SafeFamily Guide: Computer Parental Controls

This guide covers parental controls for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Platform controls add an additional layer on top of SafeFamily's network-level DNS filtering.

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SafeFamily Guide: Computer Parental Controls

This guide covers parental controls for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Platform controls add an additional layer on top of SafeFamily's network-level DNS filtering.

Overview

Windows: Microsoft Family Safety provides screen time, content filters, and activity reports. Mac: Apple Screen Time offers app limits, content restrictions, and downtime. Chromebook: Google Family Link integrates with Chrome OS for managed profiles.

Important: SafeFamily DNS filtering protects at the network level. Platform controls add device-specific restrictions for web browsing, downloads, and app usage.

Windows: Microsoft Family Safety

Add Child & Screen Time

  1. Go to family.microsoft.com and add your child
  2. Child signs in to Windows with that account
  3. Settings > Accounts > Family > Manage family settings online or use Microsoft Family Safety app
  4. Set Screen time limits and schedules

Content, Web & Downloads

  1. Content filters > Apps and games: Set PEGI rating (3, 7, 12, 16, 18)
  2. Web browsing: Allow list, Basic, or Off
  3. Edge: Settings > Family safety; Chrome: Family Link or supervised profile
  4. Downloads: Block Store by rating; Allow list blocks download sites

Mac: Screen Time

Enable Screen Time

  1. System Settings > Screen Time > Options > Turn On
  2. For child's Mac: Choose This is my child's Mac

App Limits, Content & Downloads

  1. Screen Time > App Limits > +: Select categories or apps, set daily limit
  2. Content & Privacy > Content Restrictions: Apps (PEGI), Web Content (Limit Adult or Allowed Only), Movies/TV
  3. Store: Restrict app installs, deletions, and iTunes purchases

Step 1: Create Supervised Account

  1. Parent: Install Google Family Link on phone
  2. Create or add child's Google account
  3. On Chromebook: Add user > Sign in with child's account
  4. Accept supervision when prompted

Step 2: Web Filtering

  1. family.google.com or Family Link app > Manage settings > Filters on Google Chrome
  2. Try to block mature sites or Only allow certain sites
  3. Add allowed sites for strict mode

Step 3: App Restrictions

  1. Family Link > Apps > Manage apps
  2. Block or limit Android apps from Play Store
  3. Chrome Web Store: Control extension installation

Step 4: Screen Time

  1. Family Link > Daily limit
  2. Set total time allowed per day
  3. Bedtime: Lock device during set hours

Step 5: Download Restrictions

  1. Filters on Google Chrome > Only allow certain sites prevents access to download sites
  2. Block Play Store app installs in Manage apps
  3. Restrict Chrome Web Store in Family Link settings

Age-Appropriate Recommendations

AgePEGI/ContentScreen TimeWeb FilterDownloads
6-9PEGI 71 hr/dayAllowed sites onlyBlock
10-12PEGI 121.5 hrs/dayLimit adultBlock
13-15PEGI 122 hrs/dayLimit adultSupervised
16-17PEGI 163 hrs/dayBasicSupervised

Common Bypass Risks and How SafeFamily Helps

RiskPlatform ControlSafeFamily DNS
New browser/incognitoUse allowed-sites-only; block new browsersDNS filters all traffic on WiFi
VPN to bypass filtersBlock VPN apps in platform settingsDNS may be bypassed by VPN; block VPN at router
Download from unknown sitesAllow-list web filter blocks sitesDNS blocks malicious/download sites
Create new user accountRequire admin password for new accountsDNS applies to all devices on network

Quick Reference

PlatformToolWeb FilterApp/Download ControlScreen Time
WindowsFamily SafetyYes, 3 levelsPEGI + StoreYes
MacScreen TimeSafari restrictionsPEGI + StoreYes
ChromebookFamily LinkChrome filterPlay Store + Web StoreYes

Last updated: February 2026

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