6 Easy Internet Safety for Families Settings to Turn On Now

The internet has become as essential to our homes as electricity and running water. Our kids use it for homework, our families connect through it, and we manage our lives online. But with all this connectivity comes real risks that many families overlook.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect your family online. Most devices and platforms already have powerful safety features built in—they’re just turned off by default. These settings sit there, waiting to be activated, like seatbelts that nobody’s buckled.

This guide walks you through six critical safety settings you can turn on right now. Each one takes just a few minutes to configure but provides ongoing protection for everyone in your household. No complicated tech talk, no expensive software—just practical steps that work.

Why Default Settings Leave Families Vulnerable

Technology companies design their products for maximum ease of use, which often means minimal restrictions out of the box. They want you to start using their service immediately without barriers. The problem is that “easy for everyone” usually means “not very safe for kids.”

Think about buying a new car. It comes with airbags, but you still need to adjust the seats, set up the mirrors, and buckle the seatbelts. Digital devices are similar. The safety features exist, but you need to activate and configure them for your specific family.

The average family has 22 connected devices in their home. That’s 22 potential entry points for inappropriate content, online predators, or privacy violations. But it also means 22 opportunities to implement better protection.

Setting #1: Network-Level Content Filtering Through Your Router

Your home router is the gateway every device uses to access the internet. By configuring content filtering at this level, you create a safety net that covers smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and even smart TVs—all at once.

How Router-Level Filtering Works

Instead of setting up parental controls on each individual device (which kids can sometimes bypass or reset), you establish rules at the source. Every device that connects to your WiFi automatically inherits these protections.

Most modern routers include built-in parental control features. Here’s how to access them:

1. Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Log in with your admin credentials (check the sticker on your router if you haven’t changed them)
3. Look for sections labeled “Parental Controls,” “Access Control,” or “Content Filtering”
4. Enable the filtering feature and select age-appropriate categories to block

Advanced Router Protection Options

Many router manufacturers now offer cloud-based services that provide even stronger filtering. Services like Circle, Gryphon, or OpenDNS allow you to:

• Block specific websites or entire categories (gambling, adult content, violence)
• Set time limits for internet access
• Monitor which sites your family visits
• Receive alerts about suspicious activity
• Create different profiles for different family members

The beauty of this approach is that it follows your kids even when they’re using a friend’s phone on your WiFi, or when they switch between devices.

Setting #2: YouTube Restricted Mode and Kids App

YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and kids watch it constantly. Without proper settings, they’re just a few clicks away from content that ranges from inappropriate to genuinely harmful.

Activating YouTube Restricted Mode

Restricted Mode uses automated systems to filter out potentially mature content. While not perfect, it blocks the vast majority of problematic videos. Here’s how to turn it on:

On Desktop:

1. Scroll to the bottom of any YouTube page
2. Click “Restricted Mode: Off”
3. Toggle it to “On”
4. Click “Lock Restricted Mode on this browser”
5. Sign in to confirm (this prevents kids from turning it off)

On Mobile Devices:

1. Tap your profile icon
2. Select “Settings”
3. Choose “General”
4. Toggle “Restricted Mode” on

YouTube Kids: A Better Alternative for Younger Children

For kids under 12, YouTube Kids provides a much safer environment. The app only shows content that has passed through multiple filters and human review:

• Download YouTube Kids from your app store
• Set up profiles for each child with age-appropriate content
• Customize what types of videos appear
• Disable search for younger kids to limit them to pre-approved channels
• Review watch history to see what your children are viewing

You can also set timer limits within the app, so kids automatically get logged out after a set period. This prevents the endless scroll that regular YouTube encourages.

Setting #3: SafeSearch on All Search Engines

When kids type questions into Google, Bing, or other search engines, they can accidentally stumble upon explicit images or websites. SafeSearch filters these results out automatically.

Enabling Google SafeSearch

Google handles billions of searches daily, making it the most important search engine to secure:

1. Visit google.com while signed into your family’s Google account
2. Click “Settings” in the bottom right
3. Select “Search settings”
4. Check “Turn on SafeSearch”
5. Scroll down and click “Save”
6. Lock SafeSearch by visiting google.com/safesearch and confirming your choice

For additional protection, consider setting up Google Family Link. This free service lets you manage your child’s Google account, including permanently locking SafeSearch in place.

