What is a child account?
The short answer
A child account is a special user account managed by a parent or guardian, with built-in restrictions to keep kids safer online.
How it works
Most major platforms — Apple, Google, Microsoft, PlayStation, Xbox, and others — let you create an account specifically for a child. This account is linked to a parent’s account, giving the parent control over what the child can do.
With a child account, a parent can typically:
- Limit screen time — set daily usage limits or schedule downtime
- Filter content — block apps, websites, or media rated above a certain age
- Manage purchases — require approval before the child can buy or download anything
- See activity reports — view which apps and sites the child uses and for how long
- Control communication — restrict who the child can message or play games with
How is it different from a regular account?
A regular account gives full access to everything. A child account has guardrails set by the parent that the child cannot remove on their own. The parent stays in control until they choose to upgrade the account or the child reaches a certain age (usually 13 or 18, depending on the platform).
When should you set one up?
Set up a child account before handing a device to your kid. It is much easier to start with restrictions in place than to lock things down later.
Where to create one
- Apple — use Family Sharing to add a child Apple ID
- Google — use Google Family Link to create a supervised account
- Microsoft — add a family member through your Microsoft account settings
- Gaming consoles — each platform (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) has a family settings section
Can a child account be converted later?
Yes. Once the child is old enough, most platforms let you convert the child account into a standard adult account while keeping their data, purchases, and history intact. The exact process and age requirement vary by platform.