Protecting Kids on iPhone: Screen Time Tips Parents Need to Know

As parents, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact of screen time on our children’s development. For example, a recent study from 2018 found that elementary school students who spent more time on screens experienced behavioral problems, such as restlessness, reduced attention span, and hyperactivity.

While it’s true that technology can offer many benefits for young children, it’s crucial to monitor and manage their screen time to avoid jeopardizing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Luckily, iPhone offers a range of effective parental control tools that you can use to help regulate your child’s activity on their device.

By taking advantage of these tools, you can help ensure that your child’s use of technology is both safe and appropriate for their age and developmental stage.

Content & Privacy Restrictions o iPhone

Go to your device’s Settings and tap on Screen Time.

• If you haven’t already, tap Turn on Screen Time and choose whether it’s your device or your child’s.
• To prevent unauthorized access to your settings, set up a Screen Time Passcode by tapping on Use Screen Time Passcode. Enter a passcode and re-enter to confirm. You will also need to enter your Apple ID and password, which can be used to reset your passcode if you forget it.
• If you’re setting up Screen Time for your child’s device, follow the prompts until you get to the Screen Time Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. You’ll also need to enter your Apple ID and password, which can be used to reset the passcode if forgotten.
• Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions. If prompted, enter your passcode, then turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

You can find age-appropriate technology ideas for preschoolers here.

Prevent iTunes & App Store purchases

Another way to safeguard your child’s iPhone usage is by preventing them from installing or deleting apps and making in-app purchases. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open Settings and tap on Screen Time.
• Select Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your passcode if prompted.
• Tap on iTunes & App Store Purchases.
• Choose the desired setting and set it to «Don’t Allow.»

By doing this, you can be confident that your child won’t accidentally or intentionally make purchases or download apps without your permission.

Prevent explicit content and content ratings

Protect your child from explicit content and content ratings by following these steps:

• Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
• Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap Content Restrictions.
• Choose the settings that you want for each feature or the setting under Allowed Store Content.

As parents, you want to make sure your child only accesses appropriate content on their iPhone. With the help of Content & Privacy Restrictions, you can restrict various types of content including explicit music, videos, podcasts, specific movies and TV shows, and even certain apps. You can also prevent your child from sharing their listening activity with friends.

By using these tools and staying informed about the latest developments in technology and child development, you can help ensure your children have a safe and healthy relationship with technology.