Setting up your child's first computer
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The first week decides how the computer will be used for years. It is much easier to start with rules than to add them after the habits have formed. Here is a checklist you can finish in one evening — before your child sits down at the new PC.
1. Their own account — and not an administrator
Create a separate standard Windows account for your child and keep the administrator password to yourself. Your child can't install programs or change system settings without you, and your own files stay private. How to create it on Windows 10 and 11.
2. Security basics
- Install all Windows updates before the first use.
- Leave Windows Security (the built-in antivirus) turned on.
- Pick one browser and keep it updated.
- Don't save your card in stores and launchers your child will use.
3. Time limits from day one
A limit that has always been there is just “how the computer works”. A limit added after three months feels like a punishment. With child-time you set, from your phone:
- a daily limit — your child sees a timer and gets warnings at 15, 5 and 1 minute left;
- bedtime hours when the computer can't be used;
- rules for single games, when one of them starts taking over.
Not sure about the numbers? Reasonable screen time by age.
4. Where the computer lives
For younger children a shared room works better than a bedroom: you see what's going on without checking on purpose, and bedtime is easier. Teenagers need more privacy — rules and a bedtime the PC keeps by itself matter more than the room.
5. Agree on the rules together
Sit down with your child and write the rules: how long, when, what comes first, what happens when time is up. Children follow rules they helped to make. Free printables: family agreement · rules poster.
6. A fair way to earn more
Decide in advance how extra time can be earned — reading, chores, homework done without reminders. In child-time your child marks a task done, you approve it on your phone and the minutes are added. How it works.
7. Be open about what you can see
Tell your child what you see and what you don't. With child-time you see which programs were used and for how long — not websites, messages or what's on the screen. Full list.