Falls Technology ServicesA child's first phone or tablet is easier to set up safely at the start than to fix later. Both Apple and Google have free tools built in.
Use the family tools
- iPhone and iPad: set the child up with their own Apple Account through Family Sharing, then turn on Screen Time
- Android: set up the child's Google account with Google Family Link
What to set
- App approvals: the child asks before downloading or buying (Ask to Buy on Apple; approvals in Family Link)
- Content limits by age for apps, films, music and websites
- Daily time limits and a bedtime "downtime"
- Location sharing with parents
- Who they can call and message, for younger children
The habits that matter more than settings
- Phones charge outside the bedroom at night
- Never share passwords, photos or their location with people they haven't met
- Tell a parent about anything that feels wrong, without getting in trouble for it
- Settings get loosened as they show they can handle it
We set up children's devices with parents, and explain the settings so you can adjust them as your child grows.
Need a hand?
More about our home computer and tech help help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.