Every app and console a child uses has its own safety settings, and they are often buried. This page collects our step-by-step setup guides in one place, grouped by the kind of app, so you can find the one you need in a minute. Each guide was checked against the company’s own help pages; the date checked is listed at the top of each guide. Hub checked October 25, 2026.
Five settings to check in any app
- Who can contact your child: friends only, or anyone?
- Who can see their profile, posts and location?
- Whether purchases need a parent’s approval.
- Whether the app’s age rating matches your child’s age.
- How to block and report, so your child knows before they need it.
Phones and tablets
- How to Set Parental Controls on an iPhone: Screen Time, content limits and purchase approval.
- How to Set Up Google Family Link for a Child: Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks.
- Android Parental Controls Without Family Link: on-device limits and Google Play restrictions.
- First Phone Checklist: what to set up before you hand it over.
- App Permissions on iPhone: check which apps can use the camera, microphone, photos and location.
- Family Location Sharing: what it shows and how to turn it off.
- Built-In Phone Privacy Tools: iPhone Safety Check and Android security settings.
Social media and messaging
- Instagram Teen Accounts and Parent Supervision
- TikTok Family Pairing: What Parents Can Control
- Snapchat Family Center: What Parents Can See
- WhatsApp Safety for Families: groups, privacy and the new parent controls.
- Discord Family Center: A Parent’s Setup Guide
- Signal Review: private messaging for the whole family.
Games and consoles
- Roblox Parental Controls Parents Should Turn On
- Minecraft Parental Controls
- Fortnite Parental Controls
- Xbox Family Settings
- PlayStation Parental Controls
- Nintendo Switch Parental Controls
- In-Game Spending and Loot Boxes
Video and streaming
AI tools
School and family sharing
What the big companies collect
Our plain-English privacy policy reviews explain what each company collects about your family and which settings to change.
When an app setting is not enough
Controls help, but they are not a substitute for talking. Tell your child they can come to you if something online feels wrong, and that they will not lose their phone for telling you. If a child is being threatened, pressured for images or contacted by an adult in a way that worries you, see our Get Help Now page for who to contact, including the NCMEC CyberTipline. For guides by age and by issue, start with our Family Safety Start Here hub.
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child have a social media account?
Most major platforms require users to be at least 13 in the U.S., in line with the federal children’s privacy law (COPPA). Some apps set higher ages for certain features. Check the app’s own terms, since they change.
Will parental controls tell my child I am watching?
Usually yes. Most family tools, such as Instagram supervision, TikTok Family Pairing and Snapchat Family Center, notify the teen or require their agreement. Each guide above explains what the child sees.
Do I need a paid parental control app?
Not to start. The free tools built into iPhone, Android, consoles and the major apps cover the basics for most families.
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App settings and features change often. This page is general information, not professional advice. See our Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.