Setting up parental controls on a phone
Step by step

The step-by-step setup guides

This is the bit where I actually walk you through it all, screen by screen, in order, no jargon. The guide I wish I'd had when I started.

Heads-up on devices: these walkthroughs are from our own setup — our iPhones and our Mac (our one Android tablet's coming soon). Other platforms work almost exactly the same way.
  • Full membership includes ongoing updates and maintenance: app lockdown settings, safe and unsafe apps, updated tech, AI prompts and more
  • The Tech — honest mum's view on the parental-control apps we paid for and trialled, plus the free built-in controls already on your devices
  • Lock Down Apps — exact privacy and safety settings for Roblox, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, YouTube and more
  • Safe & Avoid Apps — apps that work well for kids, and the ones to keep off their devices
  • The 764 Threat — what it is, how it works, and how to spot the footprint early
  • Warning Signs — behavioural red flags and what actually helps if something's wrong
  • AI Prompts — copy-paste prompts to check apps, trends and threats yourself
$13.60/year AUD
The price of a coffee and cake — once a year
  • $13.60/year AUD, billed on the anniversary of your join date
  • The Tech section stays with you forever too
  • The Ultimate Parents Guide is yours for life — pay once, keep it forever
  • The apps it helps you set up cost $55–$148/year — this guide makes sure you spend that well (or skip it)
  • Cancel anytime — full members access until your renewal date
  • No affiliate links, no ads — your membership keeps this site independent
The Ultimate Parents Guide

Frequently asked questions

How does the membership work?

$13.60/year AUD, billed on the anniversary of your join date. Cancel anytime — you keep the Ultimate Parents Guide and The Tech section forever, and full members access until your renewal date.

Do I need to be techy?

Not at all — that's the whole point. If you can follow a recipe, you can follow these.

Do you earn commission from these products?

No. No affiliate links, no commissions. I just point you to what works.

Which guide should I start with?

The free built-in one for your phone (Apple or Android), then AdGuard. The guides tell you the order.

What if the apps change?

I keep the guides updated and date every one, so you can see when it was last checked.

What devices and apps does it cover?

iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and your home wifi router — plus the apps parents worry about most, like Roblox, YouTube and gaming chat.

How long does it take to set up?

Most families are around 80% protected after about 20 minutes of setup. You can do the rest a bit at a time — the guide is built to be done in small chunks.

Is this an affiliate or review site?

No. It's not a 'top 10 review' site and there are no affiliate links. It's one parent sharing the exact tech she uses to protect her own boys.

Will this work outside Australia?

Yes. The tools and steps are the same wherever you are — the guide is written by an Australian mum but works for families anywhere.

What if I get stuck?

The guide is written to be followed without help, with screenshots for each step, plus a simple monthly what-to-check routine so nothing slips.