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Resources for parental control of devices, social media

by | Jul 31, 2024

As they’ve come under increasing fire for the harmful aspects of social media, tech companies have made more protective tools available to parents and caregivers.

These parental controls allow them to monitor and filter what children can see online, and to set limits on screen time and app purchases. 

Here’s where to find more information on supervision tools for popular devices and websites:

• Apple iPhones and iPads: Under the settings app, Screen Time enables parents to manage content, apps and settings on a child’s device.

• Android devices: TheGoogle Family Link app, installed from Google Play, allows parents to limit screen time and manage a child’s online activities.

• Meta: The Family Center is where parents can supervise Instagram and Facebook accounts and get advice from experts.

• TikTok: The Family Pairing feature enables a parent or guardian to link to a teen’s account and set controls. 

• YouTube: Supervised accounts include a content setting that limits the videos and music children under 13 can play. 

• Snapchat: This app also has a Family Center with tools and resources for parents or guardians.

Another resource for developing a digital management strategy is the Family Online Safety Institute website.

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By Randy Rieland

Read more articles by Randy Rieland
Randy Rieland was a newspaper reporter and magazine editor for more than 20 years, starting with stints at the Pittsburgh Press and Baltimore Sun, and moving on to become editor of Pittsburgh Magazine and a senior editor at Washingtonian magazine. He made the switch to digital media in 1995 as part of the team that launched Discovery.com, the website for the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and other Discovery Communications Networks. He ultimately was promoted to senior vice president of Discovery Channel Digital Media. After his return to print journalism, Randy has written for Smithsonian and Johns Hopkins Magazine. He is a longtime, regular contributor to Foothills Forum. His stories, appearing in the Rappahannock News, have won numerous Virginia Press Association awards for excellence. When he’s not reporting, Randy is a volunteer with the National Park Service at Arlington House, above Arlington National Cemetery. He and his wife, Carol Ryder, have owned a house off Tiger Valley Road since 2005. Reach Randy at [email protected]