Having access to the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. It allows us to connect with other people across the globe. Moreover, it gives us access to a virtually unmeasurable library of information. However, without taking precautions, you might end up dealing with devastating problems. After all, the web can be a hub for criminals who are waiting for their next unsuspecting victim. Needless to say, the Internet can be a dangerous place, not only for you but also for your children.
It is only natural for parents to worry about what their kids are exposed to when using their phones or computers. So, if you have a kid who is old enough to know how to access the web, you might ask, “How can I limit my child’s Internet access?”
If your child is using a Windows 10 PC, you can create an account which allows you to monitor their online activities. This feature adds more security to a regular user account by using Microsoft Family Safety. Initially released via Windows 8, Parental Control lets you control and monitor what your child does on their computer or phone. These activities include their screen time and web browsing habits. You can also decide which apps and games they can use on their Windows 10 PC.
Of course, this feature has stirred controversy in various communities around the world. However, if you watch news about children getting bullied online or becoming willing victims of disturbing web suicide games, you would want to take measures to protect your kids.
Now, you might wonder, “How do I set up Parental Controls on the Internet?” Worry no more because we’ve got you covered. In this post, we will teach you how to set up Parental Control on your child’s Windows 10 computer. We will also show you how to use the feature.
How to Create a User Account with Parental Controls on Windows 10
The first thing you need to do is create a user account for your child. Once you’ve done that, you will be able to set up Parental Control. To begin, follow the steps below:
- You need to launch the Settings app. To do this, press Windows Key+I on your keyboard.
- Once the Settings app is open, click the Accounts tile.
- Now, go to the left-pane menu and select Family & Other People from the list.
- Move to the right pane, then click Add a Family Member.
- A new dialog box will appear. You need to select the ‘Add a child’ option, then submit an email address. If your child already has one, you can use it. Otherwise, you can click the ‘The person I want to add doesn’t have an email address’ link.
- The next step is to fill out the information necessary to set up the child user account. You need to submit the name of your child and the date of their birth, among other details.
- You need to enter a valid phone number to provide additional security for your child’s account. If for some reason, you cannot access the account, you can request for a code to be sent to your phone. When you use the code, you will be able to reset the account. It is worth noting that you have the option to use an email address instead of a phone number.
- Now, you need to decide if you’re willing to share the account information with Microsoft Advertising and if you want to receive promotional offers from the company. Since these features are not specifically relevant to your child, you can deselect them.
You will now have the ability to use the Microsoft Family Safety tools online to log into your child’s account. You will be able to set up or modify their account settings. However, before you can apply any family settings on your child’s user account, you must confirm their account. Here are the steps:
- Send an invitation to the email address you used to create your child’s user account.
- Now, open the email and click Accept Invitation.
Keep in mind that their account will remain pending unless you confirm the invitation. They may be able to sign into their account, but the features of Parental Control will not function. So, it is important that you confirm their account before you proceed to the next section.
How to Use Parental Control on a Windows 10 PC
Once you’ve added your child’s account, you will be able to configure the settings by using the Family Safety website. To access the site, you can click Manage Family Settings. Here are some of the things you can do via Parental Control:
- Receive reports on your children’s activities on their devices, including web searches and app purchases.
- Send your child money to use for shopping in the Xbox and Windows stores.
- Configure age limits for rated content on videos, apps, games, movies, and TV shows.
- Set limits on how long your children can use their Windows 10 PC.
- If your child is using a Windows 10 smartphone, you will also be able to locate them on a map.
Now, let’s look at the Parental Control options you can use.
Web Browsing
While you can choose what your child is allowed to see online, you cannot control what people send them. You will never know when an inappropriate ad will pop up or when someone will send a harmful link to them. So, it is crucial that you monitor your kid’s browsing activities. When you go to the web browsing section, you will be able to block sites that you do not want your child to visit.
The first thing you need to do is enable the ‘Block inappropriate websites’ feature. Once you’ve done that, you switch on SafeSearch. By doing so, the search engines will not show inappropriate search results. In this way, you can ensure that your child will only see websites you’ve approved.
Pro Tip: If you want a more comprehensive tool for securing your child’s computer against online threats and attacks, we recommend that you use Auslogics Anti-Malware. This software program can detect cookies that track your child’s activities and collect their personal data. It will also check their temporary and system folders for security issues. Moreover, Auslogics Anti-Malware will scan their browser extensions to prevent data leaks. With this tool, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your child’s computer is safe and secure.
Recent Activity
The Recent Activity section collects your child’s activities. You will receive reports via email about what they’ve browsed online, their screen time, and the apps and games they used. You have the option to receive a week’s worth of activities. On the other hand, you still have the freedom to see all their activities. Keep in mind that Microsoft will only be able to collect your child’s browsing activities if they are using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. So, it would be ideal to block their access to other web browsers.
Apps, Games & Media
We know that children can get addicted to games. These days, games have become more violent. So, you can configure the settings of the Apps, Games & Media section to make sure that your child won’t have access to inappropriate apps. You will be able to block games and apps that you do not want your kid to open. Once you’ve enabled the ‘Block inappropriate apps and games’ feature, you will be able to limit what they can download from Windows Store accordingly. They will only be able to install those that are appropriate for their age. Moreover, you will have the ability to block specific games and apps.
Screen Time
If you want to minimize the time your child spends on their computer, you can go to the Screen Time section. Here, you will be able to set time limits for their PC usage. You also have the freedom to customize the usage limit depending on the day. For instance, if you want them to give an incentive of longer computer usage during weekends, you can set longer limits for Saturday and Sunday and shorter time limits for weekdays.
Purchase & Spending
You can also load your child’s account with money that they can use to purchase media and games from the Xbox store and Microsoft Store. You can go to the Purchase & Spending section and send money to their Microsoft account. Make sure you get rid of other payment options to put control over their spending.
Find Your Child
If your child is using a Windows 10 tablet or smartphone, you can use the Find Your Child feature to know where they are on a map.
Xbox Privacy Settings
In this section, you will be able to monitor the Xbox profile of your child. You can also decide whether your child will be allowed to see other users’ Xbox Live profiles, communicate with video, or share files with other people. You will be able to modify these settings for Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles as well as Windows 10 computers.
Microsoft has added features that will make it easier for you to control your children’s activities on their devices. However, it is still best that you sit down and discuss web safety with your kids. In this way, they understand your reasoning behind setting the limitations on their devices.
What do you think of Parental Control?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
