Set Up Your Family's Devices Safely

Android is an operating system used by many smartphone and tablet manufacturers. It offers flexibility and variety in price points, with Google Family Link providing comprehensive parental controls.

Chromebooks are laptops running Google's Chrome OS. They're popular in schools due to low cost, simple management, and cloud-based operation. Everything runs through the Chrome browser or Android apps, making them more limited (and thus safer) than traditional computers.

The iPad is a versatile tablet used for education, entertainment, creativity, and gaming. It uses the same Screen Time controls as iPhone and is often a child's first Apple device.

The iPhone offers robust built-in parental controls through Apple's Screen Time feature, integration with Family Sharing, and strong privacy and security. However, significant parental oversight is still needed.

Mac computers run macOS and integrate seamlessly with iPhones and iPads through Apple's ecosystem. Macs use the same Screen Time parental controls as iOS devices, making them easier to manage for Apple families.

The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's hybrid gaming console that works as both a portable device and home console. It's known for family-friendly games and has excellent parental controls through a dedicated smartphone app.

PlayStation 5 is Sony's latest gaming console, known for high-quality exclusive games and powerful performance. It has comprehensive parental controls through PlayStation Family Management, though its mature game library makes it better suited for teenagers.

Windows PCs are the most common computers in homes and schools. Microsoft Family Safety provides parental controls, though the open nature of computers means they require more oversight than mobile devices.

Xbox Series X/S is Microsoft's latest gaming console, featuring Game Pass subscription service and integration with Microsoft Family Safety. It has excellent parental controls through the Xbox Family Settings app, though like PlayStation, its mature game library makes it better suited for teenagers.