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Parental controls are software and tools which are often installed on many devices, such as phones, tablets and games consoles.
These controls can help to block or filter content that can be accessed when searching online. They enable parents and guardians to plan what time of day children can go online and for how long, to manage settings for different family members and to stop children from downloading age inappropriate content.
Read our top tips around setting up these parental controls on popular devices and broadband providers below...
Many devices come with settings that can help you to manage what your child can access online.
These settings can vary per device, however a good place to start is to check things like location settings, and what information your child is sharing with others knowingly or unknowingly.
To view how to set up parental controls on iPhones and Android phones, click below:
Parental controls on iPhone
Parental controls on Android
The four biggest internet providers in the UK - BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media, provide their customers with free parental controls which can be activated at any time.
To view how to set up parental controls on these providers, please select from the list below:
Parental controls by BT
Parental controls by Sky
Parental controls by TalkTalk
Parental controls by VirginMedia
Many children use game consoles to have fun and interact with friends, as the consoles internet connection enables communication and live-streaming of content. However, this can open children up to risks associated with using the internet such as bullying, exposure to inappropriate content, grooming or the sharing of personal information.
The top 3 gaming consoles listed below, have the option of turning on parental controls to help prevent children from downloading age inappropriate games or from seeing harmful content.
Click on the links below to see how to set up these controls:
Parental controls on PlayStation 4
Parental controls on Xbox One
Parental controls on Nintendo Switch
Further information on the benefits of parental controls and how to set them up can be found on the NSPCC website, by clicking here.
Experts from the free O2 and NSPCC helpline offer advice on adjusting privacy settings, setting up parental controls and on social media.
Call 08088 005 002 to speak to their helpline.
Using feedback from you, our customers, we have created top tips based on frequently asked questions.
To read our seasonal tips pages, click below.
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