How to Set Up Parental Controls for the Internet

Rosslyn Elliott / Updated Sep 30, 2024 | Pub. Jun 03, 2024

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The internet brings us a carnival of entertainment and a vast library for learning. But we all know that an internet connection also carries potential risks. Those risks are higher for children and teens.

Young people may run into stranger danger or inappropriate content if they don’t have filters and safeguards. An Australian study showed that nearly half of children between the ages of 9 and 16 see sexual images regularly online [1]. 57% of youth aged 12 to 17 have seen real violence online that they found disturbing.

Other well-known dangers include cyberbullying and the evidence showing that social media causes depression in young people [2,3].

All these online hazards make it vital to support your child’s online safety by setting up parental controls.

Are There Parental Controls for the Internet?

Yes, parental controls exist in digital devices, software, and specific internet platforms. You have many choices of tools that set age-appropriate permissions.

Here are four types of parental controls:

1 – Built-in parental controls in operating systems

Most modern operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) have some built-in parental control features. You can set restrictions on internet access, app usage, and content filtering. Internet browsers may base their permissions on whether you have turned on parental controls in your operating system.

2 – Router-based parental controls

Many Wi-Fi routers come with parental control features that let you manage internet access for all devices connected to your home network. Routers give you an easy way to set up consistent rules across multiple devices.

a laptop sits with a padlock graphic on its screen to symbolize parental controls

Where to find parental controls

3 – Browser-based parental controls

Popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari offer built-in parental control settings to help you restrict access to inappropriate websites and content.

4 – Parental control apps and software

There are numerous third-party apps and software programs designed specifically for parental control. Standalone apps offer more advanced features and customization options compared to built-in controls.

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Router

Setting up parental controls on your router is an efficient way to manage internet access for all devices in your home.

Many routers now have apps for your smartphone that allow you to set your controls with an easy user interface.

If you don’t have an app or online portal, though, here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address into a web browser.
Log in using your router’s username and password (consult your router’s manual to find it if needed).
Look for a section labeled “Parental Controls.”
Set up filters for websites, keywords, and content categories you want to block.
Create schedules to limit internet access during specific times, such as bedtime or homework hours.
Apply the settings to each device you want to control.

Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary depending on your router’s brand and model.

Start with OS

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Operating System

For Windows 11:

1. Open the Windows search bar (the one that opens from the Windows logo, usually at the bottom left of your screen).

2. Type in “family options.” A window will pop up with information on parental controls.

3. Click on “View family settings.”

4. Microsoft Family Safety will walk you through the process of setting up your controls [4].

For Mac:

1. Go to System Settings or System Preferences, depending on your macOS system.

2. Click on Parental Controls or Screen Time.

3. If you are using the tool called Family Sharing, you can click the Family Member pop-up to manage settings for each child.

4. If you are not using Family Sharing, you can log directly into each family member’s user account to change the settings.

5. Keep in mind that if you change each account’s settings directly rather than using Family Sharing, the child will also be able to change those settings. This option is better for younger children rather than curious older children or tweens.

6. Remember that safety settings based on a user sign-in won’t work if your child accidentally uses your account instead of their own [5].

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Browsers

Most popular web browsers offer built-in control settings to help you restrict access to inappropriate content. Some are more like parental controls, while others are just general privacy controls. Browser controls aren’t the best because they often aren’t as specific as third-party apps, but they can help out if you want to activate them. Here’s how to set them up:

Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
Create a Google Account for your child by selecting a gmail address and password.
Link your account to theirs and agree to the Parental Consent notice.
Use Family Link to review content filters and create screen time limits.
Remember that for these controls to work, your child must be signed in with their own Chrome account. A child can browse without filters if they accidentally use a different Google account (such as yours).

Google Chrome offers parental controls

Mozilla Firefox

An important note: Firefox bases its filters and restrictions on the settings of your operating system. In other words, Firefox does not have its own true parental controls system. You can still change some permissions and filtering settings, but those changes will apply to every user who uses Firefox on that device.

