How to Configure a Tablet for Child Safety

Configure parental controls, content restrictions, and time limits on a tablet to ensure a safe digital environment for your child.

1. Create a dedicated child account. Do not share your primary account with a child. On iPad, go to Settings > Family > Add Member > Create Child Account. On Android, navigate to Settings > Google > Parental Controls and follow the prompts to link the device to a Family Group.
2. Enable content restrictions. Limit access to age-inappropriate apps and media. For iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle the switch on. Select Content Restrictions to set age-based ratings for movies, TV shows, and app store downloads.
3. Configure screen time limits. Prevent excessive usage by setting hard time constraints. Within the Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing menu, select Downtime to schedule periods where the device is locked, or set App Limits to define daily time quotas for specific categories like games or social media.
4. Apply web content filtering. Restrict web browsing to safe sites only. In the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu, select Web Content. Choose the option labeled Allowed Websites Only to create a whitelist of permitted URLs, or select Limit Adult Websites to use the system's automated blocking engine.
5. Lock system settings. Prevent the child from modifying your configuration or removing the restrictions. Ensure you set a separate Screen Time passcode that is different from the device's main unlock PIN. Never disclose this passcode to the child.
6. Enable activity reporting. Review usage patterns to adjust restrictions as the child matures. Ensure the Report Activity toggle is set to On within the Screen Time settings. You can now view daily and weekly summaries of how the device is being used from your own parent account.