As a parent, you want to protect your child from inappropriate content and excessive screen use. With Screen Time, Apple offers a powerful tool to monitor and limit your children's iPhone use. In this article, we explain step by step how to set up parental controls on the iPhone.

What is Screen Time on the iPhone?

Screen Time is a built-in iOS feature that gives you insight into screen use and lets you set boundaries. You can see which apps are used, how much time is spent on them, and you can set limits. For parents, it's an essential tool for encouraging healthy digital habits in children.

Why use Screen Time?

There are several reasons why Screen Time is essential for parents:

  • You get detailed reports on app usage
  • You can set daily time limits per app or category
  • Certain apps or features can be blocked completely
  • You can set content and privacy restrictions
  • Downtime makes sure only certain apps are available at set times

Setting up Screen Time for your child

Setting up Screen Time for children works best through Family Sharing. It lets you manage the controls remotely from your own iPhone.

Step 1: Turn on Family Sharing

Before you can manage Screen Time for your child, you need to turn on Family Sharing. Go to Settings on your iPhone, tap your name at the top and select 'Family Sharing'. Follow the steps to add your child to your family group. If your child is under 13, you can create an Apple ID for children.

Step 2: Turn on Screen Time for your child

Once your child has been added to the family group, you can configure Screen Time. Go to Settings, tap 'Screen Time' and select your child's name under 'Family'. Tap 'Turn On Screen Time' and follow the instructions. You'll be asked to set a passcode that only you know.

Step 3: Configure Downtime

Downtime is a period during which only the apps you allow and phone calls are available. It's ideal for bedtime or homework hours. Go to Screen Time, select your child, tap 'Downtime' and set the times you want. You can create different schedules for weekdays and weekends.

Setting App Limits

With App Limits, you can set daily time limits for specific apps or entire categories such as games or social media.

How do you set App Limits?

Go to Screen Time, select your child and tap 'App Limits'. Tap 'Add Limit' and select a category or specific apps. Set the time limit, for example 1 hour per day for games. You can choose to apply the limit to every day or customize it per day.

Always Allowed apps

Some apps you'll want to keep available at all times, even during Downtime. Think of the Phone app for emergencies or educational apps. Go to 'Always Allowed' under Screen Time and select which apps should always be available.

Content and privacy restrictions

One of the most important features for parents is restricting content and privacy settings. This prevents your child from accessing inappropriate content or making unwanted purchases.

Restricting iTunes and App Store purchases

Go to Screen Time, select your child, tap 'Content & Privacy Restrictions' and turn them on. Under 'iTunes & App Store Purchases', you can set whether your child is allowed to install apps, delete apps or make in-app purchases. It's a good idea to turn on 'Ask to Buy' in Family Sharing, so you have to approve every purchase.

Setting content restrictions

Under 'Content Restrictions', you can specify in detail which types of content are allowed. You can set age ratings for movies, TV shows, apps and books. You can also block explicit music and podcasts and turn on web content filters.

Filtering web content

For filtering websites you have three options: unrestricted access, limit adult websites, or allowed websites only. For young children, the 'Allowed Websites Only' option is the safest. You can then manually add websites your child is allowed to visit.

Location sharing and Communication Limits

Screen Time also offers options to control who your child can communicate with.

Setting Communication Limits

Go to 'Communication Limits' to control who your child can call, message or FaceTime. You can set it so only contacts can be reached, or even exclude specific contacts. This is especially useful during Downtime.

Viewing location with Find My

With the 'Find My' app, you can follow your child's location, provided this has been set up. It's a separate feature but works well together with the parental controls. You can set up notifications for when your child leaves or arrives at certain locations.

Tips for using Screen Time effectively

Screen Time is most effective when you combine it with open communication with your child about digital behavior.

Discuss the rules

Explain to your child why you set certain limits. Children accept rules better when they understand the reason. Make it clear that it's about their well-being and safety, not about punishment or distrust.

Review the reports together

Screen Time provides weekly reports on screen use. Review them regularly together with your child. This opens up conversations about which apps take up a lot of time and whether that time is well spent.

Adjust limits to age

As your child gets older, you can gradually relax the restrictions. A teenager needs more freedom than a grade-school child. Keep talking and adjust the settings when your child can handle more responsibility.

Troubleshooting common problems

Sometimes you run into problems when using Screen Time. Here are some solutions for common situations.

Your child gets around the restrictions

If you notice your child finding ways to get around the restrictions, check that your passcode hasn't become known. Change it regularly and don't choose obvious codes. Also make sure your child doesn't have access to another Apple ID that could be used to bypass the restrictions.

Apps aren't counted correctly

Some apps fall under multiple categories or are not categorized correctly. In that case, you can add specific apps to App Limits instead of restricting entire categories.

With Screen Time, you as a parent have a powerful tool to help your child use the iPhone safely and responsibly. By choosing the right settings and keeping the conversation going with your child, you create a healthy digital environment.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child change the Screen Time settings themselves?

No, if you have set a Screen Time passcode, your child can't change the settings without that code. Keep the code safe and don't share it with your child. You can change the passcode at any time from your own iPhone.

From what age can I create an Apple ID for my child?

You can create an Apple ID for children from age 0 through Family Sharing. For children under 13, this is the only way to get an Apple ID. The child is automatically added to your family group and you have full control over the settings.

What happens when the app limit is reached?

When the set time limit is reached, the app is grayed out with an hourglass icon. Your child can no longer open the app unless you grant extra time with your passcode. You can choose 15 more minutes, an extra hour, or turning off the limit for today.

Does Screen Time work without an internet connection?

Yes, Screen Time also works offline. The limits and restrictions stay active on your child's device. Screen use is tracked locally and synced as soon as there is a connection again. This way your child can't get around the rules by turning off Wi-Fi.

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