The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make, or that are not available, online can be submitted via mail for processing. Department staff is available to assist with any questions at (800) 922-1594 (toll free in SC) or 803-734-4200 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also email general questions to scdca@scconsumer.gov. 

Parental Controls

Illustration showing two parents and a child

Parental controls can be a useful tool to help manage and educate your children about good online habits. Specific functions can vary by service and device which can make it confusing and frustrating at times. Parents can look at the options available for each app, streaming platform, video game system, and device and then decide what settings best meet their family’s needs. 

Common features will help parents:
  • Manage how much time their child spends on the platform.
  • Filter content based on age ratings.
  • Manage or monitor who their child can communicate with.
  • Restrict purchases.
  • Track information about websites and apps used.
  • Monitor the device’s location so you can see where your child may be or locate the device if it is lost or stolen.
  • Send parental alerts such as text messages or push notifications whenever control violation attempts occur. 
Manage Settings

The list below can help you find the parental control settings for popular devices, apps, social media platforms and streaming services. 

Internet Provider Resources

Many internet providers also offer resources to help you control the type of content that is available on your networks. Below is a short list of some of the providers in South Carolina.

Learn About Video Games and Ratings

Parents can learn about parental controls for video games from the Entertainment Software Rating Board, the group that rates games based on content to suggest age-appropriateness. 

Talk With Your Child

Parents are encouraged to discuss the decisions about controls with their child to help them understand the rules, expectations and why choices are being made. The Federal Trade Commission has tips available in these articles: Heads Up: Stop. Think. Connect. and Kids and Video Games.