Parental Control Guide: Protecting Children While Using Electronic Devices
In our fast-paced digital world, it is essential to activate parental control tools to ensure safe use of smart devices and gaming platforms, and to prevent children from exposure to inappropriate content. Modern systems offer advanced options for content filtering, access restrictions, and screen time management.
Below is a practical guide on how to enable these features on the most popular platforms:
Parental Controls on iOS Devices (iPhone & iPad)
Steps:
Enable “Screen Time”
Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap on Turn On Screen Time and follow the instructions to create a passcode.
Filter Content and Apps
Navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Turn on restrictions and customize the categories you’d like to control, such as apps, websites, and rated content.
Set Screen Time Limits
Under Screen Time, select Downtime to specify permitted device usage hours.
Manage Apps and Purchases
In Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can control app downloads and in-app purchases.
Parental Controls on Android Devices
Steps:
Create a Child Account via Google Family Link
Install the Google Family Link app on the parent’s device.
Create a new child account or link an existing one.
Filter Content and Apps
In Family Link, select the child’s account.
Go to Settings Management > Google Play Controls.
Choose appropriate ratings for movies, apps, and general content.
Restrict Website Access
In Family Link, go to Chrome settings.
Select “Only allow approved websites” or block specific URLs.
Set Screen Time Limits
In Family Link, navigate to Screen Time Management.
Set daily usage hours and bedtime schedules.
Parental Controls on Xbox Devices
Steps:
Set Up a Child Account
Go to Settings > Account > Family & Online Safety.
Add the child’s account to the family group.
Filter Content and Games
In Family Settings, set age limits for content.
Choose the suitable age rating for games and apps.
Limit Play Time
Go to Family Settings > Screen Time Limits.
Define allowed daily usage hours.
Manage Online Communication
In Online Safety Settings, control who can communicate with the child via Xbox Live.
Parental Controls on PlayStation Devices
Steps:
Create a Family Account on PlayStation Network
Go to Settings > Family Management.
Add the child’s account and configure appropriate settings.
Filter Content and Games
In Family Settings, go to Play Time Management.
Set the content filter level based on age.
Set Play Time Limits
Define allowed daily gaming hours for each day of the week.
Manage Purchases and Communication
In Family Settings, set spending limits to prevent unauthorized purchases.
Restrict messaging and voice chat features to protect the child from interacting with strangers.
Reporting Inappropriate Content and Harmful Websites
If you come across websites or platforms displaying harmful or inappropriate content for children, you can report them using the official channels in Saudi Arabia:
🔹 Saudi Filtering Service for Reporting Websites
📌 https://filter.sa/ar
🔹 Report Cybercrimes via Absher Platform
📌 https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/servicesDirectory/servicedetails/6166
🔹 Report Media Content Violations via “Naqd”
📌 https://perform.gamr.gov.sa
Ensure Your Child’s Online Safety Today!
By activating parental controls and reporting harmful content, you can ensure your children’s digital experiences remain safe and secure. Make it a habit to regularly review and update these settings to align with your family’s evolving needs.