Protect Your Child Online: How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Child’s Laptop

Josephine Amuzu 12:29 - 24 January 2026

Parental Controls on Laptops

This article provides a step-by-step guide on setting up parental controls on your child’s laptop, helping parents block inappropriate content, manage screen time, and ensure safe online usage.

In today’s digital age, children often spend a significant amount of time online. While the internet offers educational resources and entertainment, it can also expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or excessive screen time. Setting up parental controls on your child’s laptop or even your own, can help ensure safe and balanced usage.

Here’s a practical guide on how to do it.

What is Parental Control?

Parental control refers to tools, settings, or software that allow parents or guardians to manage, monitor, and restrict their child’s use of digital devices, online content, and apps.

1. Understand What Parental Controls Can Do

Before setting up controls, it’s important to know their capabilities. Parental controls can:

Block access to inappropriate websites or content.
Limit screen time on specific apps or the entire device.
Monitor online activity, including search history and app usage.
Restrict downloads or purchases without permission.
Knowing these options will help you decide which controls to prioritise based on your child’s age and maturity.

2. Create a Separate User Account for Your Child

Parental controls on Windows 10

On Windows: Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & Other Users → Add a Family Member → Add a Child Account.
On Mac: Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Add (+) → New Account → Managed with Parental Controls.

Creating a separate account ensures your child’s activities are monitored and restrictions only apply to their account. It also prevents them from accessing your personal files.

3. Use Built-in Parental Controls

Most operating systems have built-in parental controls:

Windows (Microsoft Family Safety): Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & Other Users → Manage family settings online. Set web filtering, app limits, and screen time schedules. Receive weekly activity reports.
Mac (Screen Time): Go to System Preferences → Screen Time → Options → Turn On Screen Time. Set content restrictions, app limits, and downtime schedules.

Lock changes with a passcode to prevent your child from bypassing settings.

4. Set Safe Search and Browser Controls

Even with OS restrictions, browsers can access inappropriate content. This means that even though the laptop’s built-in parental controls or safety features can limit access to apps or websites, browsers like Chrome or Edge could still allow children to reach unwanted content unless additional controls.

This is what to do: Enable Safe Search on Google, Bing, or other search engines. On Chrome or Edge, use extensions like BlockSite or KidZui to block unsuitable websites. Clear browsing history periodically to monitor usage.

Safe search ensures children only see age-appropriate content while browsing online.

5. Limit App and Game Downloads

Unrestricted access to apps or games can expose children to inappropriate content or in-app purchases.
On Windows: Go to Microsoft Store → Settings → Family Settings → Require adult approval.
On Mac: Use Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Store Purchases & Apps.
Approval requirements ensure children cannot download apps or make purchases without supervision.

6. Schedule Screen Time

Too much screen time can affect health and focus.

On Windows: Microsoft Family Safety allows daily screen time limits per device or per app.
On Mac: Screen Time lets you schedule Downtime, restricting laptop use during specific hours.
Scheduled limits help children balance online activity with homework, sleep, and family time.

7. Monitor Activity Regularly

Parental controls are not a replacement for guidance. Regularly review your child’s activity reports.

Microsoft Family Safety sends weekly summaries of app and website usage.
On Mac, check Screen Time → See All Activity.
Monitoring helps you identify patterns, correct issues early, and discuss responsible usage with your child.

8. Communicate With Your Child

Parental controls work best when combined with open communication. Explain why controls are in place, and encourage responsible use of the laptop. Discuss appropriate content, online safety, and the consequences of breaking rules.

Children are more likely to follow rules when they understand the reasoning behind them rather than feeling policed.

@techinherstep Here’s a simple walk thru to set up parental controls for your child’s Microsoft PC, laptop, Xbox using the Family Safety App. #microsoft #familysafety #childonlinesafety #parentalcontrols #onlinesafety ♬ original sound - Tech In Her Step 😉

Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on your child’s laptop is a balance between safety and trust. By combining built-in system tools, app restrictions, screen time management, and open communication, parents can create a secure and productive digital environment.

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