Other Search Engines to Configure

Don’t forget about alternative search engines that kids might use:

Bing:

• Go to bing.com/account/general
• Set “SafeSearch” to “Strict”
• Save your preferences

DuckDuckGo:

• Visit duckduckgo.com/settings
• Set “Safe Search” to “Strict”
• This setting is browser-based, so configure it on each browser your family uses

Yahoo:

• Visit yahoo.com and click Settings
• Choose “Preferences”
• Select “SafeSearch” and pick “Filter”

Setting #4: App Store Purchase and Download Controls

Kids don’t need unfettered access to download any app they want. Many apps contain in-app purchases, collect excessive data, or include social features that connect children with strangers.

iPhone and iPad Restrictions

Apple provides robust parental controls through Screen Time:

1. Open Settings and tap “Screen Time”
2. Tap “Continue” and select “This is My Child’s iPhone”
3. Enable “Content & Privacy Restrictions”
4. Tap “iTunes & App Store Purchases”
5. Set “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow” or “Ask”
6. Set “In-app Purchases” to “Don’t Allow”
7. Under “Content Restrictions,” set age-appropriate ratings for apps, movies, TV shows, and books

You can also restrict access to specific apps, set time limits, and prevent changes to privacy settings. The key is creating a Screen Time passcode that only parents know.

Android and Google Play Protection

Android devices use Google’s Family Link for parental controls:

1. Download Google Family Link on both parent and child devices
2. Follow the setup wizard to link accounts
3. On the parent device, select your child’s account
4. Tap “Controls” then “Google Play”
5. Set ratings restrictions for apps, games, movies, TV, books, and music
6. Enable “Require approval for purchases”
7. Set daily screen time limits if desired

Family Link also shows you which apps your child uses most frequently and how much time they spend on each.

Setting #5: Social Media Privacy and Age-Appropriate Accounts

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive and to collect personal information. While younger kids shouldn’t have social media accounts at all (most platforms require users to be 13+), older teens need proper privacy configurations.

Instagram Privacy Settings

Instagram is particularly popular with teens. These settings reduce risks:

1. Set the account to Private (only approved followers can see posts)
2. Turn off “Similar Account Suggestions” to prevent strangers from finding your teen
3. Disable location services for Instagram
4. Turn off “Activity Status” so others can’t see when your teen is online
5. Restrict comments to “People You Follow”
6. Disable the ability for others to tag your teen in photos without approval

Navigate to Settings > Privacy to find these options. Review them together with your teen, explaining why each matters.

TikTok Family Pairing

TikTok’s Family Pairing feature lets parents link their account to their teen’s account:

1. Both parent and teen open TikTok
2. Go to Settings and Privacy > Family Pairing
3. Scan the QR code to link accounts
4. Set screen time limits
5. Restrict direct messages to friends only (or disable completely)
6. Enable Restricted Mode to filter inappropriate content
7. Set search limitations

Review the “For You” feed occasionally with your teen to understand what the algorithm is showing them.

Snapchat Location and Contact Settings

Snapchat’s Snap Map feature shows your real-time location to friends. This poses obvious safety risks:

1. Open Snapchat and pinch the camera screen to open the map
2. Tap the settings gear
3. Select “Ghost Mode” to hide your location
4. Change “Who Can…” settings to restrict who can contact your teen, view their story, and see them in Quick Add

Also disable “See Me in Quick Add” under Settings > Privacy to prevent strangers from finding your teen’s account.

Setting #6: Device-Level Time Limits and Bedtime Modes

Unlimited screen time affects sleep, mental health, and family relationships. Time limits help establish healthy digital habits.

iOS Screen Time Schedules

Apple’s Screen Time includes powerful scheduling features:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time
2. Tap “Downtime”
3. Set a schedule (for example, 9 PM to 7 AM)
4. During downtime, only phone calls and apps you specifically allow will work
5. Under “App Limits,” set time restrictions for categories like Social Networking or Games
6. Choose “Block at End of Limit” to enforce restrictions

You can customize which apps remain available during downtime. Most parents allow phone, messages, and educational apps but block games and social media.

