Better Internet for Kids

Microsoft/Windows

Microsoft Family Safety allows users to create a safe digital environment with content filtering and screen time limits. It provides:

• Screen time limiting options for apps and games - including activity summaries and screen time requests (when screen time runs out, users can choose whether to add more time or not).
• Content filtering options - content filters can be used on app, games, web and search content to create healthy boundaries, block inappropriate content, and limit browsing on Microsoft Edge.

To get started, you’ll need to set up a family group of at least one parent and one child, each with their own Microsoft account.  

Mac OS

Family Sharing allows family members to create and join a Family Sharing group. Family Sharing offers a numbers of benefits, such as sharing subscription services and location sharing, but also:

• Ask to buy: this setting requires minors in your Family Sharing group to get an adult's approval to download or purchase items from the App Store and iTunes Store.
• Screen time settings: this includes setting downtime, setting app-specific limits, and reviewing app and website activity.
• Communication Safety to detect sensitive photos and videos before they're sent or received, and automatically blurring the inappropriate content.

To get started, one adult — the family organiser — invites family members to join the Family Sharing group. Each family member needs an Apple ID to participate in the group.

Linux

Given this system's open source nature, there are a plethora of options and combinations available for permission management to single files, folders, apps. This guide provides an overview on how to set up parental controls on Fedora Linux, while this Ubuntu page provides an overview of all options available in terms of browser-based limiting filters and content control.