October 7, 2026 · by David Gilbert · 3 min read · Tips & Guides
School holidays often mean kids spending more time on tablets, laptops, and games. Whether it's a device of their own or one they're borrowing, a little setup beforehand goes a long way towards keeping them safe online — and keeping your device (and your bank balance) protected. Here's a practical guide to getting kids' devices holiday-ready.
Set Up Parental Controls
Every major device and operating system now includes built-in parental controls, and they're well worth switching on. These let you filter inappropriate content, set time limits, control which apps can be used, and approve downloads. Setting these up takes just a few minutes and gives you real peace of mind about what your kids can access and for how long.
Prevent Surprise Purchases
One of the most common nasty surprises for parents is a big bill from in-app purchases or accidental app-store spending. Turn off one-click purchasing, require a password or approval for any download or purchase, and disable in-app purchases where you can. This single step has saved many parents from an unexpected and unwelcome charge.
Create a Child Account
Rather than letting kids use your own account, set up a separate child or guest account on shared devices. This keeps your emails, files, and apps separate from theirs, applies age-appropriate restrictions automatically, and stops them accidentally changing your settings or seeing things they shouldn't. It's a clean separation that benefits everyone.
Talk About Staying Safe Online
Settings are only part of the picture. A friendly chat about online safety matters just as much — covering not talking to strangers online, not sharing personal information, telling you if something makes them uncomfortable, and being kind to others. Keeping the conversation open and judgement-free makes kids far more likely to come to you if something goes wrong.
Keep Devices in Shared Spaces
For younger children especially, keeping device use to common areas of the home rather than bedrooms makes supervision natural and easy. It's a simple approach that helps you keep a casual eye on what's happening without hovering.
Protect the Device Itself
Kids and devices can be a rough combination. A sturdy protective case, a screen protector, and a reminder about food and drink near screens can save you from cracked screens and spills. If the worst does happen, a damaged screen or a liquid-affected device can usually be repaired — but prevention is cheaper and less stressful.
Back Up Before You Hand It Over
If you're lending a child your own device, make sure it's backed up first, just in case anything gets deleted or changed. A current backup means any mishaps are easily undone.
Need a Hand Setting Things Up?
Agree on Screen Time Up Front
Beyond the technical settings, it helps enormously to agree on some ground rules before the holidays begin rather than negotiating them every day. Decide together how much screen time is reasonable, when devices go away (mealtimes and bedtime are common), and what needs to happen first — chores, outdoor time, and so on. Built-in screen-time tools can enforce these limits automatically, taking you out of the role of constant referee and reducing the daily battles.
If you'd like help setting up parental controls, child accounts, or getting a device kid-ready these holidays, Your Local Tech Solutions is happy to help. Get in touch for friendly, practical advice — and enjoy a more relaxed school holiday.
