All major operating systems include built-in parental controls. This guide shows you how to set up screen time limits, content filters, and app restrictions on every platform.
Windows uses Microsoft Family Safety for parental controls.
Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add a family member → Add a child. Enter the child's email address or create a new Microsoft account for them.
Visit account.microsoft.com/family on any device → Select your child → Screen time:
Enable activity reporting to see websites visited, apps used, and screen time. Reports are emailed weekly and viewable at account.microsoft.com/family.
macOS offers Screen Time controls for managing children's device usage.
Apple menu → System Settings → Screen Time → Options → Turn On. Set up a Screen Time passcode (different from the login password) so children cannot change settings.
Screen Time → Downtime → Schedule downtime hours (e.g., 9pm-7am). During downtime, only allowed apps and phone calls are available.
Screen Time → Content & Privacy:
iPhone and iPad use Screen Time for comprehensive parental controls.
Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time → This is My Child's iPhone. Set a Screen Time passcode.
Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions:
Set up Family Sharing to manage multiple children's devices from your iPhone:
Android uses Google Family Link for parental controls.
Download "Google Family Link" app on your phone and the child's phone. Create or link a Google Account for your child (under 13 requires parental permission).
Family Link → Filters:
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