At What Age Can Kids Safely Use the Internet without Parental Controls

It's a question many parents eventually face: when can I trust my child to browse the internet without filters, blocks, or restrictions? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some kids may be ready at 13, while others still need support at 16. It depends less on age and more on maturity, habits, and how your child handles responsibility online.

In this article, we'll walk you through what to consider before turning off parental controls, signs your child might be ready, and how to guide them safely toward more internet freedom.

Why Kids Need Parental Controls Early On

Parental controls are there to help—not to spy. In the early years, they act like training wheels. They protect kids from inappropriate content, online strangers, scams, and even time-wasting apps that can affect sleep, focus, and mood.

Related:

The internet isn't just fun and games—it's also full of risks children can't always recognize. That's why most kids aren't ready to handle full online freedom when they first get a device.

And here are a few more reasons why parental controls matter:

96% of children aged 3–17 went online in 2024, showing just how essential the internet has become in kids' daily lives (ofcom.org.uk).
24% of vulnerable children report encountering upsetting online experiences "quite a lot" or more in 2025—a jump from 10% in 2024 (internetmatters.org)
64% of surveyed children under 13 have social media accounts—despite platform rules against this

These numbers highlight why parental controls are still an important part of parenting today—especially in the early stages of internet use.

As children grow, they'll naturally start asking for more freedom. And that's not a bad thing. Learning to use the internet wisely is part of growing up. That's when the big question comes in: when is the right time to let go?

Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for More Freedom

Instead of focusing on a specific age, pay attention to your child's behavior. Some children are ready for more online independence at 13. Others may still need support well into their teens. Here are a few signs they may be ready:

They understand online safety. Your child knows not to share personal information, click on suspicious links, or talk to strangers online.
They've been responsible with their screen time. If they've followed time limits and app rules without a fight, it's a good sign.
They're open about their online activity. Kids who tell you what they're doing or ask for help with something they saw are showing trust and awareness.
They've handled social media or messaging apps maturely. If your child doesn't engage in drama, bullying, or oversharing online, they may be ready for more responsibility.
They've shown good judgment offline, too. If your child generally makes thoughtful decisions in real life, it's more likely they'll do the same online.

How to Prepare Your Child Before Removing Parental Controls

Giving your child full freedom online doesn't mean removing all boundaries overnight. Think of it as a step-by-step process, where you shift from full control to guidance and support.

Here are a few things you can do to support a safe transition:

Start with a conversation. Talk about why they want more freedom and what that means. Explain your concerns and listen to theirs. Make it a two-way discussion. Ask your child what they want to access and why. Listen to their point of view, but also explain your concerns and expectations.

Set clear expectations. Agree on rules for screen time, device use, and what's off-limits. Discuss the consequences of breaking those rules.

Ease into it. You could start by removing controls on a school device but keeping them on the phone, for example. Or allow more freedom during the day, while keeping bedtime limits in place.

Stay involved. Even as controls ease up, keep checking in. Ask what they're watching, playing, or reading online. Show interest without hovering.

Teach them to protect themselves. Show your child how to spot scams, block people, use privacy settings, and report harmful content. These are tools they'll need as they grow. Instead of strict controls, introduce tools that help them monitor their own safety—like browser security settings, ad blockers, or scam detection apps.

What to Watch for After You Ease Restrictions

Giving kids more internet freedom is a learning experience—for both of you. It's normal to make adjustments along the way.

Keep an eye out for red flags like:

Sudden changes in mood or behavior after being online
Hiding screens or deleting browser history
Excessive time online, especially late at night
Talking to people you don't know
Avoiding conversations about what they do online

If something feels off, step in. You can always reinstate certain limits if needed, while explaining why.

Freedom Doesn't Mean You're Done Parenting

Letting kids browse the internet without parental controls is a big step, but it doesn't mean stepping away completely. Your child still needs your guidance, support, and presence—just in a different way.

Some families find it helpful to use flexible tools like Bitdefender Parental Control, which can adapt as your child grows. You can set filters, limit internet time, and keep an eye on online activity—without being intrusive. It's a way to give your child more independence while still keeping them protected.

Bitdefender Parental Control is included in all Bitdefender Family plans. And when you feel your child no longer needs it, you can simply turn it off and continue using the other tools that help keep your family safe—like malware protection, identity theft alerts, and scam detection.

Learn more about our plans for families.