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.

[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Require parental approval for purchases and subscriptions
    Accidental in-game spending is one of the most common and most irritating stories with kids' devices.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Set social media accounts to private
    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.
[ ] Limit who can message and friend-request
    'Friends only' instead of 'everyone' — a basic setting that on its own removes most contact from strangers.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.
[ ] Review permissions on installed apps
    Camera, microphone, contacts — many games and apps don't actually need them, so turn off what's unnecessary.
[ ] 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.
[ ] 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.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/kids-digital-safety