
No tool is perfect. Kids can find ways around parental controls. Keep talking and encourage them to ask for help if something feels wrong. If they need extra support, visit eSafety’s help page.
Want to learn more?
Visit the eSafety website for step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls on different devices, apps, and networks.
Visit eSafety
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