Parental controls can help you reduce risk, build healthy habits, and keep content age‑appropriate — but with so many devices and services it can feel overwhelming. This guide brings together practical, under‑13 friendly settings across the most common platforms, plus a few habits that matter just as much as the settings.
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Audience: Parents and carers of children under 13
Goal: Reduce risk, build healthy habits, and keep devices age-appropriate
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| Platform | Main tool | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone / iPad (iOS) | Screen Time | Settings → Screen Time |
| Android phones & tablets (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) | Google Family Link | Parent phone: install Family Link • Child device: supervised Google account |
| Windows (PC / Laptop) | Microsoft Family Safety | Microsoft family group + Family Safety app/web |
| macOS (Mac / MacBook) | Screen Time | System Settings → Screen Time |
| PlayStation (PS4/PS5) | Family Management | Settings → Family and Parental Controls |
| Xbox | Xbox Family Settings | Xbox settings + Xbox Family Settings app (part of Microsoft family group) |
| Nintendo Switch | Switch Parental Controls app | Install the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app (parent phone) and link the console |
| Chromebook | Family Link | Family Link managed Google account + Chrome filters |
| Smart TV / streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) | Kids profiles + purchase PINs | Device settings + each streaming app’s profile/PIN settings |