Last Updated: January 2026
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Protecting children online is a top concern for UK parents. With the Online Safety Act 2023 now in effect and children accessing the internet from multiple devices, understanding and implementing parental controls is essential. This comprehensive guide covers ISP-provided controls, third-party solutions, device-specific settings, and best practices for 2026.
UK Legal Requirements for ISPs
Online Safety Act 2023 Requirements
What ISPs Must Provide (as of 2024):
– Free parental control tools for all customers
– Easy activation (must be offered during signup)
– Content filtering by category
– Age-appropriate filtering options
– Clear information about how controls work
Your Rights:
– All major UK ISPs provide free parental controls
– You can activate/deactivate anytime
– No extra cost (included in broadband package)
– Can customize filtering levels
ISP Responsibilities:
– Block illegal content (child abuse images, terrorism)
– Offer filtering for adult content
– Provide tools to manage children’s screen time
– Educate customers about online safety
ISP-Provided Parental Controls Compared
BT Parental Controls
BT Web Protect (Free)
– Coverage: All devices connected to BT router
– Features:
– 3 filtering levels: Light, Moderate, Strict
– Block adult content, gambling, violence, drugs
– Time restrictions (bedtime mode)
– Safe search enforcement (Google, Bing, YouTube)
– Individual device management
– Setup: Via My BT app or web portal (home.bt.com)
– Age Profiles: Custom settings per child
– Bypass Prevention: Cannot be disabled from child’s device
How to Activate:
BT Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Comprehensive, easy to use, reliable
Sky Broadband Shield
Sky Broadband Shield (Free)
– Coverage: All devices on Sky network
– Features:
– Block adult content, gambling, violence, self-harm sites
– SafeSearch enforcement
– Activity reporting (view blocked sites)
– Schedule internet access times
– Pause internet per device
– Setup: Via My Sky app or Sky Broadband control panel
– Unique Feature: Buddy (chatbot helper for kids to report concerns)
Filtering Categories:
– Adult content
– Gambling
– Weapons
– Self-harm
– Drugs and alcohol
– File-sharing sites
– Social networking (optional)
How to Activate:
Sky Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Strong filtering, good reporting
Virgin Media Web Safe
Virgin Media Web Safe (Free)
– Coverage: Router-level filtering
– Features:
– 3 levels: Child safe, Teen safe, Adult safe
– Block inappropriate content
– SafeSearch enabled
– Malware/phishing protection included
– Device-specific controls
– Setup: Via My Virgin Media account online
– Limitation: Less granular than BT/Sky
Filtering Levels:
– Child Safe: Blocks adult content, social media, user-generated content
– Teen Safe: Blocks adult content, allows social media
– Adult Safe: Light filtering, malware protection only
How to Activate:
Virgin Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) — Basic but functional, less customizable
TalkTalk HomeSafe
TalkTalk HomeSafe (Free)
– Coverage: All devices on network
– Features:
– HomeSafe Kids (strict filtering)
– HomeSafe Standard (malware protection only)
– Custom filtering (choose categories)
– Time controls
– Device pausing
– Activity reports
– Setup: Via My Account page or router settings
– Unique: Very granular category controls (40+ categories)
Filtering Categories Include:
– Adult content, nudity, pornography
– Gambling and games of chance
– Violence, weapons, terrorism
– Drugs, alcohol, tobacco
– Self-harm, suicide, eating disorders
– Social networking
– Peer-to-peer file sharing
– Proxy and VPN bypass tools
How to Activate:
TalkTalk Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Most comprehensive, highly customizable
NOW Broadband / Community Fibre / Hyperoptic
Smaller ISPs:
– NOW Broadband: Uses Sky Broadband Shield (same features)
– Community Fibre: Basic router-level filtering (limited features—use third-party)
– Hyperoptic: Basic filtering via router settings (use third-party for advanced)
Recommendation: If your ISP has limited controls, use third-party software (see below)
Router-Level vs Device-Level Controls
Router-Level Controls (ISP-Provided)
How They Work:
– Filter at network level (before reaching devices)
– Block content for ALL devices on WiFi
– Cannot be bypassed without router password
– Set once, protects everything
Advantages:
✅ Protect all devices automatically (phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles)
✅ Children can’t disable (no admin access to router)
✅ Simple setup (one configuration)
✅ Free (included with broadband)
✅ Works on guest WiFi too
Disadvantages:
❌ Less granular per-device (though most ISPs now offer device-specific rules)
❌ Can be bypassed using mobile data (turn off WiFi)
❌ Doesn’t work outside home WiFi
❌ May block legitimate sites occasionally (false positives)
Best For: Families with young children (5-12), protecting all household devices simultaneously
Device-Level Controls
How They Work:
– Installed on each device (phone, tablet, PC)
– Controls travel with device (work outside home)
– Monitor app usage, screen time, location
– More granular control
Advantages:
✅ Works anywhere (not just home WiFi)
✅ Control apps, not just websites
✅ Screen time limits per app
✅ Location tracking
✅ Detailed activity reports
Disadvantages:
❌ Must install on each device separately
❌ Can be bypassed (factory reset, guest account)
❌ Often costs money (£2-10/month per family)
❌ Requires vigilance (kids tech-savvy)
Best For: Families with teens (13-17), need monitoring outside home
Third-Party Parental Control Software
Best Paid Options 2026
1. Qustodio (Best Overall)
– Price: Free (basic) or £54.95/year (5 devices)
– Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Kindle
– Features:
– Web filtering and monitoring
– Screen time limits per app/website
– Location tracking (GPS)
– Social media monitoring (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
– YouTube monitoring
– Calls and SMS monitoring (Android)
– Panic button for kids
– Detailed daily/weekly reports
– Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Comprehensive, user-friendly
2. Norton Family (Best for Multiple Devices)
– Price: £39.99/year (unlimited devices)
– Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
– Features:
– Web filtering
– Time supervision
– Location tracking
– YouTube monitoring
– Search supervision
– Social media alerts
– School time scheduling
– Bonus: Included free with Norton 360 Deluxe antivirus
– Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Great value, unlimited devices
3. Bark (Best for Social Media Monitoring)
– Price: £9/month or £79/year
– Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon devices, Chromebook
– Features:
– Monitors 30+ social media platforms
– Text and email monitoring
– Detects cyberbullying, predators, self-harm content
– AI-powered alerts (only notifies concerning content)
– Screen time management
– Web filtering
– Unique: Monitors content OF messages (not just time spent)
– Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Best for teens, privacy-conscious monitoring
4. Net Nanny (Best for Young Children)
– Price: £39.99/year (5 devices) or £54.99/year (20 devices)
– Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Kindle
– Features:
– Real-time content filtering
– Profanity masking
– YouTube filtering (age-appropriate)
– Screen time management
– Location alerts
– Family feed (activity summaries)
– Remote management
– Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Great for younger kids, easy to use
5. Kaspersky Safe Kids (Best Free Option)
– Price: Free (basic) or £14.99/year (premium, 1 child)
– Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
– Features (Free):
– Web filtering
– App usage monitoring
– Screen time limits
– Battery life tracking
– Premium Adds:
– Real-time location tracking
– Geofencing alerts
– Social media monitoring (Facebook, VK)
– YouTube monitoring
– Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Generous free tier, affordable premium
Comparison Table: Third-Party Controls
| Software | Price/Year | Devices | Best Feature | Age Focus |
|———-|———–|———|————–|———–|
| Qustodio | £55 | 5 | Comprehensive monitoring | All ages |
| Norton Family | £40 | Unlimited | Value for large families | 5-15 |
| Bark | £79 | Unlimited | Social media AI monitoring | 13-18 |
| Net Nanny | £40 | 5 | Profanity masking, real-time filtering | 4-12 |
| Kaspersky Safe Kids | Free-£15 | 1 child | Free tier features | 8-16 |
Device-Specific Controls
iOS (iPhone/iPad) – Screen Time
Built-In (Free):
– Location: Settings → Screen Time
– Features:
– App time limits
– Content & Privacy Restrictions
– Communication limits (who can call/message)
– Downtime (schedule device-free times)
– Always Allowed apps (exceptions)
– Content restrictions (block adult content, explicit music, apps by age rating)
– Purchase restrictions
How to Set Up (Parent’s Device):
Key Settings to Configure:
– Block explicit content (Music, Podcasts, News, Books)
– Set age rating for apps (4+, 9+, 12+, 17+)
– Disable in-app purchases
– Restrict web content (Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Websites Only)
– Prevent account changes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Comprehensive, free, built-in
Android – Family Link
