KIRO

Parental controls

What it is

Software settings on a phone, tablet, or router that limit what a child can see, download, or spend — screen-time limits, app restrictions, content filters, and purchase approvals. They don't replace a conversation, but they buy time while that conversation is happening.

What it looks like on your child's phone
  • A "Family Link" or "Screen Time" icon they didn’t set up themselves
  • Apps greyed out or asking for a parent’s PIN to open
  • A pop-up asking you to approve a download or purchase
  • The phone locking itself at a set time each night
What to do tonight
  1. Turn on Google Family Link (Android) or Screen Time (iPhone) — fifteen minutes, done once
  2. Set one hard stop: no phone 60 minutes before bed
  3. Check which apps they actually use before blocking anything — talk about it, don’t just switch it off
What the law says in India

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 treats anyone under 18 as a child for data purposes and requires apps to get verifiable parental consent before processing a child’s personal data. Parental controls are one practical way families exercise that right.

General information, not legal advice.

Videos on this
Setting up parental controls on a phone
A common sense approach to internet safety
Still not sure what to do?

Talk it through with Vaani, in your own language.