Step By Step Guide To Setting Parental Controls On A New Tablet

Bringing home a new tablet for your child can be exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Without proper safeguards, young users can easily access inappropriate content, spend excessive time online, or unknowingly share personal information. Setting up parental controls is not just a precaution—it’s essential digital parenting. This guide walks you through every step of configuring robust parental controls on both Android and iOS tablets, ensuring a safer, more balanced digital experience for your child.

Why Parental Controls Matter in 2024

The digital landscape has evolved rapidly. Tablets are no longer just entertainment devices—they’re gateways to social platforms, educational tools, games, and streaming services. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 8–12 spend an average of 5–7 hours daily on screens. With so much exposure, unregulated access increases risks like cyberbullying, exposure to explicit material, and unhealthy screen habits.

Parental controls allow you to filter content, limit app usage, set screen time boundaries, and monitor activity—all while giving your child the freedom to learn and explore safely. The key is not restriction for its own sake, but guided digital independence.

“Digital safety starts with proactive setup. A well-configured tablet can be both educational and secure.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Child Technology Psychologist

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Parental Controls on iOS (iPad)

iPads run on Apple’s robust Screen Time system, which offers comprehensive parental control features. Follow these steps to configure them properly:

1. Update the iPad: Ensure the device runs the latest version of iPadOS (iOS 12 or later). Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Enable Screen Time: Open Settings > Screen Time and tap “Turn On Screen Time.” Choose “This is My Child’s iPad” when prompted.
3. Set a Passcode: Create a 4-digit Screen Time passcode that only you know. This prevents your child from changing settings.
4. Configure App Limits: Under “App Limits,” tap “Add Limit” to restrict daily usage for categories like Games, Social Media, or Entertainment. For example, set a 1-hour daily limit for games.
5. Downtime Scheduling: Use “Downtime” to specify when the tablet shuts down non-essential apps—such as during homework or bedtime. You can allow specific apps like Messages or educational tools.
6. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and enable it. Here, you can:
   • Block explicit music, podcasts, or books.
   • Restrict adult websites using Content Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites.
   • Prevent changes to privacy settings, account deletion, or app installation.
7. Communication Limits: Under “Communication Limits,” define who your child can contact during Downtime (e.g., parents, grandparents).
8. Monitor Weekly Reports: Review Screen Time reports weekly to see app usage trends and adjust limits accordingly.

Tip: Avoid using birthdays or common numbers (like 1234) for your Screen Time passcode. Store it securely in a password manager.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Parental Controls on Android Tablets

Android tablets vary by manufacturer, but most support Google Family Link—a powerful free tool for managing kids’ devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Create a Child Google Account: Open the Family Link app (download from Google Play if needed) and tap “Create a child account.” Follow prompts to enter your child’s details and verify age.
2. Link Devices: Sign in to the child’s Google account on the new tablet. When prompted, install and open Family Link to pair the device with your parent account.
3. Approve or Block Apps: From your Family Link dashboard, go to “Manage Settings > App approvals.” You’ll receive notifications when your child tries to download a new app. You can approve or deny each request remotely.
4. Set Daily Screen Time Limits: Navigate to “Daily Limit” and set a maximum usage time (e.g., 2 hours). When time expires, the tablet locks except for approved apps.
5. Schedule Bedtime Mode: Use “Bedtime” to disable the tablet overnight. You can allow emergency calls or specific apps during this period.
6. Filter Inappropriate Content: Enable SafeSearch in Google settings and activate Google Play’s content restrictions under “Settings > Family > Parental controls.” Filter apps by maturity level (e.g., block apps rated “Teen” or higher).
7. Location Tracking (Optional): Use the “Location” feature to see where the tablet is. This can help ensure your child isn’t using it in unauthorized areas.
8. Lock Device Remotely: If needed, lock the tablet instantly from your phone via the Family Link app—useful during homework or family time.

Note: Some Samsung tablets offer additional controls through Kids Mode, which creates a sandboxed environment with curated apps and timers. Activate it via Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls > Kids Panel.

