Getting a new phone or tablet set up for a child is one of those jobs that’s easy to put off, especially in the excitement of handing over a new device. But doing it properly from day one, before it’s filled with apps and accounts, makes life much easier later on.
Here’s a simple walkthrough that works whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or an Android device.
Step 1: Decide what you actually want to control
Before diving into settings, it helps to have a rough idea of what matters most to you. Common things parents want to manage include:
- What apps can be downloaded
- How much time is spent on the device each day
- What content can be viewed (age ratings for apps, games and videos)
- Who can contact them or be contacted
- In app purchases
You don’t need to lock everything down. It’s worth thinking about what fits your child’s age and how much you trust them, rather than copying someone else’s exact setup.
Step 2: On an iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings, then Screen Time
- Tap Turn On Screen Time, then choose This is My Child’s [Device]
- Set up a Screen Time passcode, different to their normal device passcode, so only you can change the settings later
- Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, turn this on and go through the options for apps, websites, and content ratings
- Under App Limits, you can set daily time limits for categories like games or social media
- Under Communication Limits, you can control who they’re able to contact
Step 3: On an Android phone or tablet
- Download the Google Family Link app (you’ll need one on your own phone too, as the parent account)
- Follow the steps to create or link your child’s Google account
- Once connected, you can set:
- App download permissions, so new apps need your approval first
- Daily screen time limits
- Bedtime hours where the device locks automatically
- Location sharing, if that’s something you want
Step 4: Set up app store restrictions
On both types of device, you can set an age rating limit so apps above a certain rating can’t be downloaded without your approval. This is worth doing even if you trust your child, since it’s easy to accidentally download something unsuitable without realising.
Step 5: Talk them through it
This part matters as much as the settings themselves. Let your child know what you’ve set up and why, in simple terms that make sense for their age. Kids are usually far less bothered by limits they understand than ones that just appear with no explanation.
Step 6: Review it every so often
What’s appropriate changes as your child gets older. It’s worth revisiting these settings every few months, especially around birthdays, to check they still make sense.
A few extra tips
- Set the device up before handing it over, rather than adding restrictions afterwards, it avoids any awkward conversations about apps already downloaded
- Keep your parent passcode somewhere you’ll remember, separate from the device itself
- Pair this with a home wifi filter for an extra layer of protection across all devices, not just this one
If you’d like a hand getting this set up properly, we are happy to take a look. Get in touch and we can help.
