Parental controls are not foolproof, but configured correctly they form a strong first line of defence. They buy you time, reduce exposure, and create friction that makes it harder for predators and harmful content to reach your child. Here is how to set up the most important controls on every major platform.
Apple Screen Time (iOS / macOS)
Downtime Schedule
Set a nightly downtime (e.g., 9 PM to 7 AM) where only approved apps are accessible. This prevents late-night unsupervised browsing when predators are most active.
App Limits
Set daily time limits for social media and gaming apps. When the limit is hit, the app locks. You can approve extensions but the friction is the point.
Content Restrictions
Under Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, limit web content to "Limit Adult Websites," disable explicit music/podcasts, and restrict app installations to require your approval.
Communication Limits
Restrict who your child can communicate with during allowed screen time and during downtime. Set contacts to "Contacts Only" to block unknown callers and messagers.
Important
Set a Screen Time passcode that your child does not know. Use a random 4-digit code, not a birthday or obvious number. Without the passcode, they cannot override any restrictions.
Google Family Link (Android)
App Approval
Require your approval for every app download. This prevents your child from installing messaging or social media apps you do not know about.
Screen Time Limits
Set daily limits and bedtime schedules. Family Link will lock the device when the limit is reached.
Location Tracking
Enable location sharing so you can see your child's device location in real time. This is not about surveillance — it is about safety.
Content Filters
Enable Google SafeSearch, restrict YouTube to YouTube Kids or restricted mode, and block explicit content in the Play Store.
Router-Level Controls
Device-level controls can be bypassed if your child connects to Wi-Fi directly. Router-level controls add an additional layer:
- DNS filtering — Change your router's DNS to a family-safe provider like OpenDNS FamilyShield (208.67.222.123) or Cloudflare for Families (1.1.1.3). This blocks adult content at the network level.
- Time-based access — Many modern routers allow you to schedule Wi-Fi access per device. Turn off your child's device Wi-Fi at bedtime.
- Device-level restrictions — Identify your child's devices by MAC address and apply stricter rules to them.
Social Media Platform Settings
Snapchat
- Set account to private (Settings > Who Can... > Contact Me = My Friends)
- Disable "Quick Add" so strangers cannot find them
- Turn off location sharing (Snap Map)
- Enable "Family Center" for parental oversight
TikTok
- Enable "Family Pairing" to link your account to your child's
- Set account to private
- Disable direct messaging for users under 16
- Enable restricted mode to filter mature content
- Limit screen time through Family Pairing
- Set account to private
- Enable "Supervision" features to set time limits and see who they follow
- Disable "Activity Status" so predators cannot see when they are online
- Restrict who can comment and message them
Discord
- Enable "Safe Direct Messaging" to scan for explicit content
- Disable direct messages from server members
- Review server memberships together
- Enable two-factor authentication on the account
Roblox
- Set age to under 13 to enable chat filters (this is required for COPPA compliance)
- Enable "Account Restrictions" to limit who can message them
- Disable in-app purchases or require parental approval
- Review their friends list periodically
Beyond Technology
Controls Are Not Enough
Parental controls reduce risk, but they cannot eliminate it. A determined predator will find a way around any technical barrier. The most powerful protection is a relationship where your child feels safe telling you when something goes wrong. Use controls as a safety net, not a substitute for conversation.