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Set up safe guide

Set up safe guide

Layer up for online safety

Setting up devices safely works best when you layer up parental controls across networks, devices and apps  alongside regular conversations.

This guide shows you how to layer up in a simple, manageable way, so safety grows with your child.

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How to layer up for online safety

Every family is different, and so is every child. That’s why online safety works best when it’s shaped around how children actually use their devices, not just the settings themselves.

Start with the child, not the settings

Begin by understanding which devices children use most and what they do on them. This helps you choose the right controls for them, rather than applying everything at once.

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Controls work best in layers

Network, device and app controls each play a different role. Used together, they help reduce gaps, especially as children move between devices and platforms.

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Conversations connect it all

No control works on its own. Talking regularly helps children understand boundaries, spot problems and ask for help when something doesn’t feel right.

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Read the guide to get started

Layering up parental controls helps you build support around children, combining technical settings with regular conversations. The layers work together, and none of them replaces the need to talk.

Layer up for online safety guide

Explore how the layers work to support children online.
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Before getting a smartphone

Early choices make layering up easier later. Thinking about how children will use a smartphone helps you decide which controls to use and what conversations to start..

Social media is for ages 13 and over

Most social media and entertainment platforms require users to be 13 or older. This includes platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Pretending to be older will leave children open to risk.

Many platforms have family or parent modes

TikTok has Family Pairing, Snapchat and Instagram have their own Family Centres and Roblox has Allowed Experiences controlled via a Parental PIN. All of these features are safety tools that you can set up to keep your child safe on their smartphone.

Playing games is a part of socialising

Online games apps like Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft are often about community and socialisation, not just playing games. The ability to chat and communicate with others means it's important to review in-game safety before they play.

Smartphones have in-built safety settings

Android devices come with Digital Wellbeing while Apple devices come with Screen Time. Individual companies will have additional safety settings — like Samsung Kids or Google Family Link. Set these features up to improve your child's smartphone safety.

Social media platforms have in-built safety settings for teens

If your teen is honest about their age, they will benefit from additional safety on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Pretending to be an adult means they miss out on these features.

There are a range of messaging apps to follow

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that children use. However, users must be 13 or older to use it. Additional messaging apps like Telegram might have different age requirements to safety considerations that you should look into.

SEE SMARTPHONE SAFETY TIPS 

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