Kids' digital safety setup
Not choosing the first phone — setting up what's already on it: parental controls, social media privacy, and clear screen-time agreements.
View the checklistDownload a text file for your notes, or open the list in your installed Unload app and confirm the import.
The list adapts to you
Answer the questions and only the items you need stay on the list. Your answers carry over to the app and the file.
- Does the child already use social media?
Items on the list: 16 of 16 ·
Your checklist
Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.
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Set up device-level parental controls
Screen time, content restrictions, in-app purchases — the built-in iOS/Android or Windows tools cover most of the basics.
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Set age restrictions in the app store
Without it, a child can install anything in a couple of minutes — an age-rating limit acts as a default filter.
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Require parental approval for purchases and subscriptions
Accidental in-game spending is one of the most common and most irritating stories with kids' devices.
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Agree on screen-time rules together with the child
A rule discussed and understood works better than one just imposed from above and announced after the fact.
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Set social media accounts to private Yes
A private profile, hidden location tagging, a friends list that isn't public — go through the settings together, not on the child's behalf without them.
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Limit who can message and friend-request Yes
'Friends only' instead of 'everyone' — a basic setting that on its own removes most contact from strangers.
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Review which apps know the child's location
Turn it off wherever the app doesn't genuinely need it, and explain that a public geotagged post isn't just visible to friends.
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Make sure a parent has access to the device
Passcode or biometrics known to at least one adult, in case the device is lost, breaks, or there's an emergency.
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Talk through the rules for strangers online
Never share photos or personal details, tell an adult about any weird or pushy message — explained simply, without scaring the child.
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Explain what stays online forever
A screenshot happens faster than a post gets deleted — a simple idea worth explaining before the first personal account, not after an incident.
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Agree on a code word for unusual situations
A simple word the child can text you if something in a chat or call feels off — no explanation needed in the moment.
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Consider content filtering at the home router level
An extra layer that works even on devices without individual settings — like a friend's phone when they're over.
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Decide where the device sleeps at night
Outside the bedroom cuts down both late-night scrolling and the temptation to reply to strangers when no adult is around.
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Review permissions on installed apps
Camera, microphone, contacts — many games and apps don't actually need them, so turn off what's unnecessary.
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Make it clear they can come to you with anything, no punishment
Technical limits only work alongside trust — a child needs to know telling you about a problem is safer than hiding it.
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Set a regular time to review the settings
Every few months, or when the child moves into a new age bracket — what fit at 9 doesn't fit at 13.
A list you can come back to
Add this checklist to Unload to turn each item into a task. Mark things done, set dates and make the list your own. Remember another errand or have an idea? Capture it by voice or text and return to it in the app.
- 1Open the checklist in the app
- 2Choose options for your situation
- 3Tap Add — done