How to set up parental controls and keep your kids safe online
Protecting children online has become more complex as digital platforms evolve and young people engage with technology from ever-younger ages. Recent research reveals that one in three children aged 5-7 now use social media unsupervised, whilst 96% of UK teenagers own smartphones. With the UK’s Online Safety Act introducing significant changes that will be fully enforced by July 2025, parents need to understand both the new legal landscape and practical steps to safeguard their children’s digital experiences.
Understand the New UK Online Safety Landscape
The UK’s Online Safety Act is a fundamental shift in how children are protected online, with critical changes taking effect by July 2025. Under these new regulations, platforms likely to be accessed by children must complete risk assessments and implement solid age verification systems, particularly for adult content. Companies now face legal obligations to prevent minors from encountering harmful content related to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and pornography, whilst also protecting against cyber bullying and dangerous online challenges. The legislation needs platforms to configure their recommendation algorithms to filter harmful content from children’s feeds and provide effective reporting mechanisms for both parents and children.
Choose the Right Parental Control Tools
Modern parental control solutions operate at multiple levels, each offering different advantages. ISP-level filters provide broad protection across all devices in your home, blocking inappropriate websites at the network level. Gaming consoles and individual apps offer built-in parental controls that allow age-appropriate content filtering and screen time limits. Third-party applications like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Circle Home Plus provide monitoring and control features. Recent platform updates have introduced new safety features: Meta has improved age verification processes, whilst newer platforms like Bluesky are implementing age-gated access from launch. When setting up these tools, remember that secure access is important. This means avoiding using default passwords for routers or parental control apps. Instead, use a password generator to create strong, unique passwords that children cannot easily guess or bypass, guaranteeing your safety measures remain effective.
Combine Tech with Trust
Digital Parenting Essentials Ofcom research shows that whilst 90% of children aged 8-17 receive online safety education at school, only 20% of parents know when their children encounter harmful content online. Technology alone cannot guarantee safety, and children can often find ways around parental controls if they’re determined. The most effective approach combines technological safeguards with open communication about online risks and expectations. Establish clear rules about screen time, appropriate websites, and what to do if they encounter something concerning. Create an environment where children feel comfortable reporting problems without fear of losing device privileges.
Monitor, Update & Educate Regularly
Digital safety needs ongoing vigilance as platforms evolve and new threats emerge. Set monthly calendar reminders to review and update parental control settings, especially after software updates which can sometimes reset configurations. Stay informed about emerging risks such as AI-generated content, deepfakes, and new social media platforms that may not yet have good safety measures. Regularly check your children’s device usage reports to understand their online behaviour patterns and identify any concerning trends. Educational resources from organisations like Internet Matters, the UK Safer Internet Centre, and the NSPCC provide up-to-date information about current online threats and age-appropriate safety guidance.
Effective online safety for children needs a balanced approach that combines the UK’s new regulatory protections with practical parental controls and ongoing family communication. While the Online Safety Act gives improved safeguards, parents remain the first line of defence in protecting their children’s digital wellbeing.
*This is a collaborative post