Essential Parental Control Checklist

Before handing over the tablet, ensure all safeguards are in place. Use this checklist to confirm everything is configured:

• ✅ Created a separate child user account or profile
• ✅ Set a secure parental passcode (not shared with child)
• ✅ Enabled screen time tracking and daily limits
• ✅ Scheduled downtime or bedtime mode
• ✅ Activated web filtering and safe search
• ✅ Reviewed and restricted app downloads by age rating
• ✅ Disabled in-app purchases or set purchase approval
• ✅ Turned off location sharing for non-essential apps
• ✅ Enabled weekly usage reports
• ✅ Discussed digital rules and expectations with your child

Comparison Table: iOS vs. Android Parental Controls

Feature	iOS (Screen Time)	Android (Family Link)
App Usage Limits	Yes – per category or individual apps	Yes – daily total or per app
Remote App Approval	Limited (requires manual review on device)	Yes – real-time notifications and approvals
Web Content Filtering	Yes – built-in limit for adult sites	Yes – via Google SafeSearch and Chrome restrictions
Location Tracking	No native option (requires third-party apps)	Yes – integrated into Family Link
Remote Lock/Shutdown	No	Yes – instant lock from parent device
Bedtime/Downtime	Yes – customizable schedule	Yes – includes sleep mode
Usage Reports	Weekly summaries with detailed breakdowns	Daily and weekly insights via app
Multi-Device Support	Limited to Apple ecosystem	Supports multiple Android devices per child

Tip: Always test parental controls after setup. Try accessing blocked sites or downloading restricted apps to verify filters are working.

Real-Life Example: The Miller Family’s Tablet Setup

The Millers recently gave their 9-year-old daughter, Mia, a refurbished iPad for schoolwork and weekend entertainment. Concerned about distractions and inappropriate content, they followed a structured setup process.

First, they created a dedicated iCloud account for Mia and enabled Screen Time. They set a 1.5-hour daily limit for games and social apps, with downtime from 7 PM to 7 AM. They blocked adult websites and disabled in-app purchases entirely.

After two weeks, the weekly report showed Mia spent 40 minutes daily on YouTube Kids and 20 minutes on Roblox. The parents noticed she attempted to visit a gaming forum outside allowed hours. Thanks to the restriction, access was denied, and they used the incident as a teaching moment about online boundaries.

By combining technology with ongoing conversations, the Millers found a balance between safety and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child bypass parental controls?

While determined children may attempt workarounds—like using incognito mode or factory resetting—the strongest protections include passcodes, remote management, and regular monitoring. On iOS, restoring from backup retains Screen Time settings if the correct Apple ID is used. On Android, Family Link re-applies restrictions after reset if the child account is re-signed in.

Do I need third-party apps for better control?

For most families, built-in tools like Screen Time and Family Link are sufficient. However, third-party apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Kaspersky Safe Kids offer advanced features such as AI-based content detection, social media monitoring, and cross-platform tracking. These are useful if your child uses multiple devices across operating systems.

How do I talk to my child about parental controls?

Frame the conversation around care, not surveillance. Explain that controls are in place to keep them safe, help manage time, and support healthy habits. Involve them in setting reasonable limits. For example, let them choose which educational apps to whitelist during homework time. Transparency builds cooperation.

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

Setting up parental controls is just the beginning. Digital parenting requires consistency and adaptation as your child grows. Revisit settings every few months—what’s appropriate at age 7 may not suit a 12-year-old. Adjust filters, extend screen time for responsible behavior, and gradually grant more autonomy as trust is earned.

Also, remember that no filter is 100% foolproof. Combine technical tools with open communication. Ask your child what games they play, who they interact with online, and whether anything has made them uncomfortable. These conversations reinforce digital literacy far better than any software.

“The best parental control is an engaged parent.” — James Wu, Digital Wellness Educator

Take Action Today

Your child’s first tablet should be a tool for growth, creativity, and learning—not a source of stress or risk. By following this guide, you’ve taken critical steps toward creating a safer digital environment. Now, apply these settings, review them regularly, and keep the dialogue open. Small efforts today build responsible digital citizens tomorrow.

💬 Have questions about your setup? Share your experience or ask for advice in the comments—let’s support each other in raising mindful tech users!