Many operating systems for devices and computers (such as iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome OS and Mac OS) offer parental controls to keep children safe online. These could include setting screen time limits, restricting certain apps, games and websites, and blocking adult content.
Internet browsers, such as Google Chrome and Firefox, as well as video streaming services like Youtube and Netflix, also provide free restrictions to adult content. Meanwhile, filters like Google SafeSearch can prevent explicit results appearing in searches.
Your home Internet service provider should also come with the option of parental controls, which can blacklist certain sites or categories of sites, and help protect you from malware.
However, parental controls aren’t 100% effective all the time, and older kids are more likely to find a way of switching them off.
These controls should be paired with regular, open conversations with your child about the sites, games and apps they use, as well as who they speak to online.