How to Use Parental Controls for Your Child's iPod

iTunes and iPods are wildly popular with the younger generation. But as parents, we need to ensure they are not getting access to content that we do not approve of (i.e. explicit lyrics). This tutorial shows you how to utilize the parental controls that iTunes has built in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• iTunes
• Computer
• Windows XP
• Administrator rights for your Windows XP user account

1. click on image to enlarge Since iTunes is the software that 'feeds' the iPod its content, this is where you will set the parental controls. So first, open iTunes, and from the menu at the top go to Edit > Preferences
2. click on image to enlarge From the pop-up window, click on the 'Preferences' tab. On this screen you can make your choices on what can and cannot be accessed by those using this account (including your kids).
3. click on image to enlarge Under 'Sources', you may choose to disable Podcasts, Radio, the iTunes store and shared libraries (this one is a choice I recommend, since not all sources of shared libraries are trustworthy). Check the boxes on the choices you would like to DISABLE. For each component you DISABLE by checking the box, that component will NOT BE DISPLAYED. For instance, if you DISABLE the iTunes store, it will not appear on the left side of the screen. Disabling the iTunes store will also disable the MiniStore.
4. click on image to enlarge The second area you can choose from is the country for which you would like to see the 'Ratings' (i.e. for U.S., these would be the familiar G, PG, PG-13 and so on)
5. click on image to enlarge Now you will use the rating system you just choose in the last step. In the drop-down you will see the option to 'Restrict Movies'. Check the box and choose one of the drop-down choices to turn this feature on. NOTE: you are choosing the highest level of rating you are willing to accept. (for example, in the U.S., if you choose PG-13, the G and PG ratings are also acceptable)
6. click on image to enlarge The next section should be checked if you want to 'Restrict TV Shows'. Check the box, and choose the highest level of rating you are willing to accept. (see the example text in Step 5)
7. click on image to enlarge Lastly for the choices is the ability to 'Restrict Explicit Content'. If this is checked, any content that carries the label 'Explicit' will not be allowed to be purchased/downloaded. NOTE: many songs that are marked 'Explicit' also have a 'Clean' version of the song without the language that could be offensive. If this is checked, the explicit material will NOT BE DISPLAYED, consequently not available for purchase or preview.
8. click on image to enlarge Now it's time to turn on the important part - the lock protection. Let's remember just how CLEVER our children are - you DO need to turn on the protection. Also, you'll need to ensure your Windows account is password protected and has admin access, and that only you and your significant other know the password - preferrably one that can't be easily guessed by a frustrated tween! (by the way...tween = BETWEEN a pre-teen and teenager, usually ages 10-13). Click on the image of the lock to continue.
9. Lastly - make sure you log off each time you are finished purchasing, downloading, etc. You'll need to be logged in to make changes to your Parental Control settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Windows XP is the only system currently supported by iTunes to use the password protection.
• NOTE that iTunes Parental Protection requires administrator access and Windows XP. From iTunes: If you have administrator access to your computer, you can prevent movies, podcasts, Internet radio stations, the iTunes Store, shared music, and other items from appearing on the left side of the iTunes window. You must be using Windows XP to password-protect these items.