How to Set Up Parental Controls on Any Device

Every major platform has built-in parental controls. You do not need third-party apps. Here is how to configure age-appropriate limits on every device your kids use.

iPhone and iPad (Screen Time)

Go to Settings > Screen Time. For your child’s device (create a child Apple ID through Family Sharing for kids under 13), enable Screen Time remotely from your phone.

App Limits: Set daily time allowances per category. Give 1 hour for Games, 30 minutes for Social Media. When time runs out, the app grays out. Kids can request more time, which sends you a notification to approve or deny.

Downtime: Schedule a block (like 8 PM to 7 AM) where only apps you whitelist are available. Phone calls to approved contacts still work.

Content Restrictions: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Block explicit content in the App Store, web, and Siri. Set app age ratings (4+, 9+, 12+, 17+). Disable in-app purchases entirely.

Communication Limits: Restrict who your child can call, text, and FaceTime during allowed and downtime hours.

Android (Family Link)

Download Google Family Link on your phone. Create a Google account for your child through the app. This gives you full remote control.

Screen Time: Set daily limits per device. Set a bedtime when the device locks. Approve or block individual app installs from the Play Store.

Content Filters: Google Play content restrictions by maturity level. SafeSearch enforced on Google. YouTube Kids mode or restricted YouTube.

Location: See your child’s device location in real time. Set location alerts for when they arrive at or leave specific places like school.

Windows (Microsoft Family Safety)

Go to family.microsoft.com and add your child’s Microsoft account. Set screen time limits per device and per day. Block specific apps and games by age rating. Turn on web filtering in Edge, which blocks adult content automatically. Activity reports show which apps, games, and websites your child used and for how long.

YouTube

Switch to YouTube Kids for children under 13. For older kids, enable Restricted Mode: click your profile icon > Settings > General > Restricted Mode. This filters out most mature content. On Family Link, you can enforce Restricted Mode so the child cannot turn it off.

Gaming Consoles

Xbox: Go to family.microsoft.com, add the child’s account, and set screen time, content restrictions, and online communication limits. Block multiplayer chat with strangers.

PlayStation: Settings > Family Management > Parental Controls. Set monthly spending limits, restrict games by age rating, and disable messaging from non-friends.

Nintendo Switch: Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Set daily play time limits, restrict games by age rating, and get a daily play-time report on your phone.

Router-Level Filtering

Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1). Many modern routers have parental controls built in. Set up a schedule to cut off internet access to specific devices after bedtime. Use OpenDNS Family Shield (208.67.222.123) as your DNS server to block adult content at the network level for every device in the house.

The Conversation Matters More Than the Settings

Controls are guardrails, not fences. Kids will eventually encounter content you did not filter. Talk to them about what they might see, why certain content is restricted, and what to do if something makes them uncomfortable. The goal is building judgment, not just building walls.

Bottom Line

Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, and Microsoft Family Safety cover the three major platforms. Add router-level DNS filtering for whole-house protection. Set up the tech, then have the conversation.