10 days of Safer Internet Day: Day 3 - Parental controls on your child's devices

Todays Safer Internet Day countdown looks at how you can set up the parental controls on some of the devices that your child may own. On a smartphone, tablet or games console, you can use parental controls to manage a range of functions, including access to websites, app stores and apps, as well as location services and in-app purchases.

SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS

Android

1. To set up a restricted user account on an Android smartphone or tablet, go to Settings and select Users in the Device section.

2. Tap Add User or Profile, then select Restricted Profile and enter the passcode.

3. Tap the round icon next to New Profile to change the name of the profile, then tap OK.

4. Go through the list of features your child can access and, using the togglebuttons, choose whether you’d like them on or off.

Find out more on the Android website.

iOS (Apple)

1. To enable restrictions on your child’s iPhone or iPad, tap Settings, General, Enable Restrictions and enter a passcode.

2. Decide which features you’re happy for your child to access and, using the toggle buttons, turn the rest off.

Find out more on the Apple website.

Windows Phone

1. Go to the Windows Phone website and select My Family.

2. Sign in using your own Microsoft account (if you don’t have an account, you can create one).

3. Click Get Started on the My Family set-up page, and then click Go to add your child’s name.

4. Enter the Microsoft account your child uses to sign in on their phone.

5. To change the app download settings, click your child’s name on the My Family homepage, click Change Settings and choose from the options provided.

Find out more on the Windows Phone website.

GAMES CONSOLES

Many children and teenagers enjoy playing on games consoles. As well as being fun, some experts say gaming helps to improve their reflexes and keep their brains active.

But it also has its risks. Young people sometimes spend too long in front of the screen or access inappropriate content. And if they take part in multiplayer gaming they might be contacted by strangers.

If your child is a keen gamer, you’ll be pleased to know that the main games consoles include parental controls to help you manage which games they play, how long they can play for and whether they can play against other people. The Safer Internet Centre has produced some great guides for parents that can be downloaded by clicking the link, to the console that you or your child owns, below.

PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii and WiiU