Digital Dialogue for Kids: How to Turn On Parental Controls

In today’s digital world, kids spend more time than ever on social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. While these platforms offer fun and connection, they also expose children to risks like inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying.

At Cramer Children’s Center and Andrea's Arbor, we believe that keeping the lines of communication open with your child—and using built-in safety tools—is key to protecting them online. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help parents and caregivers activate parental controls on the most popular apps.

Why Use Parental Controls?

Parental controls give you tools to:

• Monitor your child’s online activity

• Limit screen time

• Filter inappropriate content

• Restrict who can contact or follow your child

• Receive activity reports to stay informed

When combined with ongoing Digital Dialogue—open, honest conversations about online safety—they create a safer digital space for your kids.

How to Turn On Parental Controls

1. TikTok

TikTok’s Family Pairing feature lets you link your account with your child’s for supervision.

Steps to Enable Family Pairing:

1. Open TikTok and go to Profile > tap the three dots (menu) on the top right.

2. Tap Family Pairing under “Digital Wellbeing.”

3. Choose Parent on your device and Teen on your child’s device.

4. Scan the QR code on your child’s phone to link accounts.

5. Once linked, you can control screen time limits, restrict direct messages, and filter content.

2. Snapchat

Snapchat offers privacy controls to limit who can contact or view your child’s story.

Steps to Set Privacy Controls:

1. Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon.

2. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right.

3. Under Who Can…, set Contact Me and View My Story to Friends only.

4. Enable Ghost Mode on Snap Map to keep location private.

3. Instagram

Instagram has a Parental Supervision feature and privacy settings to control interactions.

Steps to Enable Parental Supervision:

1. Open Instagram and tap your profile picture.

2. Tap the three lines (menu) > Settings > Family Center.

3. Send an invite to your teen’s Instagram account.

4. Once connected, you can view activity, set screen time limits, and get content filters.

Also, under Privacy > Interactions, limit who can comment or message your child.

4. Facebook

Facebook’s Messenger Kids app is designed specifically for children, with robust parental controls.

How to Use Messenger Kids:

1. Download Messenger Kids app.

2. Set up an account for your child through your Facebook account.

3. Approve contacts your child can talk to.

4. Control chat settings and monitor activity directly through your Facebook account.

If your child uses Facebook proper, go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts > See More Privacy Settings to adjust who can see their posts and contact them.

Tips for Effective Digital Dialogue

• Have regular, open conversations about what your child sees and does online.

• Teach kids to come to you if something makes them uncomfortable.

• Review privacy settings together so they understand why they’re important.

• Encourage breaks from screens and balance online time with offline activities.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Parental controls are an important tool, but they work best when paired with trust and communication. Use this guide to set up protections on your child’s favorite apps and start a Digital Dialogue to keep them safe, confident, and supported online.