Parental control software helps parents manage and monitor their children's online activities. Such software typically offers features like screen time limits, website blocking, and app monitoring to help ensure a safer online environment for children.
Most agree that the web is an important part of our kids' education, social lives, and entertainment. While it can be beneficial, there is also a lot of potentially dangerous or inappropriate content. Unfortunately, it is impossible to protect your children from everything bad on the internet, but managing parental controls can help.
"Remember, parental controls are never 100% reliable, but they are most effective when used alongside supervision and when controls are set up on all devices that your child can access."
Router safeguards for families.
Most Wi-Fi routers come with basic safeguards that help parents protect their kids from adult content. Such controls can help you limit screen time and even the content they can see.1 Most newer routers feature companion apps to help you set up your controls however you like.1 Note these controls only work when your child is connected to the Wi-Fi router featuring the controls.
Parents can set parameters on most devices, including tablets, phones, laptops, smart tvs, game consoles, smart watches, and more. The more electronic boundaries you set up around your kids’ devices the better chance they have of experiencing a positive and safe digital environment.
Times up.
Some apps and devices can budget a customized amount of time children can use each device and even allow children to earn more time by doing household chores. This is often an effective way to teach children to be responsible about managing their own screentime.
Parental controls and supervision.
Remember, parental controls are never 100% reliable, but they are most effective when used alongside supervision and when controls are set up on all devices that your child can access. Such controls should be maintained and revisited frequently.3 Pay attention to what your child is doing online, discuss the dangers, and make sure your child is comfortable asking for help if need be.
Resources
- CNET.com, How to Set Up and Use Your Wi-Fi Router's Parental Controls, 2025
- Techlockdown.com, How to Enable Parental Controls on your Router, 2024
- Esafety.org, Parental Controls, accessed 2025
Categories: Child Safety Ages 4-11 / Digital Safety / Tweens/Teen Safety