Apple Screen Time

Apple products have done a great job of creating parental controls for users who want to allow their children to use devices but also be safe online. They allow parents to limit screen time (total amount of time a screen is on), individual game or app limits, even how close the device is to the user.

Continue reading to look at the easy step-by-step on how to set up screen time. And if you'd like more information, check out the link below!

Why Use Apple Screen Time?

Manage Device Usage: Keep track of how much time your child spends on their device and which apps they use the most.
Set Healthy Limits: Encourage a balanced lifestyle by setting daily limits on app usage, particularly for social media, games, and entertainment.
Ensure Online Safety: Restrict access to adult content and limit communication with strangers.
Encourage Breaks: Schedule downtime to ensure your child isn’t glued to their screen all day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Apple Screen Time

Accessing Screen Time

Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone or iPad.
Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
If it’s your first time, tap on Turn On Screen Time.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll have the option to set it up for yourself or for a child if you’re using Family Sharing.

Setting Up Downtime

Downtime is a period during which only apps you choose to allow are accessible.
In the Screen Time menu, tap on Downtime.
Toggle Scheduled to ON, and then select the start and end times for downtime (e.g., 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM).

Setting App Limits

Tap on App Limits in the Screen Time menu.
Select Add Limit.
Choose categories like Social Networking, Games, or Entertainment, or select specific apps.
Set a daily time limit for these apps. Once the limit is reached, the apps will be inaccessible until the next day.

Content & Privacy Restrictions

Navigate back to the Screen Time menu and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Toggle the feature ON.
Here, you can restrict:
- - iTunes and Apple Purchases: Prevent unauthorized purchases or downloads.
  - Allowed Apps: Block certain apps entirely (e.g., Safari, Camera, or AirDrop).
  - Content Restrictions: Filter web content, restrict explicit music, movies, TV shows, and books.

Setting a Screen Time Passcode

To prevent your child from changing these settings, set a Screen Time passcode.
In the Screen Time menu, scroll down and tap on Use Screen Time Passcode.
Enter a four-digit passcode that only you know.

Monitoring Usage

Once everything is set up, you can monitor your child’s screen time usage.
In the Screen Time menu, you’ll see a summary of device usage, including the most used apps and the number of pickups (how many times the device was activated).

Once you've set up screen time on your child's device, you can monitor their behaviors and have open and honest discussions with them about their usage. Remember, this is a partnership in keeping your child and your family safe online. You are teaching your child how to navigate this huge network of unknown people that are all out to connect with your child. You can't expect them to handle it alone! You are a team. Use this knowledge to raise empowered kids!