Parental Control Tools & Setup Guides
Comprehensive guides for setting up application blocking, whitelisting, and blacklisting on different platforms to protect children online.
Digital Parenting Guide
Essential guidance for parents to keep their children safe in the digital world.
Age-Based Safety Guidelines
Ages 3-7: Early Digital Exposure
- • Use parental controls on all devices
- • Co-view content with your child
- • Teach basic "stranger danger" for online
- • Set strict time limits (1 hour max)
- • Use kid-safe browsers and apps only
Ages 8-12: Building Digital Literacy
- • Discuss cyberbullying and how to report it
- • Teach password creation and protection
- • Explain the permanence of digital footprints
- • Monitor social media usage closely
- • Establish device-free zones and times
Ages 13+: Responsible Independence
- • Discuss online predators and grooming tactics
- • Teach about sexting and its legal consequences
- • Review privacy settings on all platforms
- • Establish consequences for unsafe behavior
- • Encourage open communication about online experiences
Practical Parenting Tools
Parental Control Software
- • Qustodio: Comprehensive monitoring and controls
- • Circle Home Plus: Network-level filtering
- • Screen Time (iOS): Built-in Apple controls
- • Family Link (Android): Google's parental controls
- • Bark: AI-powered content monitoring
Warning Signs to Watch For
- • Secretive behavior about online activities
- • Receiving gifts or money from unknown sources
- • Emotional withdrawal or behavioral changes
- • Excessive time spent online, especially at night
- • Reluctance to discuss online friends or activities
Family Digital Agreement
Create a family contract that includes:
- • Agreed-upon screen time limits
- • Consequences for unsafe online behavior
- • Rules about sharing personal information
- • Guidelines for social media use
- • Regular check-ins about online experiences
Technical Implementation Guides
Step-by-step technical guides for setting up controls and restrictions.
Router-Level Controls
Control internet access for all devices in your home at the network level.
Circle Home Plus
Network-wide content filtering and time limits
Device-Specific Controls
Platform-specific parental controls and app blocking.
iOS Screen Time
Built-in Apple parental controls
Google Family Link
Android device management
Third-Party Applications
Advanced monitoring and control software.
Qustodio
Comprehensive cross-platform monitoring
Bark
AI-powered content monitoring
Quick Setup Walkthroughs
Step-by-step guides for common scenarios.
Block Social Media Apps
iOS: Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Add Limit → Social Networking
Android: Family Link → Child's device → App activity → Set limits
Create App Whitelist
iOS: Settings → Screen Time → Always Allowed → Choose apps
Android: Family Link → Manage settings → Apps installed → Require approval
Block Inappropriate Websites
Router: Change DNS to OpenDNS (208.67.222.222)
Device: Use built-in content restrictions in device settings
Set Gaming Time Limits
PlayStation: Settings → Family and Parental Controls → Restrict Playtime
Xbox: Xbox Family Settings app → Screen time → Gaming time
Nintendo: Parental Controls app → Play-Time Limit
Emergency Resources
If you suspect your child is in danger online: