learn how to limit screen time and protect your children online

The relationship between children and technology has evolved significantly in recent years, with smartphones and tablets becoming increasingly common among young users. Recent data indicate that in Brazil, over 80% of children aged 9 to 17 regularly access the internet, often without proper supervision. This trend raises concerns about digital safety, exposure to inappropriate content, and the impact of excessive screen time on physical and mental health. To address these challenges, the Brazilian federal government launched a groundbreaking guide in March 2025, offering recommendations for the use of electronic devices by minors. Additionally, tech giants like Google and Apple provide practical parental control tools, enabling parents to monitor and restrict their children’s online activities.

The government’s guide advises that children under 12 should not have their own smartphones, suggesting that if they do, parents should activate supervision features. These measures aim to balance the benefits of technology—such as access to education and entertainment—with the need to shield young users from risks like cyberbullying, social media addiction, and interactions with strangers. Platforms like Google’s Family Link and the built-in settings on iPhones and iPads make this oversight accessible, offering options to set time limits and block unsuitable content.

With internet access among children and teens on the rise, understanding how to use these tools has become essential. Below, explore the effects of unrestricted screen time, official guidelines, and step-by-step instructions for setting up protection on the most popular mobile operating systems.

Effects of excessive screen time on childhood

Children exposed to prolonged hours on electronic devices face risks that extend beyond online safety. Recent studies reveal that excessive screen time is linked to issues like difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, and even childhood obesity. In Brazil, a survey by the Brazilian Pediatric Society found that about 30% of children aged 6 to 12 spend over 4 hours daily on smartphones or tablets, far exceeding the 2-hour limit recommended by experts. This habit can hinder cognitive and social development, reducing time spent on outdoor play and face-to-face interactions.

Another pressing concern is exposure to inappropriate content. Without filters or oversight, kids may stumble upon websites featuring violence, explicit language, or misleading ads. Reports of cyberbullying have also surged, with cases of young people facing harassment on social media and online games. Parental control tools help mitigate these issues, allowing parents to set clear boundaries and track their children’s digital activities in real time.

The Brazilian government’s initiative mirrors a global trend. Countries like France and Australia have already introduced policies to limit smartphone use in schools, while international organizations advocate for early digital education. In Brazil, the 2025 guide marks an initial effort to guide families and educators on integrating technology safely and healthily.

How to set up parental controls on Android and iOS

Enabling supervision on your child’s devices is simpler than it seems, with both Google and Apple offering user-friendly solutions. For Android, the Family Link app is the go-to tool, while on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads, controls are built into the operating system. These features allow parents to set usage schedules, block specific apps, and monitor online activity—all from their own phones.

On Android, the process starts in the “Settings” menu of the child’s device. The “Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls” option provides access to supervision tools, where parents can link the child’s account to their own. After entering the adult’s email and password, the system authorizes remote management, delivering daily usage reports and the ability to lock the device during certain hours, like bedtime. For iOS devices, the path is through “Screen Time” in “Settings.” There, parents can restrict access to the App Store, filter adult websites, and limit purchases, as well as create family profiles for ongoing monitoring.

These settings are adaptable and can evolve with the child’s age and needs. For teens, parents might allow more freedom, while younger kids typically require stricter filters. The straightforward nature of these tools makes digital protection accessible even to those less tech-savvy.

Official recommendations for technology use by minors

The guide released by the Brazilian government in March 2025 provides clear directives for parents and guardians. A key recommendation is to delay giving children their own smartphones until age 12. Before that, it suggests supervised use of shared devices, with well-defined rules about timing and permitted content. The goal is to prevent technology from overshadowing essential activities like studying, sleeping, and family bonding.

Among the practical tips are:

• Cap screen time at 2 hours per day for children aged 6 to 12.
• Ban smartphone use during meals and at least 1 hour before bedtime.
• Encourage educational internet use, such as learning apps and instructional videos.
• Foster open conversations about digital risks, teaching kids to spot suspicious situations.

The guide also stresses the importance of parents modeling healthy habits by cutting back on their own screen time around their children. This approach aims to create a household where technology is used thoughtfully and in moderation.

Step-by-step guide to securing kids’ devices

Setting up protection on children’s smartphones and tablets takes just a few minutes and can significantly enhance their digital safety. On Android, Family Link lets parents manage everything remotely, from time limits to blocking apps like games or social media. On iOS, native features offer detailed customization, including filters based on age ratings for movies, music, and games. Here’s how each system works in practice.

For Android devices, the process involves linking the parent’s and child’s accounts, ensuring the adult has full control over the device. On iPhones and iPads, setup can happen directly on the child’s device or via a family profile created on the parent’s phone. Both platforms support ongoing adjustments, tailoring restrictions as the child matures or earns more trust with technology.

These tools are gaining traction in Brazil. By early 2025, Family Link had been downloaded by over 2 million users in the country, while Apple’s “Screen Time” features are widely used among iOS families. These figures highlight a growing demand for solutions that blend convenience with effective protection for minors.

Benefits of digital supervision in childhood

Controlling kids’ internet access does more than reduce risks—it also fosters healthy habits and balanced development. With well-set time limits, children have more opportunities for physical and creative pursuits, like drawing, reading, or outdoor play. Experts note that kids with supervised digital routines show fewer signs of anxiety and better academic performance, as excessive screen time doesn’t disrupt their focus or rest.

Supervision also strengthens parent-child relationships. By tracking online activities, parents can spot their kids’ interests and use them as springboards for discussions or joint projects. For instance, if a child spends time watching science videos, parents might encourage this curiosity with books or hands-on experiments. This close involvement bridges the virtual and real worlds, turning technology into a tool for growth rather than a source of worry.

Finally, tools like Family Link and “Screen Time” offer parents peace of mind. Knowing their children are shielded from harmful content or unsafe interactions allows families to embrace the best of the digital age without compromising safety.