How to use built-in parental controls on Instagram, TikTok, and more

Giving your child a smartphone requires careful consideration. Educating them about online safety and implementing protective measures is crucial. Both Android and iOS offer built-in parental controls, but many apps also provide their own features. Let's explore how to leverage these controls on popular social media platforms.

TikTok:

TikTok’s popularity among children necessitates parental oversight. Within the app (Android & iOS), navigate to Profile > Menu (three lines) > Settings and privacy > Digital Wellbeing. Here, set daily screen time limits and activate restricted mode (PIN protected) to filter inappropriate content.

The Privacy menu (under Settings and privacy) offers further controls. Disable comments, mentions, and direct messages (though these aren't PIN protected). For enhanced control, use Family Pairing to link your TikTok account to your child's. This grants remote access to screen time, restricted mode, and direct message settings.

Instagram:

Instagram (Android & iOS) offers increasing parental control options. Access settings via Profile picture > Menu (three lines) > Settings. The Privacy menu allows disabling message and group chat requests from non-followers and setting the account to private (requiring follower approval). Note: your child can easily reverse these changes.

For more robust oversight, create your own Instagram account and connect it to your child's using the Supervision feature. This allows you to monitor their activity, including who they follow, and set time limits. While you can't read their private messages or posts, you can see their public activity and receive reports they submit.

Snapchat:

Snapchat (Android & iOS) recently introduced parental controls similar to Instagram's. You'll need your own Snapchat account. Go to Profile picture > Cog icon > Privacy Controls > Family Center. This lets you see their friends list, recent contacts (past 7 days), and report abuse. Access to shared content (messages, images) is not granted.

Family Center requires your child's acceptance of an invitation, sent as a direct message. If their account is private, add them as a friend first. Invitations expire, so prompt acceptance is needed. Note the age restrictions: monitors must be 25 , and children must be 13-18.

Facebook:

Facebook (Android & iOS) lacks built-in parental controls. Discuss privacy settings with your child. Use Settings & privacy > Settings > Your time on Facebook to set time limits (though these are easily changeable). Review Profile information and How people can find and contact you to ensure appropriate privacy settings. Manage post visibility and tagging options under Posts and Profile and tagging to limit exposure. Open communication about appropriate online behavior is essential.

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