Family Device & Account Protection Guide
Protect every device and account in your home with this comprehensive family security guide. From parent smartphones to kid tablets, gaming consoles to smart TVs - we'll help you secure them all with age-appropriate settings and practical rules the whole family can follow.
Why This Matters:
67%
Kids accidentally made purchases
$1,500
Average accidental purchase amount
43%
Kids encountered inappropriate content
Secure Every Family Device
Parent Smartphones
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
Screen Lock
6-digit PIN minimum or biometric
Why: Kids can accidentally make purchases or send messages
How: Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode > Turn on
App Purchase Protection
Require password for all purchases
Why: Prevent accidental $500 in-app purchases
How: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > iTunes & App Store Purchases
Find My Phone
Must be enabled
Why: Track lost device and remote wipe if stolen
How: Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > ON
Auto-Lock
2 minutes or less
Why: Phone locks quickly if left unattended
How: Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock > 2 minutes
Family Rules for This Device:
- → Never let kids know your passcode
- → Use guided access for kid games
- → Turn off Siri on lock screen
- → Disable notification previews
Kids Tablets/iPads
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
Screen Time/Parental Controls
Age-appropriate restrictions
Why: Block inappropriate content and limit usage
How: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
App Installation
Require parent approval
Why: Prevent downloading inappropriate apps
How: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > iTunes & App Store > Don't Allow
In-App Purchases
Completely disabled
Why: Kids spent $3000 on virtual gems stories are real
How: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > In-app Purchases > Don't Allow
Web Content
Limit to approved websites only
Why: Internet has content not suitable for children
How: Settings > Screen Time > Content Restrictions > Web Content > Allowed Websites Only
Age-Appropriate Settings:
Ages 3-6
- • Educational apps only
- • 30 min daily limit
- • No social features
- • Parent plays along
Ages 7-10
- • 1 hour daily limit
- • Curated app list
- • No chat features
- • Device stays in common area
Ages 11-13
- • 2 hour limit
- • Monitored social media
- • No private browsing
- • Night time lock
Ages 14+
- • Agreed limits
- • Open communication
- • Trust but verify
- • Discuss consequences
Family Computer/Laptop
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
User Accounts
Separate account for each family member
Why: Kids can't access parent files or accounts
How: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Add User
Guest Account
Enable for visitors
Why: Friends can't access family data
How: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Guest User > Allow
Parental Controls
Set on all kid accounts
Why: Limit apps, websites, and time
How: System Preferences > Parental Controls > Select child account
FileVault/BitLocker
Full disk encryption on
Why: Protects data if laptop is stolen
How: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault > Turn On
Smart TV & Streaming
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
Kids Profiles
Separate profile for each child
Why: Age-appropriate content only
How: Create Kids profile with age restrictions in each app
Purchase PIN
Required for all purchases/rentals
Why: Prevent accidental $50 movie rentals
How: Settings > Parental Controls > Require PIN for purchases
Viewing Restrictions
Set maximum rating by age
Why: Auto-blocks inappropriate content
How: Each service > Settings > Parental Controls > Set rating
YouTube Restricted Mode
Must be ON
Why: Filters potentially mature content
How: YouTube > Settings > General > Restricted Mode > On
Content Rating Guide:
Gaming Consoles
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
Family Management
Create child accounts under parent
Why: Control spending, friends, and playtime
How: Settings > Family Management > Add Child
Spending Limits
Monthly limit or disabled
Why: No surprise $200 V-Bucks charges
How: Settings > Family > Select Child > Spending Limit
Communication Settings
Friends only or disabled
Why: Prevent contact from strangers
How: Settings > Account > Privacy > Communications > Friends Only
Content Ratings
Set by child's age
Why: Block violent or mature games
How: Settings > Parental Controls > Game Rating Level
Online Gaming Safety Rules:
- ! No voice chat with strangers
- ! Never share personal info
- ! Report inappropriate behavior
- ! Parent reviews friend requests
- ! Gaming in common areas only
Home WiFi Router
Accounts to Protect:
Essential Security Settings:
Admin Password
Change from default immediately
Why: Default passwords are public knowledge
How: 192.168.1.1 > Admin > Change Password
WiFi Encryption
WPA3 or WPA2
Why: Prevents neighbors from stealing WiFi
How: Wireless Settings > Security > WPA2/WPA3
Guest Network
Separate network for visitors
Why: Guests can't access your devices
How: Wireless > Guest Network > Enable
Firmware Updates
Auto-update enabled
Why: Fixes security vulnerabilities
How: Administration > Firmware Update > Auto-Update
Network Security Must-Dos:
- WiFi password 15+ characters
- Change password every 6 months
- Don't use family name in network name
- Turn off WPS
Family Password Management Strategy
Parent Master Passwords
Requirements:
- 20+ characters
- Unique for each account
- Use password manager
- Never share with kids
Example:
Kid Account Passwords
Requirements:
- Age-appropriate complexity
- Parent knows them
- Change every 3 months
- No personal info
Example:
Shared Family Accounts
Requirements:
- Simple but secure
- Everyone remembers
- For streaming only
- No payment methods saved
Example:
Monthly Family Device Security Checkup
Set a monthly reminder for the first Saturday of each month to review:
Create Your Family Tech Agreement
Download our customizable family tech agreement template. Sit down together, discuss the rules, and have everyone sign it. Post it somewhere visible!