Table of contents
- Introduction to parental control
- What is parental control?
- Popular parental controls
- How to activate parental control
Introduction to parental control
Parental control is an essential tool for parents who want to protect their children while using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This tool allows monitoring and limiting access to inappropriate content, regulating usage time, and ensuring a safe online environment.
What is parental control?
Parental control is a set of features offered by software and devices that help parents manage and monitor their children’s online activities. These tools block access to certain websites, limit usage time, and provide detailed reports on online activity. Parental controls are designed to be very user-friendly and can be configured on various operating systems and devices.
Popular parental controls
Numerous parental control software and apps are available on the market, each with unique features catering to different needs. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Google family link
Available for Android devices, this app allows parents to manage the apps used by their children, monitor usage time, and set daily limits. It is easily downloadable from the Google Play Store.
- Apple screen time
Integrated into iOS devices, Apple Screen Time allows monitoring of app usage, setting time limits, and blocking inappropriate websites. It is accessible directly from the device settings.
- Norton family
A comprehensive security software that offers parental control on various devices. It allows blocking websites, monitoring search activities, and setting usage time limits.
- Qustodio
Available for various operating systems, Qustodio offers detailed monitoring features, usage time control, and the ability to block specific websites and apps.
- Kaspersky safe kids
This solution offers advanced parental control, allowing monitoring of online activities, managing usage time, and receiving real-time alerts.
How to activate parental control
Activating parental control on mobile devices and computers is a relatively simple process that varies slightly depending on the operating system used. Below are the steps for the main operating systems.
On Android devices
To activate parental control on Android devices, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store on your child’s device.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Tap “Parental Controls” and activate the option.
- Set a PIN to prevent unauthorized disabling of the control.
- Configure the restrictions for apps, games, movies, and content.
On iOS devices
To activate parental control on iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” and select “Screen Time.”
- Tap “Turn On Screen Time” and follow the instructions.
- Set a Screen Time passcode to protect the settings.
- Configure app limits, content restrictions, privacy, and more.
On Windows computers
To activate parental control on a Windows computer, follow these steps:
- Open the “Start” menu and go to “Settings.”
- Select “Accounts” and then “Family & other users.”
- Add a child account and follow the instructions.
- Configure the desired parental control settings through the Microsoft Family Safety account.
On macOS
To activate parental control on a Mac computer, follow these steps:
- Go to “System Preferences” and select “Screen Time.”
- Click on “Options” and then “Turn On.”
- Configure the limits and restrictions for apps and content.
FAQ
- What is parental control?
Parental control is a set of tools that allow parents to monitor and limit their children’s access to inappropriate online content. - What are the most popular parental control software?
Some of the most popular ones include Microsoft Defender, Norton Family, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Qustodio, and Google Family Link. - How can I activate parental control on a Windows PC?
It can be activated through Microsoft Defender by accessing security settings and configuring a child account. - Are there free versions of parental control software?
Yes, many software offer free versions with basic features, such as Norton Family and Kaspersky Safe Kids. - What additional features do paid versions offer?
Paid versions may include advanced tools like usage time management, geolocation, and real-time notifications. - Can I activate parental control on Android devices?
Yes, through the Google Family Link app, which allows monitoring and managing children’s activities on Android devices. - How does parental control work on iOS devices?
On iOS, parental control can be activated through the “Screen Time” settings to limit apps and content. - Can parental control be used on gaming consoles?
Yes, consoles like PlayStation and Xbox offer parental control options to limit games and online content. - Does parental control affect PC performance?
Generally no, as it is designed to run in the background without affecting PC performance. - Does parental control offer real-time protection?
Yes, many parental control software offer real-time protection against inappropriate content and online threats.
