OS native parental controls
Strengthen WhitelistVideo's protection by configuring your operating system's built-in parental controls.
Important: WhitelistVideo's Advanced Protection is the primary way to prevent bypassing. These native controls provide an additional layer of security.
Disclaimer: The guides in this section are provided as general guidance and may not reflect the latest changes to each platform's interface or policies. Microsoft Family Safety, Google Family Link, and Apple Screen Time are third-party services not affiliated with WhitelistVideo. Please refer to the official documentation for each platform for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions.
Why configure OS parental controls?
While WhitelistVideo protects YouTube through Chrome, native parental controls help you:
- Restrict app installation - Prevent downloading alternative browsers
- Block other browsers - Ensure YouTube can only be accessed through Chrome with WhitelistVideo
- Set time limits - Control overall device usage
- Manage content - Additional filtering at the OS level
Setup process overview
For each operating system, there are two steps:
- Create a Child Account - Set up a separate account for your child with appropriate restrictions
- Configure Parental Controls - Set up the native parental control app to restrict browsers and apps
Windows
Microsoft's Family Safety provides parental controls for Windows 10 and 11.
Official Documentation: Microsoft Family Safety (opens in a new tab)
Chromebook
Google's Family Link provides parental controls for Chromebooks and Android devices.
Official Documentation: Google Family Link (opens in a new tab)
Mac
Apple's Screen Time provides parental controls for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Official Documentation: Apple Screen Time (opens in a new tab)
Quick comparison
| Feature | Windows | Chromebook | Mac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parental Control App | Microsoft Family Safety | Google Family Link | Screen Time |
| Block app installation | Yes (with limitations) | Yes | Yes |
| Block browsers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Time limits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Content filtering | Edge only | Chrome only | Safari only |
| Age restrictions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key goals
For WhitelistVideo to work effectively, configure these settings on your child's device:
1. Restrict to One Browser
Goal: Only allow Google Chrome on the device. Block or remove all other browsers.
Why? WhitelistVideo only works in Chrome. If your child can use Safari, Firefox, Edge, or other browsers, they can access YouTube without WhitelistVideo's protection.
2. Block App Installation
Goal: Require parental approval for any new app or software installation.
Why? Without this, your child could simply download a new browser to bypass WhitelistVideo.
3. Set Time Limits (Optional)
Goal: Control how much time your child spends on the device overall.
This complements WhitelistVideo by managing total screen time, not just YouTube content.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
No parental control system is perfect. Tech-savvy children may find workarounds. The combination of WhitelistVideo + Advanced Protection + Native Parental Controls provides the strongest protection.
Common bypass attempts
- Installing alternative browsers
- Using browser "Help" links that open web views
- Using incognito/private browsing
- Creating new user accounts
- Using guest mode
The guides for each platform address these specific vulnerabilities.
Need help?
If you're having trouble configuring native parental controls:
- Windows: Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)
- Chromebook/Android: Google Families Help (opens in a new tab)
- Mac/iPhone/iPad: Apple Support (opens in a new tab)
For WhitelistVideo-specific questions, contact support@whitelist.video.