How do I set up a child's phone or tablet safely?

The order matters. Do the setup before the child sees the device, and give it to them already working. It is much harder to add rules to a phone a child has been using freely for a month.

First, the device. Android only allows device-owner management on a device that is freshly set up or reset, and any Google account must be removed first. That is why a reset is needed. New models go through a one-time model review during setup.

Second, provisioning. Install the Skie Provision app on another Android phone or use a computer with a cable and one pasted command. It guides you through the steps, shows live progress and gives reasons if something fails. After that you manage everything from the dashboard in a browser.

Third, the rules. Choose the apps, hide the Play Store, and check that the browser is off, restricted or allowed as you want. Adult sites are blocked and SafeSearch is on. Add a study window and a night window. Create safe zones for home and school. Check the compliance score reads full.

Last, tell your child. The phone shows it is managed and there is no hidden mode. Explain what you can see and what you cannot. Skie does not read messages, call logs, audio or video. Pricing is on request.

• Fresh or reset device, no Google account
• Provision with the app or a computer
• Choose apps and hide the Play Store
• Add schedules and safe zones
• Check compliance, then talk to your child