Parental controls definition

Parental controls are features or software that enable you to limit and monitor what another person does or watches online and track their web browsing history. They were created to help parents block and filter out content inappropriate for their children. You do not have to abide by any set rules when it comes to the content you restrict, so you have the freedom to limit anything you deem inappropriate for your child or another person you’re monitoring, whether based on their age, maturity level, or any other factor.

Additionally, you can use parental controls to plan when your child or the person you monitor can go online and set a time limit for how long they can browse the internet. You can set parental controls on your TV, computers, video games, and mobile devices. You can also set parental controls on your Wi-Fi, phone network, and specific apps.

See also: network access control, wireless network security

Four main parental control categories

• Content filters restrict access to age-inappropriate content.
• Usage controls set time limits on how long the child or person can use specific devices and restrict certain types of usage.
• Computer usage management tools allow you to choose and enforce the usage of particular software.
• Monitoring enables you to track the location and activity whenever the device is used.

Further reading