Parental controls and children's accounts: a complete guide to protecting your children

Today, children have access to mobile phones, tablets, consoles and computers From a very young age, children have access to a wealth of educational and leisure opportunities… but also significant risks if we don't set certain limits. Inappropriate content, strangers contacting us through social media, unexpected purchases, or endless screen time are just some examples of what can happen when parental controls and children's accounts aren't properly configured.

The good news is that Google, Apple, and Microsoft all offer fairly comprehensive parental control toolsThese are complemented by powerful third-party applications. In this article, you'll find a detailed explanation, written in clear language, of how children's accounts work, what you can do with Family Link, Screen Time, Edge filters, and what other apps can help you manage your children's digital experience.

What are children's accounts and why should they be monitored?

A child or supervised account is, basically, a digital account designed for children under 13 years old (or the minimum age set by law in your country) that is under the control of an adult. Instead of letting the child use any unfiltered account, parents can create a profile for them, link it to their own, and decide what they can and cannot do.

In the Google ecosystem, this translates into a Google account supervised with Family Linkwhich grants access to most services (Gmail, YouTube, Play Store, etc.) but with limits and reviews. At Apple, monitoring is done on the device through Screen Time and content restrictions, while at Microsoft, protection relies on search filters and safe browsing when minors use Microsoft Edge.

Parents can use these systems to adjust their children's exposure to online content, control screen time, and in many cases, receive activity reports and alerts when the minor tries to do something that is not allowed (such as downloading an app or making a purchase in a game).

In addition to the technical aspects, there is a key element: by using supervised children's accounts, we teach children that The internet is not a space without rulesbut rather an environment where you have to be sensible, just as you would be in real life. Parental controls don't replace education, but they do provide a very useful safety net.

Main risks of using devices without parental controls

Giving a mobile phone or tablet to a minor without configuring any settings is like leaving the neighborhood gate open at midnight. The risks are varied, but there are four that are always present and that parental controls help to minimize.

First, there is access to content inappropriate for their ageWith just a couple of clicks, violent videos, offensive language, sexual scenes, or pages with extreme messages can easily appear. Filters in Google Play, YouTube, Edge, or browsers with parental controls allow for this. block content categories and limit browsing to websites you consider safe.

The second major problem is the possible interaction with strangers through social media or messaging apps. A child might accept friend requests or messages from strangers, risking cyberbullying, scams, or contact with malicious adults. Setting up supervised accounts and limiting which communication apps can be used makes it easier to reduce this type of exposure.

There is also concern about the excessive use of screensMany families realize too late that playtime, study time, or sleep time has been displaced by mobile phones. Tools like Family Link or Screen Time allow set daily limitsDefine rest periods when the device is locked and set screen-free times such as dinner time or bedtime.

Finally, there are the Unauthorized in-app and in-game purchasesIn many "free" games, it's very easy for a child to click a button and incur real charges. Parental control systems offer the option to require parental approval for purchases, block these purchases directly, or require a code before confirming payment.

How Google and YouTube supervised accounts work

Google allows parents to create and manage specific accounts for their young children. Family Link as main control centerWith this tool, available for Android and iOS, you can create a child account from scratch or supervise an existing one, as long as the child has not exceeded the age of consent in your country.

One of the areas where supervision is most noticeable is in YouTube and supervised experiencesParents who believe their child is mature enough can allow them to use YouTube with a supervised profile: it's not unfiltered access, but an experience where content levels can be adjusted, social features limited, and the child prevented from accessing videos marked as for adults only.

These settings are managed from the Google Family Center or directly from the Family Link app. From there, you can define what type of videos are allowed, restrict recommendations, review history and, if at any time you deem it necessary, further refine or strengthen the filters.

Furthermore, when the child approaches 13 years old (or the equivalent age set by local regulations), Google has planned a transition process in which The minor may gradually gain more control over the account.always with options for the adult to continue supervising certain aspects if desired.

Family Link: what it is and what it allows you to do

Family Link is the Google app designed for parents and caregivers to establish basic digital rules from your own mobile phonewithout having to constantly monitor the child's device. There are two apps: one for adults and another for "parental controls" that is installed on the child's device.

With Family Link you can view activity reports that show how much time does your child spend on each appThis can be done by day, week, or month. This helps to understand if usage is reasonable or if time spent on games, social media, or videos is getting out of hand.

The app also sends notifications so you can approve or block the apps that the child wants to download from Google PlayYou can even hide apps you already have installed or limit in-app purchases. It's a good idea to occasionally review your app list and permissions, as updates sometimes expand what apps can do.

Another strong point of Family Link is the possibility of Set daily time limits and define a rest scheduleFor example, you can set the mobile phone to only be used for a specific number of hours per day and to be completely blocked from a certain time at night, except for basic calls if you so choose.

In addition, as long as the child's device is turned on, connected, and has been recently active, Family Link allows check its approximate location on a mapIt's not a total spying tool, but it is a useful aid to know if he is where he should be when he goes out with his mobile phone.

Steps to create and monitor your child's Google account

To take full advantage of all of the above, the first step is to properly set up the child's Google account. Ideally, an adult should create the account through Family Link or link it if it already exists, to ensure it remains under supervision.

The Family Link app is installed on the parent or guardian's mobile phone. From there, a wizard is followed that allows register a new account for the childor add an existing one, provided it belongs to a minor. It's important to use an adult account where you clearly understand that you are in control of the process.

If you want to activate monitoring features directly on the child's device, you can go to Settings, enter the Google section, then to “Children and Family” and “Parental Controls” and start the process from there. After a few simple steps, you choose which account to monitor or create a new one.

Once the configuration is complete, all the controls you activate will be applied in any device where the child logs in with that Google accountwhether it's Android or iOS. This is especially useful if your child uses more than one device (for example, a tablet and a mobile phone), because you don't have to repeat the setup on each one.

