Today’s kids are born into a totally digital world. It’s now normal for children to be online from a very young age – whether that’s watching videos, doing schoolwork or playing games with friends. 

And while this can all be very exciting for them, it can be a worry for parents. Whether it’s inappropriate content, cyberbullying or just too much screen time, it’s important to understand the risks.

But help is at hand! By knowing your way around digital safety and how to use parental controls, there are simple and effective ways to make sure that your child’s online experiences stay positive.

So, we’ll take you through what you should know, and point you to some of the best parental control tools around…

Allowing children unrestricted access to the internet can expose them to a host of dangers. Inappropriate content, such as violent or adult material, can be easily stumbled upon. Cyberbullying is another significant risk, as children may experience upsetting behaviour from peers or strangers. And excessive time with a tablet or phone can lead to screen addiction.

By setting up parental controls, you can remove (or greatly diminish) these risks. These controls let you block harmful content, monitor online activities and set time limits on using devices. Not only can they help protect your child from potential dangers, but they can also encourage a more balanced approach to using tech.

You don’t need to go far for apps to help you out. While there are plenty of third-party options, major operating systems provide their own apps already…

• iOS (Apple Screen Time)

If your kids are using Apple devices, the built-in Screen Time feature is a huge help. It allows you to set limits on app usage, restrict access to explicit content and schedule downtime when the device can’t be used. 

To access Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time on your child's device. From there, you can customise the settings to decide what you’re comfortable with.

• Android (Google Family Link)

Google Family Link is a great option if you’re on Android. This app lets you manage your child's screen time, approve or block app downloads and even track their location. 

To get started, download the Family Link app on both your device and your child's device, and follow the setup instructions. This tool gives you the flexibility to oversee your child's online activities while fostering responsible usage.

Many network providers, including iD Mobile, offer parental control options as part of their services. These controls can block adult content, restrict data usage and provide insights into how your child spends their time online. Here’s a quick guide to iD Mobile’s Parental Controls and how you can activate them.

Of course, software (as useful as it is) is only part of the solution. Since kids are now considered digital natives and have unprecedented online access, it’s also really important to encourage good habits in other ways. 

Here are some pointers we hope you’ll find helpful…

1. Set screen time rules

Screens are a surefire way to keep your kids busy for hours at a time, but they might be too young to appreciate there can be too much of a good thing. See also: ice cream. Establishing clear screen time rules will help them maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. 

Set specific time limits for device use and encourage them to take regular breaks. Time should be put aside for anything that doesn’t need a screen – i.e. sports, hobbies and family time. Consistency is key, so make sure to agree some rules and stick to them.

2. Talk to them about online safety

Let’s face it. Having parents taking away screens is never going to be fun for kids – especially when you’re limiting access to their favourite online games. 

That’s why talking openly and positively with your children about online safety is important to help them understand whythey have to be careful. Discuss the potential risks they may come across and teach them how to recognise and report inappropriate behaviour when they run into it. 

Encourage them to ask questions and share their online experiences with you. By keeping communication open, you can create a safe space for your kids to voice their concerns and come to you for guidance.

Lego have even created special Build & Talk sets to help tackle issues like cyberbullying and screen time.

3. Lead by example

Kids have a keen sense of what’s fair. So, you can’t really expect them to have good online habits if you’re not going to lead by example. So that means limiting your screen time too. By setting a positive example, you can inspire your child to follow suit. (Maybe save your Instagram scrolling until after they’ve gone to bed!)

For more advice, the NSPCC have got some useful Parental controls guidance too.

Maintaining your child's digital safety is a long-term and ongoing process. Parental controls play a huge role in protecting your kids from online dangers and promoting a balanced approach to using tech. But it’s also about establishing boundaries and keeping the conversation going. Tech is amazing, and we can all help to keep it that way!

Do you have kids who get stuck to screens? What apps, tips or habits have you found helpful? Let us know below.