Setting up a phone or tablet safely for children: what to check

Many children first use a phone or tablet that belongs to a parent, or an old device handed down to them. Either way, the device usually arrives set up for an adult: open to every app, every purchase and every website. A few minutes with the settings can make it much safer. Because every device and system is different and menus change after updates, this article doesn't give step-by-step instructions. Instead, it lists the things worth checking, so you can look for them in your own device's settings.

Before you hand it over

Decide whose device it is. A shared family tablet and a child's own device need different rules. Many families start with a shared device that stays in a common room.
Use a child account or profile if your device offers one. Many systems let you create a separate profile for a child, with its own limits.
Update the system and apps. Updates often fix security problems.
Remove what your child doesn't need. Delete apps meant for adults, and sign out of your email, social media and shopping accounts.

Time limits

Look for built-in screen time settings. Most systems let you set a daily limit, a rest period when the device can't be used (for example, at night) or limits for particular apps.
Plan the limits with your child. Settings work best alongside an agreement you've made together, not instead of one.
Keep devices out of the bedroom at night if you can. Charging them in a shared room removes the temptation.

Purchases

Accidental purchases inside games are a common surprise for parents.

Require a password for every purchase, including free downloads.
Turn off in-app purchases if your system allows it.
Don't leave a payment card saved on a device your child uses, or make sure it can't be used without your approval.
Look for a setting that sends purchase requests to a parent, so a purchase needs approval from another device.

App permissions

Apps can ask for access to the camera, the microphone, location, contacts and photos. Not every app needs them.

Review permissions app by app. Ask yourself: why would a drawing game need my child's location?
Turn off what isn't needed. You can usually allow a permission only while the app is in use, or not at all.
Pay attention when an app asks for something new after an update.

Content and browsing

Use age ratings. App stores show age ratings; many systems let you block apps above a chosen age.
Filter the web browser, or hide it altogether for young children who don't need it.
Turn on safe search in search engines and video apps.
Turn off autoplay in video apps, so one video doesn't lead to another.
Prefer apps without ads. Ads can lead children to content and offers that weren't meant for them.

Lock the settings

Use a passcode your child doesn't know for the device's settings and purchases.
Check that the limits can't simply be switched off by opening the settings.

Look again regularly

Settings aren't something you do once. Check them every few months, after big system updates, and whenever your child starts using a new app. Talk with your child about why the settings are there: children who understand the reasons are more likely to come to you when something feels wrong.

Dologi only asks for internet access: it doesn't ask for the camera, the microphone, location or contacts, and it has no ads. The parent area, where you set play time and see reports, opens only after a short question for grown-ups.

In short

Prepare the device before handing it over: child profile, updates, and remove adult apps and accounts.
Set time limits, require a password for purchases and turn off in-app purchases where possible.
Review app permissions, use age ratings and content filters, and prefer apps without ads.
Protect the settings with a passcode, and check everything again every few months.