Section 1
Google SafeSearch
SafeSearch filters explicit images and content from Google search results. When it's on, searches for anything from innocent topics that happen to have adult associations to obviously inappropriate queries will return cleaned-up results. It's not perfect, but it makes a meaningful difference — especially for younger children who use Google casually.
Turning on SafeSearch
The simplest way: go to google.com/safesearch on your child's device or browser and turn it on. But this only works if it's locked — otherwise your child can simply turn it off again.
SafeSearch can be enabled but not locked without a Google account. To lock SafeSearch so it can't be turned off without a password, your child needs to be signed into a Google account that you manage — either a supervised account via Family Link (for under-13s) or a school-issued Google Workspace account. Once they're signed in to a supervised account, SafeSearch is automatically enforced and can't be toggled off.
For children under 13 (via Family Link)
Set up a supervised Google account through Family Link (see the Android guide). SafeSearch is automatically locked on and enforced whenever they're signed into that account on any device.
At the router/DNS level (works for everyone)
Services like NextDNS and OpenDNS can force SafeSearch at the network level — meaning it applies regardless of which account is signed in or whether they're using Chrome, Safari, or any other browser. This is the most robust approach.
On iOS via Screen Time
iOS Screen Time can restrict web content and force safe search on Safari. Go to Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Content Restrictions → Web Content → Limit Adult Websites. This also activates a form of SafeSearch within Safari.
Section 2
YouTube: Three Approaches
YouTube is one of the trickier platforms to manage because it sits somewhere between "mostly fine" and "genuinely awful" depending on exactly what's being watched. Google offers three different approaches depending on your child's age and how much control you want.
YouTube Kids (under ~10)
A completely separate app with a curated selection of child-appropriate content. You control what content level is shown (preschool through older kids) and can approve specific channels. The most locked-down option.
Supervised Account (~10–13)
Links your child's Google account to yours, letting you choose an age-appropriate content level for full YouTube. You can approve or block specific channels, and see what they watch.
Restricted Mode (teens)
A filter built into the regular YouTube app and website that hides content flagged as mature. Less restrictive than supervised accounts, but can be applied without an account. Its main weakness: it's easy to turn off.
Block YouTube entirely
For younger children, some families simply block YouTube at the router level and use only YouTube Kids. A blunt but effective approach while kids are young.
Setting up YouTube Supervised Accounts
Sign in to YouTube with your Google account
On a browser, go to youtube.com and sign in with your own Google account.
Go to YouTube's supervised accounts page
Visit families.google.com, find YouTube settings, and select "Set up supervised experience." Choose your child's account (must be a Family Link supervised account).
Choose a content setting
Select from three levels: "Explore" (ages ~9+, educational and family-friendly), "Explore More" (most YouTube content, age-appropriate), or "Most of YouTube" (everything except age-restricted). Start conservative and adjust if needed.
Review and approve channels
From families.google.com you can see what your child watches and block specific channels or videos that slipped through. This ongoing review is where the real value of supervised accounts shows up.
To enable Restricted Mode in the YouTube app: tap the profile icon → Settings → General → Restricted Mode. Toggle it on. To prevent your child from turning it off, use iOS Screen Time or Android Family Link to lock the YouTube app settings, or enforce it at the network level via your router or DNS service.
Section 3
What Google's Controls Can't Do
Restricted Mode isn't comprehensive
YouTube itself acknowledges that Restricted Mode won't catch everything. It relies on automated systems and community flagging to categorize content. New videos, ambiguous content, and some foreign-language content may slip through.
Signing out defeats account-based controls
If your child signs out of their supervised Google account, many of these controls stop applying. Locking account sign-in via iOS Screen Time or Android Family Link closes this gap.
YouTube on smart TVs and game consoles
YouTube apps on TVs and gaming platforms often have fewer parental controls than the phone app. Check your TV or console's own parental control settings separately — many let you block individual apps like YouTube.
Layering is the key with Google.
SafeSearch at the DNS level + a supervised YouTube account + device controls is far more robust than any single setting alone. None of it requires technical expertise — just a little time to set up once.