One of the unique features to Windows Phone 8, is a great new setup called "kid's corner". This is a special area of your Windows Phone that gives password free access to only those things you've chosen. It is accessible with a single swipe from the right of the lock screen, then a single swipe up. In this area, you can choose what Music, Videos, Apps and Games your kids (or others) have password free access to on your own phone. It is always accessible from the lock screen, and allows you to hand your phone to the kids, with peace of mind, knowing that they will not access any other apps or content on your phone. Even app store purchases will be limited to what you allow them to purchase.
Here's how to set it up.
From the Start screen, swipe left then scroll down and tap "settings" then scroll down and tap "kid's corner".
On the next screen, swipe the slider to "on"
Choose from one of the options on this screen -- Games, Music, Videos or Apps -- and in the next screen, tap the check box for each item you want to give your kids access to.
Tap the "tick" charm when you are done.
Repeat for each area of the phone you want to give your kids access to.
When you are done, tap the "launch kid's corner". (If you haven't already, you will be prompted to setup a lockscreen pin. This will enable you then to lock your kids (and anyone else) from the rest of the phone, except for "kid's corner".
Swipe to the left from the "lock screen", then swipe up to access "kid's corner".
On the next screen will be all the items you gave your kid's access to.
Note the top left tile is for customising the name of the "kid's corner", the wallpaper, and the accent colour for this area.
Customise these settings to your own liking, then hit "back arrow" when you are done.
While you are in this area of the phone, in app web links will still work, but kids will not be able to access any other sites from the browser. In app purchases can still be made, but the parent's pin will first be required. None of the quick access Windows Phone buttons will work, such as the "search", "back arrow" or "start menu" buttons. Once launched, the only way of exiting "kid's corner", is to hit the "power" (lock screen) button on the side of your phone. This blacks out the screen as normal. Turning the screen back on with a quick press of the power button (or double tap) takes you to the lock screen, where you can either swipe left again to access "kid's corner", or swipe up, and enter your pin to access the rest of the phone as usual.
Once set up, this feature will enable parents to relax with peace of mind knowing that their kids can have a lot of great, safe family filtered fun with Windows Phone.
