NEW Parental Controls For iPads iPhones iPods iOS12

NEW Parental Controls For iPads iPhones iPods iOS12

The latest software update for Apple mobile devices like iPods, iPhones and iPads is iOS12. This new operating system has a new centralised moderation and parental control system called “Screen Time” this replaces the former parental control system known as “Restrictions”.

“Screen Time” settings include all the previous parental controls and filtering you have previously enabled, but now allows you to monitor your child’s use through weekly reports, you can also control settings and screen time remotely from your own device. Apples Family Sharing now allows you to monitor and control a child’s use from your own device through the “Screen Time” menu. The previous restrictions you enabled on your child’s device should still be active after you have updated the software, but it is best to check they are all still set up and look over any new settings you would like to enable.

If you haven’t set up your child’s device/account on Family Sharing, you will prompted to add or create a new child account, to include in your family sharing profile when you go to “Screen Time” More on setting up family sharing Here: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201060

Both parent and child need to have the latest iOS12 software update to be able to use Screen Time. iOS12 works on all mobile devices from the 5S series up to the latest XS iPhones. To download the latest update to your device go to “Settings” – “General Settings’ and “Software Update” You may also see a red dot on your “Settings” icon indicating that there is a software update waiting for you. Depending on your internet speed it may take some time to download and setup, so be sure you allow enough time.

To Enable Screen Time –
1. Go to  Settings on your, or your child’s device.
2. Scroll down to “Screen Time”
3. Follow the prompts to set up a new child account or set up Screen Time on an child’s account or device.
4. Set to share across multiple devices if your child has more than one device, iPhone, iPad

In Screen Time settings you can select the settings appropriate for your child

  1. Set a “Downtime” schedule to disable device, 8pm – 7am for e.g or set to restrict use to only essential apps.
  2. Set time limits on groups of apps, or individual apps through “App Limits”. Social media or games, one hour a day for e.g, then blocked.
  3. Set “Always Allowed” for apps e.g Books, Educational apps for use at all times including during “Downtime”.
  4. “Content and Privacy Restrictions”
  5. Set age restrictions or block specific apps
  6. Password block installing new apps
  7. Disable In-app Purchases via iTunes & App Store Purchases
  8. Block/ban Safari browser for younger children
  9. Filter explicit language from books, films, music
  10. Block location on apps, like social media or games
  11. Block porn via “Web Content” set “Limit Adult Websites”. Or block Safari if not needed.
  12. Block adding friends to block strangers
  13. Password block any settings changes

Important: Set a strong passcode to prevent your child changing the settings. You will need the passcode to allow access to blocked content or to change settings.

Don’t Set And Forget

As with all Parental Controls, you can not just “Set it and Forget it!”  You must still closely supervise younger children and spend time with your child on their device to help educate them on what they are experiencing and to allow you to stay up to date with what is available on their device. Setting fair restrictions that adjust with the age and maturity of your child is better than trying to block everything until they are 18! As time goes on children need to prove trustworthiness, and maturity with responsible use of devices, and this means trying to moderate use via usual offline solutions where you can. Don’t over use the “Downtime” or “Time Limits” try to use sparingly when other offline methods have been challenged. Encourage children to put down devices with positive reinforcement first, allowing for the child to finish what they are doing on the device with warnings. This means your child will have a longer term sense of respect for your limits, and will understand the benefits of balanced use, rather than feeling that they can never build trust or respect with their own moderation.

More information on “Screen Time” settings Here https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201304

Leave a reply