How to Set Up Parental Controls on Devices

Most phones, tablets, laptops and consoles now include built-in parental controls, so you often do not need extra software. Here is a practical rundown of where to find them and what they can do.

Phones and tablets

Both major mobile platforms have mature parental control systems built in. On iPhone and iPad, Screen Time (found in Settings) lets you set app limits, downtime schedules, content restrictions and purchase approvals, and it can be managed remotely for a child's device through Family Sharing. On Android, Google's Family Link app performs a similar role, letting a parent set daily screen time limits, approve app downloads and see rough location information from a connected parent account.

Laptops and computers

Windows includes Microsoft Family Safety, which covers screen time schedules, content filtering and activity reporting once a child's account is linked to a family group. On Mac, Screen Time carries over from iOS and works similarly across Apple devices signed into the same family group. Chromebooks generally rely on Family Link as well, keeping the setup broadly consistent with an Android phone.

What parental controls typically cannot do

It is worth being realistic about limitations. Content filters rely on age ratings and keyword matching, so they can miss content that is not clearly categorised, and a determined older child may find workarounds, particularly on a device they have had time to explore. Controls work best as one part of a broader approach rather than a complete solution on their own.

Getting started without overcomplicating it

For most families, setting up one platform-level tool (Family Link, Screen Time or Family Safety) covering the devices actually in use is enough to start. You can always add more granular restrictions later once you know what limits are actually needed day to day.