Jenny shares how she uses app-level parental controls to manage social media use across her daughters’ phones and tablets, helping to keep their accounts private and build safer online habits as they grow.
Why we started using app parental controls
Jenny is married and lives in Essex, where she works as a social worker. She has two daughters aged 12 and 17.
With two teenagers at home, Jenny says keeping up with online safety can sometimes feel like a steep learning curve — particularly as apps, settings and controls change so quickly.
For example, she recently noticed new parental settings introduced to YouTube, which allow families to disable features like YouTube Shorts.
“We check them regularly because new features get added, and we need to be sure those are locked down too,” Jenny explains.
How we use parental controls across social media apps
As her daughters have grown older, the apps, games and devices they use have changed too. At every stage, Jenny says their priority is to make sure social media apps are set up as safely as possible.
“It’s a big part of our lives, so it’s important they are protected on their phones and tablets,” she says.
Jenny’s main form of online protection comes from Apple Family Sharing, which allows her to set restrictions tailored to each of her daughters across all of their devices.
“For example, we have time limits and screen controls set up through the Family account, which means to buy anything they’d need permission from us,” she explains.
The family also sets daily limits on certain apps, meaning her daughters may only have access for one hour a day.
Keeping social media accounts private
Both girls use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to chat with friends.
However, Jenny says having private accounts is essential.
“Their accounts can’t even be found by people who don’t know them, and it’s the same across all of their social media accounts,” she explains.
This helps prevent strangers from viewing their content or sending unwanted messages.
While TikTok is one of the main apps the girls use, Jenny says they tend to keep their videos private, saving them to drafts rather than posting publicly.
Involving children in the rules
Jenny says that one of the most important things she’s learned is to involve her daughters in conversations about online safety from an early stage.
“Initially, it can be difficult because children feel like you are snooping on them, and what they say to their friends,” she explains.
“But if you take time to build up a rapport and listen to their views, then they do start to understand that it’s more about safety.”
Having open conversations helps her daughters understand why restrictions are in place, rather than seeing them as punishment.
Why reviewing settings regularly matters
Because both children and apps change over time, Jenny recommends reviewing rules and settings regularly.
“It’s important to review the rules regularly because children change, and so do the apps,” she says.
“If in doubt, go with your gut instinct.”
Jenny’s top tips for other parents
- Have regular, open conversations about social media
- Review app settings frequently as platforms update
- Make sure children’s accounts are set to private
- Involve children in discussions about online safety
- Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right