Built-In (Free):
– App: Google Family Link (install on parent and child devices)
– Features:
– App approvals (parent must approve downloads)
– Screen time limits per app
– Device bedtime
– Location tracking
– SafeSearch enforcement
– Content restrictions (Google Play, YouTube, Chrome)
– Activity reports
How to Set Up:
Key Settings:
– Manage apps (approve or block)
– Daily limits (screen time caps)
– Bedtime schedule (device locks)
– Content filters (apps, movies, books by age)
– Location sharing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Good free option, requires child’s Google account
Windows 11 – Microsoft Family Safety
Built-In (Free):
– App: Microsoft Family Safety (web + app)
– Features:
– Activity reporting
– Screen time limits
– Content filtering (web, apps, games, media)
– Spending limits (Microsoft Store)
– Location sharing
– Gaming restrictions (ESRB/PEGI ratings)
How to Set Up:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Good for Windows households
Game Consoles
PlayStation 5:
– Parental Controls → Family Management
– Set spending limits, game ratings, online communication
– Play time management (daily limits)
Xbox:
– Settings → Account → Family settings → Manage family members
– Screen time limits, content filters, spending controls
– Activity reports
Nintendo Switch:
– Download “Nintendo Switch Parental Controls” app
– Set play time limits, restrict online features
– Monitor play activity
– Bedtime alarm (console alerts child)
Rating (All): ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) — Essential for gaming households
Age-Appropriate Control Strategies
Ages 4-7 (Young Children)
Recommended Controls:
– ✅ Router-level filtering (strict—ISP HomeSafe Kids or equivalent)
– ✅ Device-level controls (iOS Screen Time, Android Family Link)
– ✅ Supervised device use only (parent present)
– ✅ YouTube Kids app only (not regular YouTube)
– ✅ Disable in-app purchases
– ✅ Block social media entirely
Device Recommendations:
– Shared family iPad/tablet (not personal device)
– No smartphone yet
Monitoring:
– Direct supervision always
– Use devices in communal areas (no bedrooms)
Ages 8-12 (Tweens)
Recommended Controls:
– ✅ Router-level filtering (moderate)
– ✅ Device-level controls with time limits
– ✅ App approval system (parent must approve downloads)
– ✅ SafeSearch enforcement
– ✅ Location tracking enabled
– ✅ Limited social media (if any—age 13+ required legally)
– ✅ YouTube restricted mode
Device Recommendations:
– Basic smartphone (if needed) with parental controls
– Family computer in shared space
Monitoring:
– Regular activity reports (weekly)
– Spot checks of device content
– Open communication about online safety
Ages 13-15 (Teens)
Recommended Controls:
– ✅ Router-level filtering (light—block adult content, gambling)
– ✅ Device-level controls (focus on screen time, not blocking)
– ✅ Social media monitoring (Bark for content concerns)
– ✅ Location tracking
– ✅ Time limits (not blanket bans)
– ✅ Talk about online safety regularly
Device Recommendations:
– Smartphone with parental control app
– Personal laptop with monitoring software
Monitoring:
– Weekly activity reviews together
– Focus on education, not just restriction
– Respect privacy but stay informed
Balance: More freedom with accountability
Ages 16-18 (Older Teens)
Recommended Controls:
– ✅ Minimal router filtering (malware protection only)
– ✅ Social media monitoring for serious concerns (cyberbullying, predators)
– ✅ Location tracking (safety, not surveillance)
– ✅ Open conversations about digital wellbeing
– ⚠️ Respect increasing privacy needs
Device Recommendations:
– Full access to devices (with trust and education)
Monitoring:
– Focus on digital citizenship education
– Address concerns through dialogue
– Gradually reduce controls as they near adulthood
Goal: Prepare for independent, responsible online behavior
Handling Common Bypass Attempts
How Children Try to Bypass Controls
1. Using Mobile Data (Turning Off WiFi)
– Prevention: Use device-level controls (not just router-level)
– Mobile data limits: Set mobile network restrictions in iOS/Android settings
2. Factory Reset Device
– Prevention: iOS: Activation Lock (requires parent Apple ID); Android: Factory Reset Protection
– Also: Regular device checks
3. Using VPN/Proxy Services
– Prevention: ISP controls block VPN/proxy categories (TalkTalk, BT)
– Also: Monitor app downloads (block VPN apps)
4. Creating Guest Accounts
– Prevention: Disable guest accounts (Windows, Mac)
– Require admin password to create new accounts
5. Using Incognito/Private Browsing
– Reality: ISP router-level controls still work (can’t bypass network filtering)
– Device-level software also tracks incognito activity
