1. Introduction
Apple has tools in its Screen Time feature that help parents control their child’s iPhone use. You can set time limits, block certain apps, prevent adult content, and keep track of what your child does online. These tools help keep your child safe while they use their device.
2. Understanding Apple’s Screen Time Feature
What is Screen Time?
Screen Time is a feature from Apple that shows how you and your family use your devices. It helps you manage your child’s use by setting limits, blocking content, and tracking their activities.
Key Features of Screen Time
– Activity Reports: Shows how much time is spent on apps and websites.
– Downtime: Lets you set times when the screen is off.
– App Limits: Allows you to set daily time limits for apps.
– Content & Privacy Restrictions: Blocks inappropriate content and limits what your child can use.
3. Setting Up Screen Time for Your Child
To stop your child from changing the settings, make a Screen Time passcode. This code will be needed to change any settings.
– Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone.
– Tap on Screen Time.
– Select Use Screen Time Passcode.
– Enter a code your child doesn’t know.
Setting Up Screen Time for the First Time
To set up Screen Time for the first time:
– Go to Settings > Screen Time.
– Tap Turn On Screen Time.
– Select This is My Child’s iPhone.
– Follow the steps on the screen to set limits, downtime, and content restrictions.
4. Managing Downtime on Your Child’s iPhone
What is Downtime?
Downtime lets you set times when only certain apps and phone calls can be used. This helps balance screen time with activities like homework or sleep.
How to Set Up Downtime
– Go to Settings > Screen Time.
– Tap Downtime.
– Turn Downtime on and set start and end times.
– Choose which apps can be used during Downtime by tapping Always Allowed.
5. Setting App Limits
Importance of App Limits
App limits help stop kids from using certain apps too much, like social media or games. Setting these limits keeps your child’s screen time healthy.
How to Set Up App Limits
– Open Settings > Screen Time.
– Tap App Limits.
– Tap Add Limit and choose the apps or categories to limit.
– Set how much time your child can use those apps each day.
– Tap Add to save the limit.
6. Content and Privacy Restrictions
Overview of Content & Privacy Settings
Content and privacy settings let you block inappropriate content, restrict communication, and stop your child from making purchases or changing settings.
Setting Up Content Restrictions
– Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
– Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
– Tap Content Restrictions and change settings for movies, apps, and websites.
– You can also block Siri web search results and change privacy settings.
7. Managing Purchases and Downloads
Restricting In-App Purchases
In-app purchases can be a big worry, especially for younger kids. You can stop these to avoid unexpected charges.
– Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
– Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
– Set In-App Purchases to Don’t Allow.
How to Approve or Deny App Downloads
To control what apps your child can download:
– Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
– Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
– Set Installing Apps to Don’t Allow to stop new downloads.
– You can also ask for a password for extra security.
8. Restricting Web Content
Safe Browsing with Safari
Safari lets you block adult websites or allow only websites you approve.
– Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
– Tap Content Restrictions > Web Content.
– Select Limit Adult Websites to block known adult sites.
– To allow only certain websites, select Allowed Websites Only and add the URLs.
Blocking Specific Websites
To block certain websites:
– Go to the Web Content settings as mentioned above.
– Under Never Allow, tap Add Website and enter the website URL.
9. Setting Up Communication Limits
Why Communication Limits Matter
Communication limits let you control who your child can talk to during Screen Time and Downtime. This helps make sure they only talk to trusted people.
Configuring Communication Limits
– Open Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits.
– Set limits for During Screen Time and During Downtime.
– Choose to allow communication only with contacts or specific groups.
10. Using Family Sharing
Setting Up Family Sharing
Family Sharing lets you share purchases and manage your child’s Screen Time from your own device.
– Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
– Tap Family Sharing and follow the steps to set it up.
– Add family members and set up parental controls for them.
