Unwrapping Devices Without Unravelling: Your Christmas Tech Setup Checklist

This Christmas morning will probably look a lot like last year: wrapping paper carnage, someone looking for batteries, and at least one shiny new device in the hands of an excited kid. The excitement is real, and so is that little knot in your stomach as you wonder what’s actually behind that screen, and whether you’re about to spend the holidays arguing about passwords, apps, or late-night scrolling.

Here’s the reality: we want our kids to be safe, savvy, and sensible with tech, but half the time we’re learning on the fly ourselves. The real magic happens before the wrapping paper comes off. Taking a few minutes to set up devices and talk through the rules before they’re unwrapped means your child gets clear expectations and you get peace of mind from the start.

Start with 3 things for every new device: lock it down, filter content, and agree the rules before kids disappear with it.

1. Before you hand it over

- Turn on a passcode or set up biometrics (like fingerprint or face unlock), and keep the unlock code or settings with an adult account, not the child’s.

- Create a child Apple ID or Google account in your family group so controls and app approvals sync across devices.

- Update the device OS and default apps so you’ve got the latest security and privacy protections.

2. Core parental controls to switch on

- Content filters: Use Screen Time (Apple) or Family Link/Digital Wellbeing (Android) to set age ratings for apps, movies, web, and games. Turn on SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode.

- Screen time tools: Set daily limits, downtime or bedtime, and app-by-app caps. Protect these with a separate Screen Time or parent PIN.

- Purchase controls: Require adult approval for app installs and in-app purchases. Use Ask to Buy on Apple and purchase approval in Family Link.

3. Privacy and location safety

- Check app permissions: Turn off unnecessary camera, mic, and contacts access. Only allow what the app actually needs.

- Location: Disable location sharing by default. Only enable it for genuinely useful apps, and review which apps can see location. Turn off public location in social apps.

- Profiles and gaming: For consoles and games, set up child profiles with age-appropriate ratings, friend-only chat (or chat off for younger kids), and blocks or reporting tools.

4. House rules and where the device “sleeps”

- Decide the “home base” for charging overnight, like the kitchen or somewhere communal. Keep devices out of bedrooms to protect sleep and reduce riskier late-night use.

- Agree simple rules together: where it can be used, times it’s off (meals, homework, family events), and what to do if something scary or weird pops up online.

- Write this as a short family tech agreement and revisit it when the rules or devices change.

Need a head start? Check out our Digital Family Agreement Kit for a ready-to-use, customisable template.

5. Quick platform-specific checklist

iPhone or iPad:

- Set up Family Sharing and a child Apple ID. Enable Ask to Buy.

- In Settings, go to Screen Time. Turn on Content and Privacy Restrictions, Downtime, and App Limits. Lock changes with a passcode.

Android or Chromebook:

- Install Google Family Link on the parent phone. Create and manage the child account through it.

- In Family Link, set daily limits, Bedtime, app approvals, Play Store age ratings, plus SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode.

TRY THIS

If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here’s what helps:

• Set up devices and talk through the rules before they’re unwrapped. When the big moment comes, your child knows what to expect and the boundaries are clear from the start.

• Be honest about the rules you can actually keep. If “no phones at dinner” isn’t realistic, make it “phones face down” or “quick checks only.”

• Let your kids help set the rules. Kids are more likely to follow agreements they’ve helped create.

• If you want to help your child reflect on their digital habits and feelings, our Play & Pause Journal is designed just for that. Screen time sanity, minus the guilt.

• If you get stuck, ask for help or look up the official guides. Nobody gets this perfect on the first go.

Unsure where to start?

If you have a child you’re worried about, whether they’re neurodivergent, have unique needs, or you’re just not sure where to start, our personalised Blended Citizen Support Plan gives you a comprehensive, step-by-step guide tailored to your family. It’s here to help you feel confident and supported, whatever your starting point.

You’ve got this.