Android Digital Wellbeing

Google’s Digital Wellbeing provides similar functionality:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
2. Tap “Bedtime mode” to set a schedule that turns the screen grayscale and silences notifications
3. Use “App timers” to set daily limits for specific apps
4. Enable “Focus mode” to pause distracting apps during homework or family time

Why Time Limits Matter

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours of recreational screen time daily for children and teens. Excessive use correlates with:

• Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Reduced physical activity
• Lower academic performance
• Weakened family relationships

Time limits aren’t about punishment—they’re about creating space for other important activities like outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and face-to-face conversations.

Creating a Family Technology Agreement

Settings alone won’t keep your family safe online. You also need clear expectations and open communication. Consider creating a family technology agreement that includes:

• Which devices each family member can use
• When and where screen time is appropriate
• Which apps and websites are allowed
• What information can be shared online
• Consequences for breaking the rules
• Regular check-ins to discuss online experiences

Post this agreement somewhere visible and review it together every few months. As kids mature and demonstrate responsibility, you can adjust the rules accordingly. For more comprehensive resources on digital safety, visit the Internet Safety Guide for expert tips and tools.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, families often make these errors:

Setting up controls and never checking them again. Kids are resourceful and will find workarounds. Review settings monthly and monitor what’s actually being accessed.

Using the same settings for all children. A 7-year-old and a 16-year-old need different levels of protection and freedom. Customize controls based on age and maturity.

Relying solely on technology. No filtering system catches everything. Stay involved in your kids’ digital lives through regular conversations about what they’re seeing and experiencing online.

Implementing controls without explanation. Kids who understand why rules exist are more likely to follow them, even when you’re not watching. Talk about online dangers in age-appropriate ways.

Forgetting about guest WiFi. Create a separate guest network for visitors. This prevents them from accessing your file-sharing systems and keeps your main network more secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I talk to my kids about these new settings without making them feel like I don’t trust them?

Frame the conversation around safety rather than surveillance. Explain that just as you lock the doors at night and buckle seatbelts in the car, these settings protect the family online. Emphasize that you’re still learning too and want to work together to create healthy digital habits.

What if my child uses devices at school or friends’ houses where I can’t control the settings?

Focus on building digital literacy and good judgment. Kids who understand why certain content is harmful are better equipped to make smart choices independently. Have ongoing conversations about what they encounter online and how to respond.

Can tech-savvy kids bypass these parental controls?

Some determined kids will try. The goal isn’t to create an impenetrable fortress but to establish boundaries and make accessing inappropriate content more difficult. Combine technological controls with trust-building and open communication.

How often should I update these settings?

Review all safety settings quarterly. Technology changes rapidly, and platforms frequently update their features. What worked six months ago might not provide adequate protection today. Set a calendar reminder to check in regularly.

Should I monitor my teenager’s messages and social media accounts?

This depends on your child’s age, maturity, and your family values. Many experts recommend random spot-checks rather than reading every message. Be transparent about what you’re monitoring and why. The goal is safety, not eliminating all privacy.

What’s the right age to give my child their first smartphone?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but many experts suggest waiting until at least age 12-13. Consider your child’s maturity level, need for communication, and ability to follow rules. Some families start with basic phones that only call and text before graduating to smartphones. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides additional guidance on age-appropriate technology use.

Your Action Plan for This Week

Don’t try to implement everything at once. Here’s a realistic timeline:

Today: Set up router-level content filtering. This single action protects all devices immediately.

This weekend: Configure YouTube settings and SafeSearch on all family devices.

Next week: Set up app store restrictions and review what’s already installed on kids’ devices.

Within two weeks: Establish social media privacy settings and time limits.

Ongoing: Schedule monthly check-ins to review settings, discuss online experiences, and adjust rules as needed.

The Bottom Line

Internet safety for families doesn’t require expensive software or technical expertise. The six settings covered in this guide—router filtering, YouTube restrictions, SafeSearch, app store controls, social media privacy, and time limits—provide comprehensive protection when used together.

These configurations take a few hours to set up but provide ongoing safety for years. More importantly, they create opportunities for conversations about digital citizenship, critical thinking, and healthy technology use.

Your family’s online safety is worth the investment of time and attention. Start with one setting today, and build from there. Each step makes your digital home a little bit safer.

The internet isn’t going anywhere. Teaching your family to navigate it safely is one of the most important skills you can provide. These six settings give you a strong foundation to build on as technology continues to evolve and your children grow.