It’s commonly believed that the internet is a free space where you can find anything. You can both work online, hit jackpots at https://www.playamo.com, or connect to people around the world.
But sometimes, this “anything” can bring a child to tears, create insecurities, or even harm their mental health. That’s why we’ve created this brief guide to help parents protect their children after purchasing an iPhone.
Activate Screen Time
This is where the magic of parental control happens. To fully utilize Screen Time, first activate it. Go to Settings, then Screen Time, and tap Turn On. Follow the instructions and select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Control Purchases in App Store and iTunes
Kids are active and might download a ton of apps, movies, and music if given the chance. While these stores are moderated, they still contain content that could harm your child. To restrict purchases, go to Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and adjust the settings under iTunes & App Store Purchases.
Block Built-in Apps
The iPhone comes with many pre-installed apps like Safari, Apple Podcasts, TV, News, and Mail, which can expose children to unwanted or even traumatic content. To block access, go to Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps and select only the apps your child can use. The rest will be blocked.
Restrict Inappropriate Content
If you don’t want to completely block access to mature content in online stores, you can filter it. For example, you can block explicit songs in Apple Music or adult-themed podcasts in Apple Podcasts. To set this up, go to Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and adjust the settings under Content Restrictions.
You can also block access to 18+ websites or other harmful content. In Content & Privacy Restrictions, go to Web Content and choose the appropriate settings.
Even Siri’s search results can be filtered. To protect your child, select the content type in Content & Privacy Restrictions → Siri.
Control Game Center
Game Center is a universal communication tool for most smartphone games. While it might seem like a great way to socialize, the platform is often toxic and hostile, which can harm your child, make them cry, or even create insecurities.
Although some popular games have abandoned Game Center, many still support it. We recommend restricting access. Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions → Content Restrictions and adjust the settings under Game Center.
Limit Communication Time
It’s impossible to constantly monitor how much time your child spends talking to peers. Moreover, there are many malicious individuals who might extract confidential information from your child through calls.
The best solution is to set limits on the Phone and Message apps. In Screen Time, go to the communication settings and choose who your child can contact during Downtime.
Block Setting Changes
Many apps require access to location, camera, contacts, and other confidential information, which could end up in the wrong hands.
To protect your child, pre-configure access to sensitive information and restrict the ability to change these settings. This can be done in just a few clicks: in Content & Privacy Restrictions, disable the ability to change settings.
