Review the settings together
Explain a restriction before enabling it: Does it stop purchases, certain apps or access at certain times? Show any activity reports too. Your child should know who can see them and how you use the information.
Adapt the boundaries to your child’s needs and review them as they gain experience. Parental controls need to be set up and checked; they do not provide safety in every situation.
Ask before looking for problems
Talk about what your child enjoys online before a conflict happens. Ask what their friends play or which videos they follow. This gives your child room to share both positive experiences and problems on their own terms.
Make it possible to ask for help
Start by thanking your child for telling you something difficult. Work out what help is needed now without demanding every private conversation. An adult must act if a child is in danger, but explain the steps you take when possible.
Identify another adult your child can contact too. In some situations, asking a teacher, family member or counsellor for help may be easier.
Know the difference between an agreement and a control
A screen-time agreement is different from a setting that locks a phone. Sprout’s seven web-test apps are separate tools. My apps collects shortcuts; it does not install or monitor the other apps.
The web test has no shared parent account or automatic sharing of your child’s private content. Public login and installation from the website are not open yet. Check the status and privacy information before planning a test.