Open Mozilla Firefox and click on the three-line menu in the upper right corner.
Go to Settings > Options > Privacy & Security. Here, you will see many options you can choose to restrict access or apply stricter protections.
For example, you can block all pop-ups, which will protect children against malware and inappropriate ads.
You can also block requests to access the camera on your device.
Just remember that while Firefox will automatically block “dangerous and deceptive content” as long as the box is checked, that does not mean it will block inappropriate or pornographic content. The basic Firefox filters are set for adults, not children.

Apple Safari

Like Firefox, Safari’s offerings are not specifically parental controls, but only general security settings. Make sure that even if you adjust these settings, you also use a router, operating system, or third-party app to apply true parental controls.

Open Safari and go to Safari > Preferences in the menu bar.
Click on the “Websites" tab and select a category, such as “Camera," “Microphone," or “Location."
For each category, choose whether to allow or block access for specific websites.

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Mobile Devices

Young people are using smartphones even more than they use any other internet-connected devices. So don’t forget to protect your child’s phone! Here’s how to do it on iOS and Android:

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap “Turn On Screen Time" and follow the prompts to set up parental controls.
Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone/iPad" to create a passcode and manage settings.
Set up content and privacy restrictions, app limits, and downtime schedules as needed.

Android

Open the Google Play Store app and tap on the three-line menu in the upper left corner.
Go to Settings > Parental controls.
Toggle on “Parental controls" and create a PIN.
Choose the content restrictions for apps, games, movies, TV, books, and music as appropriate.

Girl uses laptop with parental controls while sitting with mother in living room

Third-party apps give extra security

Parental Control Apps for the Internet

In addition to built-in controls, there are many parental control apps available to help you monitor and manage your child’s internet activity. Here are some popular options:

Aura

Aura’s low price will save you $20-50 off the going rate for parent control apps. Aura offers internet usage tracking, a built-in VPN, screen time limits, location tracking for family members, and data breach alerts with SSN monitoring even for children [6]. You’ll also be able to filter content and apps, as with most parental control programs. Aura us compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems.

Net Nanny

Net Nanny is a comprehensive parental control app that offers features like web filtering, app blocking, screen time management, and location tracking [7]. You can track calls and text messaging on smartphones. Net Nanny works across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Qustodio

Qustodio is another feature-rich parental control app that allows you to monitor your child’s online activity, set time limits, block inappropriate content, and track location [8]. It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems. You will also have access to a password manager and dark web monitoring.

Canopy

Canopy will give your family control over multiple devices, including desktops, iOS, and Android. The app offers real-time filtering of the web and social media. By filtering individual images and messages, the app can block graphic nudity or sexting (sexual text messages). Parents can also monitor screen time and set time limits. Canopy has a trial period, like several other apps, so you can try it before committing.

Will Parental Controls Keep My Child Safe Online?

While parental controls are an important tool in promoting online safety for children, they are not a complete solution. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Parental controls have limitations

No parental control system is perfect. Tech-savvy kids may find ways to bypass filters or access restricted content through other means. Use parental controls as part of your approach to online safety, but teach kids the reasons why they need to be safe online.

Open communication is key

Engage in open, honest conversations with your child about internet safety, responsible online behavior, and the reasons behind the rules you set. Foster a trusting relationship where they feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns.

Man sits with child on couch looking at digital device

Keep your family safe

Teach critical thinking skills

Help your child develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the online world safely. Teach them to question the information they encounter, respect others’ privacy, and protect their own personal information.

Stay involved and informed

Stay actively involved in your child’s online activities. Keep up with the latest trends, apps, and potential risks. Regularly discuss their experiences and provide guidance as needed.

Lead by example

Model healthy digital habits yourself. Be mindful of your own screen time, online behaviors, and the information you share. Children often learn by observing their parents’ actions.