Giving a child their first phone is a big step; and it often comes with big questions.

How much freedom is too much?
How do you keep them safe without constantly checking their phone?

Parental controls aren’t about spying; they’re about support, boundaries, and safety.

This guide shows you how to set up parental controls on an Android phone, using simple tools that give both you and your child more confidence online.

1. Using Google Family Link
The easiest way to set up parental controls is with Google Family Link

It lets you:

•Set screen time limits
•Approve or block apps
•See device activity
•Manage settings remotely

Step 1: Download the app
•Go to the Google Play Store
•Download Google Family Link
•Create a family group if needed

Step 2: Connect your child’s device
• On your child’s phone, go to Settings > Google > Parental controls.
• Sign in and link accounts

● Step 3: Set boundaries
Once connected, you can control your child’s device from your phone through the Family Link app. Here are some features you can control:
• Screen time: Set daily limits
• App management: Approve or block app
• Content filtering: Filter websites and media
• Location tracking:See where their device is

2. Setting Parental Controls Without Family Link

You can also enable certain parental controls directly on your child’s Android device.

● Step 1: Play Store Parental Controls
• Open the Google Play Store on the child’s device.
• Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Family > Parental controls.
• Turn on Parental controls and set up a PIN.
• You can restrict content based on maturity levels for apps, games, movies, and books.

● Step 2: Restricting In-App Purchases
• Go to the Google Play Store.
• Tap the profile icon > Settings > Authentication > Require authentication for purchases.
• Set it to For all purchases through Google Play on this device.
• This stops those accidental ‘£89.99 on a game’ moments

● Step 3: Safe Browsing
You can enable safe browsing to block harmful websites:
• Use the Google Chrome browser and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Safe Browsing.

● Step 4: Screen Time & Focus Mode
• Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Focus Mode.
• You can limit certain app usage and set screen time directly.