With children now back at school, parents are being urged to check the parental controls available on their smartphones.
Built-in tools on iPhones and Android devices can help mums and dads set screen time limits, restrict apps and websites, control downloads and purchases, and create downtime schedules.
As children increasingly use smartphones for social media, gaming, video and AI, a tech expert says these settings can provide an important extra layer of protection.
Aleksa McLoughlin, tech expert at Talkmobile, says parental controls “are one of the easiest ways parents can help keep their children safe online”.
She said: “Both Android and iPhone include built-in tools that let you manage screen time, block inappropriate content and control app downloads, all without needing to install additional software."
The phone controls parents should know about
Parents can use built-in smartphone settings to:
- Limit daily screen time
- Block age-inappropriate apps and websites
- Prevent unauthorised in-app purchases
- Set bedtime schedules that automatically lock the device
- Monitor activity remotely
- Approve or deny app downloads
The controls are not intended to replace conversations about online safety.
Instead, they can help parents establish boundaries while giving children greater independence as they get older.
Let the phone be the bad guy
One potential benefit for parents is that the technology can enforce rules automatically.
When a phone locks because a screen time limit or downtime schedule has been reached, it is the device enforcing the restriction rather than the parent.
This could help reduce some of the arguments that come with telling children to put their phones away.
Parental controls can also prevent unexpected spending by requiring approval before children make purchases through games and apps.
They can also restrict unsuitable websites and content, helping reduce the chances of children coming across material that is inappropriate for their age.
Parents can limit who children contact
Some smartphone controls can also be used to manage communications.
Features such as Apple's Communication Limits can restrict who a child can call, message or communicate with through supported services.
Parents can also control access to certain online gaming features, helping limit exposure to live voice and text chats with strangers while still allowing children to play games offline where supported.
Don't forget app permissions
Parents can review which apps have access to sensitive parts of a child's phone, including the camera, microphone, contacts and location.
Checking these permissions can help prevent apps from having access to more information than is necessary.
Parents should also watch out for subscriptions and in-app purchases.
Requiring approval for app downloads can help prevent children from signing up for services or trials that later result in recurring charges.
How to set up parental controls on iPhone
Apple's parental controls are managed through Family Sharing and Screen Time.
Parents can:
- Open Settings and tap Family
- Add a child account through Family Sharing
- Enable Screen Time for the child's profile
- Create a Screen Time passcode that only the parent knows
- Set app limits, downtime schedules and content restrictions
- Enable Ask to Buy to approve App Store purchases
How to set up parental controls on Android
Android devices use Google Family Link to manage parental controls.
Parents can:
- Download Google Family Link
- Sign in with their Google account
- Create or link their child's Google account
- Pair both devices
- Set daily screen time limits and bedtime schedules
- Require parental approval for Google Play downloads and purchases
- Enable SafeSearch and website filtering
Controls should change as children get older
Parents should not simply switch on parental controls and forget about them.
Aleksa recommends reviewing the settings regularly as children grow and become more independent.
She said: “Technology should support parenting, not replace it.
“The goal isn't to monitor every tap or swipe, but to help children develop healthy digital habits while giving parents peace of mind."
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She added: “The restrictions that work for an eight-year-old won't necessarily be right for a teenager.
"As your child's maturity increases, parental controls should evolve too, gradually giving them more independence while continuing to encourage responsible online behaviour."
While no filter is perfect, these tools can provide an important first line of defence, particularly for younger children.
Aleksa said: "Parental controls give parents greater peace of mind by helping them manage what their children can access online.
“They're most effective when they're paired with open conversations about internet safety, rather than replacing them."
She added: "Whether your child uses an iPhone or an Android device, these tools only take a few minutes to set up and can make a significant difference to their online safety.
“They give parents greater control while helping children develop healthy digital habits as they grow."
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