Having a Kindle is like having an entire library in your hand. As an E-reader, the Kindle provides parents a robust resource of reading material for their kids. Kindle is also a web browser, game center, TV, and communication device. How can you control what content is on your child’s Kindle?
You guessed it, Parental Controls. In a few simple steps, you can set controls on a Kindle to limit and even deny access to Kindle functions.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on Kindle Fire
- SWIPE down from the top of the screen and then TAP Settings
- TAP Parental Controls
- TAP the switch next to Parental Controls
- ENTER a password, confirm your password, and then TAP Finish
- Note: Your Parental Controls password is different from your lock screen password
How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Kindle (5th Generation), and Kindle Keyboard (3rd Generation)
- From the Home screen, TAP Menu, and then TAP Settings
- Turn one page, and then TAP Set next to Parental Controls
- Select Turn Off to require a password for access to any of the options
- ENTER your parental controls password, and then SELECT Submit to save your settings.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on Kindle Paperwhite (5th Generation), and any Kindle E-reader Model 6th Generation and Newer
- From the Home screen, SELECT the Menu icon, and then TAP Settings
- TAP Device Options, SELECT Parental Controls, and then SELECT Restrictions
- SELECT On to require a password for access to the experimental web browser, Kindle Store, Cloud, or Goodreads on Kindle
- ENTER your preferred parental controls password, and then SELECT OK
- SELECT OK again to save your settings
OTHER HELPFUL STUFF
After you turn on Parental Controls, a lock icon will appear at the top of the screen. TAP Curfew Schedule to choose the days and times your child’s access to the device is restricted. To unlock a device in curfew, enter your parental controls password.
TAP the switch next to Monitor This Profile to collect activity information from the device. This activity can be seen in the Activity Center from your account on the Amazon website. A monitored profile shows a parent and child icon at the top of the screen
What Is Kindle FreeTime Unlimited?
Kindle FreeTime Unlimited is an Amazon subscription service that enables parents to restrict content (books, TV shows, games, and Apps) based on age. The age ranges are three to five-year-olds, six to eight-year-olds and nine to twelve-year-olds. The content available through Amazon FreeTime Unlimited is tailored for each age group.
How to Get Books and Audio Books on Your Kindle From Your Local Library or School
You can also borrow books for free from your local library or school using your Kindle and the free app, Overdrive. Install the Overdrive App on your Kindle and create an account using your library card or Student ID. Overdrive has thousands of books and audiobooks you can borrow. Each library or school that uses Overdrive is slightly different because they choose what content they want to offer. When your time’s up, the content is “returned” to the library or school and disappears off the app.
While the Kindle tablet has other capabilities beyond an E-reader, it’s still an ideal device for young readers. With a few Parental Controls, you can make sure it’s also a safe device.