Parental controls are software and tools that allow parents to set controls on their children’s internet use. They are a great way of helping prevent children from accessing unsuitable content online.

There are many types of controls available, and they allow you to do a number of different things, such as:

• Filter and block content that you don’t want your children to see, such as violence and pornography.
• Restrict what information is shared.
• Set time limits on how long children are online.
• Control the time of day that children can access the Internet.
• Set different profiles so that each family member has an access level that is appropriate to them.

In essence, there are three types parents need to be aware of: 

• Network level controls are set on the hub or router and apply to all devices connected to that hub or router (covering your whole household).
• Device level controls are set on the device itself, such as a smartphone, and will apply regardless of how and where the device is connected to the Internet.
• Application controls are set on the platform or application that is being used. Examples of this would be the settings applied to Google or YouTube. Check they are set on each device your child has access to. 

From Common Sense Media: Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls (03/01/2020)

“Parental controls can support you in your efforts to keep your kids safe, fun, and productive. They work best when they are used openly and honestly in partnership with kids – not a stealth, spying method.”