Device controls: Amazon Fire HD tablet advice for parents and carers - Stay Safe Partnership

Outcomes

To help parents and carers gain an understanding of device controls on the Amazon Fire HD tablet.

Service Description
The Amazon Fire HD tablet is a popular choice of device for children.
 
It is important to know prior to purchase that users of the Amazon Fire HD tablet will only be able to use the Amazon shop for purchasing apps. Users can access many popular kids’ games including Roblox. However, some popular apps are unavailable through this store, including: 
  • YouTube
  • Google Play Store
Amazon offers their own app similar to YouTube called ‘Video Direct’.
 
You can set up child profiles on the Amazon Fire tablets. This gives children limited access to content. 
Some users may find the child profile is restrictive. You may decide to use a regular profile for your child. You can set up appropriate restrictions to make it safe for them.
 
To find the parental controls on the tablet, from your home screen, swipe down and select the gear next to the profile icon. Under ‘personal’, select ‘parental controls’. Turn them on by pressing the toggle. Set a password that can be used to modify access to features.
 
You will be able to do the following through the tablet’s parental controls:
  • block content and apps from being accessed
  • add passwords for accessing certain content
  • monitor profile activity
  • limit access to the device during certain times of day
Using these controls, you can choose which apps to make available to your child. For example, you can stop them from being able to access the web browser.
 
Restricting web browser (SILK) limits access to inappropriate and harmful content. If playing on games and sent malicious links by other user, having no web browser access would remove the risk of them accessing the content sent.
 
Any apps you restrict will be hidden from the home screen. To access these apps simply turn off parental controls within the settings.
 
Setting the tablet to lock at selected times can help maintain routine and a healthy balance between technology and other activities. When the tablet has locked, parents and carers are able to access by entering their chosen password. Restricted access can be turned on using the settings via ‘parental controls’ under ‘set daily goals and time limits’.
 
Setting up parental controls on the Amazon Fire HD tablet can be made easier with the help of Internet Matters’ step-by-step guide.