How to configure Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart speakers for child safety, including purchase restrictions, explicit content filters, and voice controls.
Smart speakers such as Amazon Echo (Alexa) and Google Nest (Google Assistant) are present in millions of UK homes. Children can interact with them using voice commands alone, which means there is no screen lock, password, or age gate between your child and the internet. Without proper configuration, children can listen to explicit music, make purchases, hear inappropriate search results, and interact with third-party skills or actions that may not be child-safe.
Explicit Content Filter
Alexa app > Settings > Music & Podcasts > Explicit Filter / Google Home app > Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Filters
Blocks explicit songs and podcast episodes. Essential for any household with children.
Voice Purchasing
Alexa app > Settings > Account Settings > Voice Purchasing / Google Home app > Settings > Payments
Prevents your child from ordering items or making purchases by speaking to the device.
Amazon Kids (Alexa)
Alexa app > Settings > Amazon Kids
Creates a child-friendly experience with age-appropriate responses, explicit content filtering, and restricted features.
Digital Wellbeing Filters (Google)
Google Home app > Settings > Digital Wellbeing
Google's Digital Wellbeing allows you to set content filters, restrict actions, and schedule downtime on Google Nest devices.