Your child's first device

When your child receives their first device, it’s important to use set it up with parental controls to help keep them safe.

Tools for protecting your child’s device

Depending on the type of device your child receives, there are a range of tools available to help protect them.

• Apple Family Safety Centre(external link) provides useful tips and information for parents on how to keep their children safe when using Macs, iPhones, and iPads
• Google’s Family Link(external link) is an app for parents to help manage their child’s android devices

Remember no parental control tool is 100% effective and it’s important to talk to your child about developing good online safety habits.

Teaching children about online phone safety

Netsafe and 2degrees have developed "Good Tings” - the First Phones programme. This is an interactive learning module that kids can complete at school or at home and helps equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely explore the digital world on their first phones.

• Netsafe - The First Phone Programme(external link)

Child safe devices

There are also some devices that have been developed especially for children getting their first device:

• Samsung New Zealand and Safe Surfer have created a kid’s phone that lets parents control access to social media, internet, apps and or games until you decide your child is ready for it and choose to unlock the features.
  • Kid Safe Phone(external link)