Parental Controls help families set age-appropriate boundaries around devices, apps, and online content, without replacing the conversations that matter most. Built-in tools on phones, tablets, game consoles, and streaming services can filter content, manage screen time, and limit purchases, often at no extra cost. This section focuses on practical, respectful approaches: starting with free built-in settings, understanding what monitoring can and cannot see, and keeping trust at the center of the family relationship. Parental controls work best as one part of a wider approach that includes ongoing conversation and age-appropriate independence, not as a replacement for adult involvement.
Start with the free steps
- Turn on the built-in parental controls already included on your child’s phone, tablet, or console.
- Set age-appropriate content ratings on streaming and app store accounts.
- Agree on screen time limits together rather than only imposing them.
- Review privacy settings on any social apps your child already uses.
- Talk with your child about what to do if they see something upsetting online.
What this section helps with
- Set up free, built-in device and app controls correctly.
- Understand the difference between content filtering, screen time limits, and monitoring.
- Choose age-appropriate settings as children grow older.
- Balance safety with trust and age-appropriate independence.
- Recognize the limits of any monitoring tool.
Tools we may cover
This category may cover parental-control apps, router-level filtering tools, and built-in device family settings. We describe what these tools generally do and how they differ, without ranking or promoting a specific provider here.
What these tools cannot guarantee
No parental-control tool can monitor everything a child does online, especially across friends’ devices, school accounts, or apps outside the family plan. These tools work best alongside ongoing conversation and are not a substitute for adult involvement.
How Nesswick evaluates this category
Our assessments of parental-control tools follow the same evidence-based approach described in How We Test and Editorial Policy.
Latest Parental Controls Guides
New parental controls guides are on the way — check back soon.
Not sure where to begin? Start Here.