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Devices

Tablet

High risk

A tablet has the same browsers, video apps and app stores as a phone, even when it stays at home. On a shared tablet, check that your child cannot use an adult’s login, browsing history or permissions.

Three things to do first

  1. 1

    Create a child profile

    Avoid handing over a tablet that is still signed in as an adult.

  2. 2

    Disable the browser or use restricted mode

    If the tablet is mostly for video or school, shut down open browsing first.

  3. 3

    Enable time limits per app

    Video and game apps need their own caps, not just a whole-device limit.

What to watch for

Shared device means shared data

Medium

If an adult profile stays logged in, a child may inherit open email, saved passwords, and full app store access.

Restrictions are easy to bypass on an unlocked device

High

If the tablet is not protected by a parent-only passcode, a child can often disable limits or switch to a less restricted account.

YouTube autoplay keeps children watching

High

One harmless video can quickly turn into a chain of louder, faster, or more extreme content.

App stores stay open unless blocked

High

Children can install chat apps, browsers, or games that bring in strangers and spending pressure.

Set it up, step by step

On tablets, hardware lock matters as much as software rules. If the child can switch accounts or use an unlocked family device, restrictions are easy to dodge.

  1. 1

    Create a child setup, not a shared adult setup

    iPad: Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time and choose This is My Child's iPad. Android tablet: add a supervised Google account through Family Link.

  2. 2

    Use a parent-only passcode

    Lock Screen Time or Family Link with a code your child does not know, and disable Guest access if the tablet offers it.

  3. 3

    Restrict browsing and video defaults

    Turn on web content restrictions and use Restricted Mode in YouTube before handing the tablet over.

  4. 4

    Limit the app store

    Require approval for App Store or Google Play downloads and hide the store entirely if the tablet is mainly for games or school apps.

  5. 5

    Set limits for the highest-use apps

    Use Screen Time → App Limits or Family Link → Screen time to cap video, games, and browser use separately.