Many parents today feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of monitoring their children’s digital experiences. Parental controls can be a helpful tool for providing a gentler on-ramp to the real safety and privacy risks children face online. How can parents use them effectively without damaging trust or interfering with opportunities for children to build independence and digital skills?
Children and Screens held the #AskTheExperts webinar “The Smart Parent’s Guide to Parental Controls” on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, featuring a panel of digital parenting experts. Building on the previous webinar on “Screen Smarts,” this session focused on practical steps families can take to help children navigate increasing access to the digital world. The panel discussed which types of parental control apps and settings are most effective, what parents should know about their strengths and limitations, and how to incorporate them into a thoughtful parenting approach that protects child well-being and builds healthy autonomy.
