Family Resources
Mobile Device Management
Keeping your children safe online doesn't require expensive software. Major platforms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft already include powerful, free device management tools for your family's devices. No matter which ecosystem you prefer, you can easily use these features to manage screen time, restrict content, and protect your children.
Apple Family Sharing and Screen Time provide parents with several settings and parental controls to manage your child’s Apple device usage. To set up parental controls on Apple devices, Family Sharing must first be set up on the parent’s device, and then, the child’s Apple account can be added to the Family Sharing Group. Once Content & Privacy Restrictions are turned on, parents can set up and manage child devices through Screen Time on the parent’s device.
Google Family Link is a free app that helps parents manage their children’s Android (7.0 Nougat and higher) and Chromebook (OS v. 71 and higher) devices. The parents’ app can run on Android (7.0 Nougat and higher) and Apple (iOS 16 and higher) devices. Through the app, parents can set screen time limits, block apps, see location, restrict content, and more.
Note: Google Family Link cannot be used on child’s school-provided Google Account.
Microsoft Family Safety (through a Microsoft 365 Family subscription) is a primarily free service offering parental controls for devices using Windows (10 and 11), Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S), Android apps and games. These devices can be managed through Microsoft Family Safety app on Android or Apple devices. Once a Family Group is created, family members can be added to the group and devices connected. Apps, games, content, internet, and screen time can be managed through the parent’s app.