Where to Start with Parental Controls
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you realise controls exist across your Wi-Fi, modem, devices, apps, and platforms...this simple checklist can help you set up the different layers of controls one step at a time.
Why it matters
This is your home’s gateway to the internet. Using controls here means every device connected to your Wi-Fi / Broadband has some baseline protection.
What to do
Some telcos (for example Spark, One NZ and 2degrees) offer network-level filters and additional settings at the modem level, preventing most harmful content from getting through to your home devices.
- Contact your internet service provider and ask about network and modem filtering and parental control options
Note: These filters only work for devices connected to your home broadband / Wi-Fi and may incur extra charges.
Benefit
One change here applies to all connected devices, making it an efficient first step.
Why it matters
Each device (tablet, phone, console, smart TV) has its own tools to help parents tailor settings for different devices and different children.
What to do
- Set up child profiles/accounts so you can apply age-appropriate settings
- Enable screen time or app-use limits
- Require a passcode or approval before new apps can be downloaded
Benefit
Device level settings can helps you personalise controls for each child in the household.
Phones / Tablets / Laptops
Apple devices - Apple Family Sharing
Samsung devices - Samsung Family Group (or Google Family Link)
Android devices - Google Family Link
Microsoft devices - Microsoft Family Safety
Amazon devices - Amazon Kids
Gaming Consoles
Playstation - Playstation Family App
Nintendo Switch - Parental Controls
Xbox - Xbox Family Settings App
Smart TVs
These often have parental controls in the 'Settings' area. Key features to explore:
- Content restrictions
- ability to set age-appropriate rating limits for movies and TV shows
- App Lock
- Require a PIN to open specific apps like YouTube or Netflix
- Input blocking
- Block HDMI inputs to prevent use of game consoles
- Purchase control
- Require a PIN for purchasing or renting movies/apps
- Time limits
- Set specific times when the TV cannot be used
Smart speakers / displays
View the parental controls to restrict explicit content, set usage schedules and limit purchasing.
Google Nest / Google Home - Google Family Link
Amazon Alexa - Amazon Kids
Apple HomePod - Home App
Why it matters
Children often spend most of their time in a handful of apps or games, for example YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, Roblox, etc.
Setting controls here has a big impact on what they actually see.
What to do
These are some suggestions to get you started. Check out the 'Explore It Together' guides to find more specific suggestions and advice based on the platforms and apps your child is using.
- Talk to your child about staying safe online and why it's important to consider the settings available in the platforms they use
- Together, check out the user settings available in each of the platforms and apps your child uses
- Where available turn on Restricted or Kids mode (e.g. YouTube Kids, Netflix Kids profiles, Messenger Kids)
- Switch off autoplay on streaming services to reduce endless scrolling or binge-watching
- Set social accounts to Private and use settings so only friends they know can connect
- Turn off location sharing to prevent sharing your child's real-time location
- Disable friend suggestions to prevent your child from appearing in search suggestions to strangers
- Require approval for new apps to be installed on the device
Benefit
These settings target the specific spaces your child uses every day.
Why it matters
Controls are tools, not replacements for guidance. Safe habits, family expectations and ongoing conversation about staying safe online are what make settings truly effective.
What to do
- Agree on some family boundaries and expectations, for example devices in shared spaces, no screens at bedtime, device-free meals
- Teach children to ask first before clicking on pop-ups or downloading apps
- Talk regularly about what they’re watching, playing, or sharing
Benefit
Maintaining a intentional focus on habits and conversation will help your tamariki develop critical skills and behaviours to help them stay safe online when the parental controls cease to be effective.
Why it matters
Platforms and apps are constantly being updated and this can mean new settings become available, and old settings may change.
What to do
- Set a reminder to check in once a term and review what's working - what might need tightening up and what might be OK to loosen off
- Talk together about what's working and what's not
Benefit
Checking in on settings regularly, together, helps you keep on top of what's working, what isn't and what might need adjusting depending on your child's online use.
