How to Set Up Parental Controls on Smart Devices

Introduction

In today’s digital world, children have easy access to smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. While technology offers many benefits, it also comes with risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content, excessive screen time, and online threats.

Parental controls provide a way to manage and monitor a child’s digital activities, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate experience. By setting up these controls, parents can regulate app usage, filter content, limit screen time, and restrict online interactions.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of enabling parental controls on various smart devices, helping you create a secure and balanced digital environment for your child.

Smartphones & Tablets - (Google Family Link)

Step 1:  Install Google Family Link 

Download the app on both your and your child’s devices. To do this, go to the Play Store.

1. Open the Play Store and search for "Family Link" in the search bar.

2. Locate the app with a green and yellow kite icon, then tap it.

3. Finally, select "Install" to download the app.

Step 2: Open the app on your device.

Link your Google account to Google Family Link by selecting "Continue as [Your Account Name]" and proceeding with the setup.

Step 3: Create a Google Account for Your Child (If Needed)

If your child doesn’t already have a Google account, you’ll need to create one:

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your child’s name, gender, birthdate, and email address.

2. Set a password and review Google’s terms.

Step 4: Set-up parental controls in your child’s device.

Get your child’s device and follow the steps.

1. Open Settings

2. Look for the Parental controls

3. Tap to set-up Parental controls and simply click “Get Started”.

4. Choose who will be using the device. (Choose child or teen)

5. Enter your parent account

6. Your child's device will be connected to your device.

Step 5: Adjust Parental Controls and Restrictions

Once the devices are linked, you can manage the following settings from the Family Link app on your device:

• Screen Time Limits: Set daily time limits for device usage.

• Bedtime Mode: Automatically lock your child’s device at a specific time.

• App Restrictions: Approve or block apps your child wants to install.

• Content Filters: Enable SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode to filter inappropriate content.

• Location Tracking: View your child’s real-time location on a map.

• Remote Locking: Lock your child’s device whenever needed.

Gaming Console - (PS5)

Step 1: Access Settings

1. Turn on your PS5 and log in to your account.

2. From the main screen, go to the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.

3. Navigate to Family and Parental Controls.

Step 2: Set-up restriction level

The restriction level depends on your child's age, which is determined by the birth date you entered in their account settings. 

Step 3: Set-up Playtime Settings

You can limit playtime by setting when it ends, defining the duration, and specifying the hours your child is allowed to play.