Tablet parental controls explained: what you need to know and how to stop your kids bypassing them

The rules you set on a new tablet are one thing; making sure they can't be easily bypassed is another. 

The power to truly lock down your child's iPad or Android tablet is already in your hands—you just need to know how.

We break down the essential settings for iPads and Androids and, most importantly, show you how to close the backdoors and loopholes your kids might use to get around them.

See our expert pick for the best tablet for kids to help you get the ideal choice for your child.

Apple Screen Time vs. Google Family Link

Depending on whether you have an Apple iPad or Android tablet, your child’s new device will use either Apple's Screen Time or Google's Family Link. Both are powerful, free systems designed to keep kids safe. 

But how do they compare, and are they strong enough to do the job without expensive third-party apps?

Are Free Parental Controls on iPad and Android Enough for Kids?

Let's get straight to it: yes. For children between the ages of 4 and 11, the free tools that come built into Apple and Google devices are up to the job. 

You can skip the paid apps. Most of them are built to handle the drama of teenage social media, which makes the simple, native tools a much better fit for the primary school years.

Apple iPad: Using Screen Time

Apple's Screen Time is great for its simplicity. It's a good choice if you want to create a 'walled garden' of apps and content for your child to play in.

The first place you'll want to go is Content & Privacy Restrictions. This is your control centre. From here, you can stop new apps from being installed, block in-app purchases, and even set the web browser to only access specific websites you've approved. 

• To get access - click Settings then Screen Time. Under 'Family', choose your child's name. Then tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

You can use 'App Limits' to set a clear daily allowance for things like games. 'Downtime' is another feature that may help avoid those nightly arguments by automatically locking the tablet when it's time for bed or homework. For a brand new user, you can even use 'Communication Limits' to make sure they can only FaceTime or message with family contacts.

Looking for a new Apple tablet for your child? Take a look at our expert choice for the best iPad for kids.

Android Tablets: Using Google Family Link

What makes Google's Family Link useful is how much control and insight it gives you. It's ideal if you want to see exactly how your child is spending their time on their new device.

A key feature is App Management. Whenever your child tries to download a new app, you get a notification on your phone to approve or deny it. 

• To get access, after setting up Family Link, select your child, then Screen Time. Next, click Time Limits, then App Limits. Select your desired app and tap Set Limit.

The Activity Reports are also useful, showing you how long was spent in apps like Roblox or YouTube Kids, which can be a great starting point for a chat. You can set a single daily screen time limit for the whole device and a 'bedtime' that locks it for the night. 

Just be sure to also configure the Google Play Store settings so it only displays apps and films suitable for their age. Open up the Google Play Store, select your account in the top-right, then Settings. Next, choose Family and Parental Controls. Toggle Parental Controls on and follow the onscreen instructions.

How Kids Can Bypass Parental Controls (And What to Do)

It's smart to assume that your child's curiosity will lead them to test the boundaries. Knowing how they might try to get around the rules is the best way to stay one step ahead.

• Password Peeking: This is the oldest trick in the book. A child simply watches over your shoulder as you type in your passcode so they can use it themselves later.
• Asking a Voice Assistant: Kids may quickly learn they can ask Siri to open iMessage and continue to use it, even when the app has been restricted, bypassing your settings. It's an easy fix, though; you just need to block 'Siri & Dictation' too.
• In-Game Browsers: Many games and apps include links that open up a built-in web browser, which can lead to unfiltered websites or videos without ever leaving the game.

To counter this, both the NSPCC and the UK Safer Internet Centre suggest that the best defence is a good offence. Get curious about the games they love, sit down and look at the safety settings with them, and create a simple family agreement about the rules. It all helps build an environment where they know they can talk to you if they run into trouble.

How to choose the right tablet for your child

Choosing your child's first tablet is all about peace of mind. Thankfully, strong parental controls are now commonplace, giving you a great starting point for online safety. But the ideal tablet for your child isn't just about software. 

To find the right fit for your family and budget, you also need to think about durability, performance that's fast enough for their favourite games, and enough storage for all their apps and videos. Here are some tips on choosing the right one:

• Don't Overpay for Power: For playing games and watching YouTube, a basic tablet is all you need; a high-end model would be overkill. A standard Apple iPad, for example, has plenty of speed and a great screen for videos. Plus, it will get important security and software updates for years, making it a great long-term value.
• Plan for Inevitable Drops: Let's be realistic: a kid's tablet is going to get dropped. You can either buy a device designed for kids that includes a tough, built-in case, or you can budget for a quality, shock-absorbent case for a standard tablet. For smaller children, a more compact tablet, like the iPad Mini or Samsung Galaxy Tab A9, are easier for little hands to hold on to.
• Make Room for Games and Videos: Games and downloaded videos can fill up a tablet's storage faster than you'd think. While a standard iPad has enough space for many, you can't add more later. This is a big advantage for most Android and Amazon Fire tablets: you can easily and cheaply expand their storage with a microSD card.

Take a look at our best iPad and tablet deals to find the latest offers

Want to know more about tablets? See all of our expert tablets advice.