9 Limit spending
In Step 4, we mentioned how it is possible to require
parental approval before any purchases can be made, but there
are more money-related options in the Spending section. Here
you can add some money to your child’s account balance so they
can shop online without having to pester you for money at the
time of purchase, and without the risk of spending too much.
7
Restrict web browsing
Letting your child have unfettered access to the web can be
scary – but you can put limits in place. If there is a site you’d like to
stop your child from visiting, enter its URL in the ‘Always blocked’
section and click ‘+’. To ensure the sites you approve of can be
accessed, enter their URLs in the ‘Always allowed’ section. Tick
the ‘Only allow these websites’ box to limit web access further.
5
Software restrictions
Scroll down the page slightly to the ‘Apps, games & media’
section and ensure the ‘Block inappropriate apps, games & media’
setting is enabled. Use the drop-down menu to choose the age
rating you are happy for your child to use. Bear in mind that
ratings are somewhat subjective, and you may not necessarily
agree that a particular title is suitable for your child.
10 Monitor activity
As well as placing restrictions on your child, you can also
monitor what they do online and on your PC. Head to ‘Recent
activity’ and you will be able to see not only which apps and
games they’ve used, but also the sites they have visited and the
searches they’ve conducted. There are shortcuts to impose
restrictions if you see anything that you feel requires action. Q8
Limit computing time
You can place a time limit on how long your child is able to
use the computer for by scrolling to the top of the page and
clicking the ‘Screen time’ heading. Flick the toggle switches to the
On position for any computer or console listed that you would
like to place limits on, and then use the timetable that appears to
indicate when screen time should be permitted.6 Customise app restrictions
It may be that an app you feel is suitable for your child is
blocked by an age restriction – but raising the limit may not be
appropriate. For example, Microsoft blocks some web browsers
because they don’t offer the same control options as Edge, but
you can lift these restrictions. In the ‘Always blocked’ list, click
Remove next to any app you’re happy for your child to use.26 |^ |^ May 2019