How to Change Parental Controls on AOL

The Parental Controls on AOL allow the user of the master AOL screen name, the first account name created when signing up for AOL, to control and monitor the account usage of a child's screen name account. AOL's Parental Controls allow you to monitor activity, set time limits and set limits on whom your children can communicate with on AOL and what sites they can view. The controls can be adjusted by the master account holder, allowing you to change the Parental Controls on AOL at anytime.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Log onto your AOL account. You must be the master account holder to make changes to the Parental Controls. Type in AOL keyword "parental controls" or visit the Parental Controls page at parentalcontrols.aol.com/ .

2. Go to the Screen Names section and click on the screen name that you want to change the setting for. You do not need your child's password for her account to change the Parental Controls.

3. Click "Edit" next to the selected screen name. There will be a link to change the settings for each of the following areas: Chat, E-mails, IMs (instant messages) and Web browsing. Clicking on each link will open up a menu allowing you to adjust the settings for each area.
   The Web browsing settings will allow you to control the websites and content that your children view on AOL, as well as set time limits and monitor activity. The other three areas deal with your child's communication with others on AOL and allow you to set limits, block users and limit communication within AOL emails, chatrooms and instant messages.

4. Click on the "Save" button followed by the "OK" button to confirm and activate the changes. Repeat this process for any of the other screen names on your account that belong to your children. You can go in and change settings at any time.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the AOL Parental Controls settings accordingly as your child grows.
• Never write down your master account password or set AOL to remember the password. This can lead to unauthorized access to your account and give your children access to the Parental Controls settings.

References

• FAQ About AOL Parental Controls

Resources

• AOL Parental Controls Home Page