The Google Help Center provides more detailed information, such as What happens when the child turns 13?, how to modify the monitoring, or how to manage notifications so that your mobile doesn't get overloaded but you still stay on top of what's important.

Configure parental controls on Android phones and tablets

Android integrates Family Link seamlessly as its primary parental control tool, so with just a few adjustments you can make the device quite secure. The idea is that the child uses their own supervised account on a compatible Android phone or tablet.

The first step is to make sure the child has a suitable account. If they don't already have one, you can do so through Family Link. create a specific profile for him or herIf you already have it, you just need to link it to your adult account and select that you want to supervise it.

Once it's created and linked, you can move on to setting time limits. In the Family Link app, select the child's device and go to the options. “Time limits” or “Screen time”There you choose how many hours a day the device can be used and, in addition, you program blocking times, for example for nights, during school or dinner time.

The next section is content filtering. From the content and privacy controls, you can define age restrictions on Google Playlimit YouTube usage to adapted versions or levels and activate browsing filters in Chrome to block adult websites. You can also block specific pages by entering their exact addresses.

If you want to add an extra layer of security, it's a good idea to periodically review the list of applications installed on the child's device, disable any you don't want them to use, and make use of the built-in purchase blocking options on Google Play. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises on your credit card.

Parental controls on iPhone and iPad with Screen Time

On Apple devices, the main tool for managing a child's use of the iPhone or iPad is called Use timeIt comes integrated into the Settings and allows you to set time limits, block sensitive content, and restrict configuration changes.

To begin, go to Settings, enter Screen Time, and tap the option to activate it. The system will guide you through indicating that it's a device for a minor and will allow you to create a Screen Time code that only you know. That code will be necessary to later modify the restrictions or expand the limits.

Within Usage Time you will find the section on “Content and privacy restrictions”From there, you can decide what type of content is allowed in the App Store, Apple Music, movies, TV shows, books, or websites. You can also block the installation or removal of apps and completely prevent in-app purchases.

Another very interesting setting is "App Limits." It allows you to group apps by category (for example, games, social media, or entertainment) and set how long per day they can be usedWhen the child reaches the limit, the system displays a warning on the screen and blocks the app unless you enter the code to give them extra time.

Combining Usage Time with an Apple ID account of lesser In Apple's family group, you can keep fairly detailed track of How to use iOS devices at home and change the settings on the fly if you see that something doesn't add up or that the child is gaining autonomy and some limits can be relaxed.

Search filters and websites in Microsoft Edge

If your child uses a computer with Windows 10 or 11, an Xbox One or Series X/S, or an Android mobile phone with Microsoft Edge installed, you can also rely on the Microsoft content filters to reduce access to adult sites and search results.

The system works in such a way that, once the filters are activated in the Microsoft family, the child can only browse with Edge and other common browsers are blockedThis makes it easier to ensure consistent filtering and prevents it from being bypassed by a less controlled browser.

By configuring these filters, you can limit the search results that appear when your child uses search engines like Bing, as well as directly block websites marked as adult content. All of this is managed from the [device/app/etc.]. Microsoft family environmentwhere the adult can Add exceptions, review activity, and change the protection level.

It's an additional layer that fits perfectly if there's an Xbox console at home or if the child frequently uses the computer for browsing, gaming, or schoolwork. Combined with supervised accounts and time limits, it provides a a much safer environment than a PC without any kind of filter.

Other recommended parental control apps

In addition to the native solutions from Google, Apple, and Microsoft, there's a whole range of specialized parental control apps that offer advanced features. They're especially useful when you want manage multiple different devices from a single panel Or you need more refined filtering tools.

One of the best known is Qustodio, which offers a fairly comprehensive solution: detailed activity monitoring, application blockingScreen time control and analysis of social media and website usage. It works across different platforms, making it easy to have a comprehensive view of what the child is doing on their devices.

Norton Family also stands out, performing strongly in the area of search and browsing trackingIt helps you see what kind of content attracts your child's attention, detects risk patterns, and allows you to block sensitive topics. It also includes tools for managing screen time.

In the field of online content filtering, one reference is Net Nanny, known for having highly adjustable filters and real-time analysis of what is being visited. This app is especially useful if you want to control internet access in detail, beyond general lists of allowed or blocked websites.

Whichever one you choose, it's important that before installing one of these third-party solutions you thoroughly review the Family Link features, Screen Time, and Microsoft filters, because in many cases What operating systems offer as standard already covers a good part of the needs. of most families.

Practical tips for a safe digital experience

No parental control system can replace a good conversation. What's truly effective is combining technological tools with clear rules and open dialogue with your childrenBlocking is of little use if the child does not understand the reason for those limits.

It is advisable to sit down with them and explain what can be done with a mobile phone or tablet, what things are forbidden, and above all, what should they always tell you when something strange happens?: awkward messages, requests for photos, insults, content that makes them uncomfortable… Let them know they can count on you without fear of immediate punishment.

Another key point is to regularly review parental control settings. Children grow up, their interests change, and often They learn tricks to circumvent the restrictionsespecially if they are dealing with older people. Checking in periodically and updating the settings is almost as important as the initial setup.

It's also important to remember that leading by example is a good idea. If adults use their phones compulsively or don't respect screen-free time, it's unlikely the message will get through. family routines without devices at certain times (mealtimes, study hours, before bed) helps children see those limits as normal.

With a combination of supervised children's accounts, tools like Family Link, Screen Time, or Edge filters, and constant communication with the kids, it's possible to build a digital environment where children so they can learn, play and explore without being fully exposed to risks more common on the internet, and parents can have peace of mind knowing what's happening on their screens.