Archive Website of the UK government

Parental controls

Computers and other digital technologies like games consoles and mobile phones have parental controls. These let you do things like:

• block selected websites and email addresses by adding them to a filter list
• set time limits for use
• prevent your child from searching certain words

Before you set rules you can check the equipment’s user manual or the manufacturers’ websites to see what controls you have access to. You can also contact your internet service provider (ISP) or mobile phone operator to find out about any child safety measures they offer.

Setting rules with your child

When making a set of rules for using the internet, it’s a good idea to include your child. Being involved will help them understand the dangers and give them a sense of responsibility. It will also let them know what kind of websites you think are suitable.

The best way to keep your child safe online is to get on the internet yourself to learn how they use it. This will help you to set reasonable rules.

Acceptable internet use

Some examples of acceptable use might include:

• the internet-connected computer must be in a family room with the screen facing outward so you can see what's going on
  
• if your child accidentally goes to an unsuitable website they should tell you - you can delete it from the 'history' folder and add the address to the parental control filter list
  
• it's never OK to use abusive or threatening language in any online communication
  
• you child should take breaks from the computer every 30 minutes for health and safety reasons
• your child shouldn't download unknown files from the internet without you agreeing - it’s best to never download unknown files at all

• Preventing your child from downloading and file sharing illegally

Child-friendly search engines

You should make sure your child is aware of child-friendly search engines. These filter out inappropriate internet sites so that they are able to search the internet safely. Your child can also use traditional search engines with safe search settings turned on.

• Child-friendly search engines from WISE KIDS Opens new window

Stopping cyberbullying (online bullying)

Your child should understand that they should never be afraid to tell you about frightening or bullying emails or messages they get with unacceptable content. It’s not their fault that they have received them and the addresses can be added to the parental control filter list.

• Cyberbullying: keeping your child safe on computers and mobile phones

Your child’s personal safety online

It’s important your child realises that people online might not be who they say they are and could be dangerous. They should also be aware that any personal information they give out can be used in financial scams or for bullying.

To keep your child safe you should tell them not to:

• give out personal information to people they only know online - this includes name, home address, landline and mobile numbers, bank details, PIN numbers and passwords
• supply details for registration without asking for permission and help from you
• visit chat websites that aren’t fully moderated/supervised
  
• arrange to meet an online friend in person without your knowledge and permission (if you agree to let them, you should always go along with them)
  
• give any indication of their age or sex in a personal email address or screen name
  
• keep anything that worries or upsets them online secret from you
• respond to unwanted emails or other messages
  

You can monitor your child’s internet use by checking the history folder on your browser as it contains a list of previously visited sites.

If there’s a problem

Hopefully the rules you put in place will mean your child is always able to use the internet safely. However, you should also:

• contact your ISP if your child comes across inappropriate content or is subjected to any inappropriate contact while online
  
• install and regularly update filtering software to protect against inappropriate internet access

If you are worried about illegal materials or suspicious online behaviour, contact the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (CEOP).

• Report abuse - CEOP Opens new window

More useful links

• Computers and the internet (home and community section)

• Know IT All for parents - keeping children safe online Opens new window

• Download 'Searching the Internet and Child Safety' (PDF, 548K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Useful contacts

• Parents contacts