Guide to Setting Up Safe Devices for Children
Welcome to our guide on setting up safe digital devices for your children. We'll walk you through the essential steps to help create a more secure environment on both iPads and laptops.
🔐 First Steps: Before Handing Over Any Device
Create a child account (never an administrator account)
Enable parental controls before first use
📱 Setting Up an iPad Safely
iPads offer a straightforward setup process with built-in controls:
- Enable Screen Time
- Step-by-step: Settings > Screen Time > Turn on Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Set Up Family Sharing
- How to: Settings > [your name] > Family Sharing > Add Member > Create child account
- Enable Guided Access (locks into single app)
- Steps: Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Turn on > Set passcode
💻 Setting Up a Laptop Safely
Choose your operating system below:
Windows Setup
Create Family Safety Controls
- Steps: Press Windows key + I > Accounts > Family & other users > Add a family member > Create child account
- Configure: Activity restrictions, web filtering, safe search, app/game restrictions, screen time limits, and activity reporting
ChromeOS Setup
Set Up Family Link
- Open Settings > Accounts > Parental Controls
- Add child account through Family Link
- Configure app permissions, screen time, and website restrictions
- Enable SafeSearch and YouTube restrictions
Mac Setup
Create Child Account
- Apple menu > System Settings > Family
- Add Account > Create Child Account
- Configure Screen Time limits and app restrictions
🌐 Setting Up Safe Browsing (All Devices)
- Google Chrome: Menu (3 dots) > Settings > Privacy and security > Safe Browsing > Enhanced protection
- Safari: Safari menu > Settings > Search > Enable "Safe Search"
- Firefox: Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Enable "Block dangerous content"
⏰ Managing Screen Time
- Set specific hours for device use
- Create time limits for different activities
- Schedule automatic shutoff times
💡 Important Tips for Success
- Keep devices in common areas, not bedrooms
- Set clear guidelines and consequences
- Review activity reports regularly
- Have ongoing conversations about internet safety
- Start strict and gradually allow more freedom as your child shows responsibility
Remember: The most effective safety measure isn't technical—it's maintaining open communication with your child about online safety and responsible device use.