As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the need for parental controls on electronic devices has never been greater. iPhones, with their expansive capabilities, can be a double-edged sword in the hands of a child.
Thankfully, Apple’s iOS offers robust parental controls to ensure a safe and age-appropriate user experience. This article will guide you through the process of setting up these controls on an iPhone.
Expect to learn:
- A step-by-step guide to setting up iOS Parental Control
- How to set up ScreenTime for iPhone
- Answers to frequently asked questions about iOS Parental Control
Did you know? Canopy’s Parental Control App works across all devices and even block things like nudity from lingerie sites. Grab our free trial here to test it out.
How to Setup iOS Parental Control (Step-by-Step)
- Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Privacy & Restrictions: Navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Activate Restrictions: If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode. Then, toggle on the Content & Privacy Restrictions switch.
- Customize Controls: Within this section, you have the option to:
- iTunes & App Store Purchases: Control which apps can be installed or deleted, and manage in-app purchases.
- Allowed Apps: Choose the apps that can be used. This is especially useful for restricting apps like Safari, Camera, or FaceTime.
- Content Restrictions: Set age-appropriate content limits for music,
- news, movies, TV shows, and books. Additionally, you can decide the web content that should be accessible through Safari.
- Game Center Restrictions: If your child enjoys gaming, this section allows you to manage multiplayer games, add friends, and even screen recording during gameplay.
- Location Services: Under Privacy Settings, you can control which apps have access to the device’s location. It’s recommended to restrict this for child accounts to maintain their privacy and safety.
- Account Changes & Cellular Data Use: Prevent your child from making account changes, removing apps, or making modifications to cellular data settings.
- Time Limits: While not directly a content restriction, using Downtime and App Limits helps manage the amount of time your child spends on the device.
You can tak Apple’s parental controls one step further with our guide to blocking adult content across all devices.
How to Setup ScreenTime on iPhone
ScreenTime isn’t just about setting restrictions; it’s also about monitoring and understanding iPhone usage. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open ScreenTime: In Settings, scroll down and tap Screen Time.
- Activate ScreenTime: Tap Turn On Screen Time, then tap Continue.
- Select Device Role: Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone”. This will enable you to set Downtime, App Limits, and more.
- Downtime: Set a schedule for time away from the screen, like bedtime. During Downtime, only apps you choose to allow and phone calls will be available.
- App Limits: Add limits for specific apps or categories. This is useful if you want to limit social networking or games.
- Always Allowed: Select apps that will always be available, even during Downtime. For example, you might want to always allow “Messages” or “Phone”.
- Content & Privacy: Redirects you to the parental control restrictions we discussed earlier.
- Use Screen Time Passcode: Set a dedicated passcode to secure your Screen Time settings.
Related Read: Check out the Best Porn Blockers on the market.
iOS Parental Control – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manage Screen Time settings from my device?
Yes, using “Family Sharing”, you can monitor and adjust Screen Time settings for any family member’s device, from your own device.
What if my child forgets the Screen Time passcode?
Only parents (or the main device administrator) will know the Screen Time passcode. If forgotten, you’ll need to go through Apple’s account recovery process.
Can my child disable Screen Time?
No. Once Screen Time is set up, only someone with the passcode can adjust or disable it.
How can I prevent my child from downloading inappropriate apps?
Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can prevent app installations or only allow apps that are age-appropriate.
By understanding and effectively utilizing iOS Parental Controls and Screen Time, parents can create a safer and more structured digital environment for their children. Remember, the key is not just to restrict but also to educate and foster responsible digital habits.
Can I monitor my child’s iPhone from my iPhone?
Yes, you can monitor your child’s iPhone from your own device. Apple’s “Family Sharing” feature allows you to view and adjust Screen Time settings for any family member’s device from your own iPhone. Additionally, third-party solutions offer more comprehensive monitoring features. One such solution is Canopy’s parental control app.
With Canopy, not only can you monitor your child’s activities, but also receive detailed reports and real-time alerts about potential risks. This combination of Apple’s built-in features and specialized third-party apps ensures that parents have the tools they need to keep their children safe in the digital realm.
What happens to Apple parental controls when a child turns 13?
When a child reaches the age of 13, Apple views them as old enough to have their own Apple ID. As a result, they gain more autonomy over their device, and some parental control settings might loosen. However, the primary Apple ID holder or the “family organizer” in a Family Sharing group can still impose certain restrictions and monitor the child’s device.
It’s worth noting that the specific age might vary based on regional laws and Apple’s policies for different countries. Even as some controls become relaxed, it’s essential for parents to continue open dialogues with their teens about responsible device usage, online safety, and digital etiquette.
Additional Tips for Parental Control
While the iOS parental control settings offer a comprehensive suite of parental control tools, it’s essential to approach the matter holistically. Here are some additional recommendations:
- Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your child about the importance of these controls. It’s not about limiting fun but ensuring safety and fostering healthy habits.
- Regularly Review Restrictions: As your child grows and becomes more responsible, you may want to reassess and adjust the restrictions you’ve set. Periodic check-ins ensure the controls remain relevant to your child’s age and maturity level.
- Explore Third-party Apps: There are numerous third-party apps available in the App Store that offer extended parental control features. Do some research to see if any meet your specific needs.
- Educate on Digital Etiquette: It’s not enough to merely restrict access. Teach your child about the importance of digital etiquette, cyberbullying awareness, and online safety precautions.
- Stay Updated: Technology and its features evolve rapidly. Stay updated with the latest iOS releases and any new parental control features they may introduce.
Setting up parental controls on iOS is a proactive approach to ensure your child’s safety in the digital realm.
If you’re serious about online safety for your family, consider trying out Canopy’s Parental Control App. You can read and watch a thorough review here.
More parental control resources
- How Parental Controls Can Help Protect Those You Love Most
- 5 Tips for Talking with Your Kids About Parental Control Apps
- How to Set Up Android Parental Control
- How to Set Up Netflix Parental Control
- Is Discord Parental Control Possible?
- Is Snapchat Parental Control Possible?
- How to Set Up Hulu Parental Control
- What About TikTok Parental Control?
- How to Set Up Apple TV Parental Controls
- Are There Instagram Parental Controls?
- How to Set Up HBO Max Parental Control
- How to Set Up Peacock Parental Controls
- How to Set Up Amazon Prime Video Parental Control
- How to Set Up Disney Plus Parental Control
- How to Set Up CBS All Access Parental Controls
- How to Set Up Windows 10 Parental Control
- Parental Monitoring Apps: How Filtering Can Work for Your Family
- Learn to block adult websites on iPhone