6. Changing Device Time/Date
– Prevention: Modern parental control apps detect time changes
– Set time automatically (prevent manual changes)
7. Borrowing Friend’s Device
– Reality: Can’t control this technically
– Solution: Education and trust
Talking to Children About Online Safety
Age-Appropriate Conversations
Ages 4-7:
– Explain: “Some things on the internet are for grown-ups, not kids”
– Teach: Always ask parent before clicking new apps/websites
– Introduce: Concept of “screen time” and balance
Ages 8-12:
– Discuss: Stranger danger online (don’t share personal info)
– Teach: Recognize scams and inappropriate content
– Practice: How to report concerns to parents
Ages 13-15:
– Talk about: Cyberbullying, peer pressure, sexting risks
– Emphasize: Permanence of online actions (nothing truly “disappears”)
– Establish: Trust-based monitoring (explain why you monitor)
Ages 16-18:
– Discuss: Digital footprint and future implications (college, jobs)
– Address: Online reputation management
– Transition: From control to advice
Key Messages for All Ages
Best Practices Summary
Essential Steps for Every Family
1. Enable ISP Parental Controls (Free)
– Activate router-level filtering today
– Blocks inappropriate content for all devices automatically
2. Set Up Device-Level Controls
– iOS: Screen Time (Settings → Screen Time)
– Android: Google Family Link app
– Windows: Microsoft Family Safety
– Gaming consoles: Enable parental controls
3. Consider Third-Party Software (If Needed)
– Ages 4-12: Net Nanny or Qustodio
– Ages 13-18: Bark (social media monitoring)
– Large families: Norton Family (unlimited devices £40/year)
4. Establish Family Tech Rules
– No devices at dinner table
– No screens 1 hour before bed
– Devices charge outside bedrooms overnight
– Use in communal areas (especially under age 13)
5. Educate, Don’t Just Restrict
– Regular conversations about online safety
– Explain WHY controls exist
– Build trust and open communication
6. Review and Adjust Regularly
– Check activity reports weekly
– Adjust controls as children mature
– Update filters and settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need parental controls if my child only uses YouTube?
A: Yes. YouTube has inappropriate content. Use YouTube Kids (ages 4-12) or enable Restricted Mode (teens). Also set up router-level controls to block if they try regular YouTube.
Q: Can my teenager bypass parental controls with a VPN?
A: Router-level controls can block VPN apps and websites (enable this in ISP settings). Device-level controls (Qustodio, Bark) also monitor for VPN usage and alert you.
Q: At what age should I stop using parental controls?
A: Gradual reduction from age 16-18. By 18, focus on education and trust rather than technical restrictions. Prepare them for independent digital life.
Q: Are free parental controls enough?
A: For young children (4-12), yes—ISP controls + device built-ins (iOS Screen Time, Android Family Link) are sufficient. For teens (13-18), consider paid monitoring (Bark £79/year) for social media safety.
Q: Will parental controls slow down my broadband?
A: No. Router-level filtering has no noticeable impact on speed.
Q: Can I monitor my child’s social media without spying?
A: Yes. Use Bark (£79/year)—it only alerts for concerning content (cyberbullying, predators, self-harm), not every message. Explain monitoring to your child (transparency builds trust).
Q: What if my ISP doesn’t have good parental controls?
A: Use third-party router-level filtering (OpenDNS FamilyShield—free) or device-level software (Qustodio, Norton Family).
Q: My child says parental controls invade their privacy. What do I say?
A: Explain: “It’s my job to keep you safe. As you get older and show responsibility, we’ll adjust the controls together. It’s about safety, not distrust.”
Bottom Line: All major UK ISPs provide free parental controls—activate them today (BT Web Protect, Sky Broadband Shield, TalkTalk HomeSafe). For comprehensive protection, combine router-level filtering (blocks all devices) with device-level controls (iOS Screen Time, Android Family Link). For teens, consider Bark (£79/year) to monitor social media for serious concerns. Most importantly: educate children about online safety and maintain open communication.
Quick Action Plan:
Recommended Setup by Age:
– Ages 4-12: ISP controls (strict) + device built-in controls + supervision
– Ages 13-15: ISP controls (moderate) + Bark/Qustodio + regular check-ins
– Ages 16-18: Light filtering + education + trust-based monitoring
Information verified January 2026. Parental control features and pricing subject to change. Always review your ISP’s current offerings and third-party software terms before subscribing.
