Are you constantly worried about your child's screen time and looking for ways to manage it better? Well, you're in luck because with iOS 12, Apple has introduced a fantastic feature called Screen Time that allows parents to set up restrictions and monitor their children's device usage. Let's walk through how you can set up Screen Time as a parent on your child's device.
First things first, ensure that both your device (the parent's) and your child's device are running on iOS 12 or later. Screen Time is available on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices.
To set up Screen Time on your child's device, you will need to access the device and head to the Settings app. Once you're in Settings, look for the "Screen Time" option. Tap on it, and if prompted, tap on "Turn on Screen Time."
Next, select the "This is My Child's iPhone" option and proceed to create a Screen Time passcode. This passcode will be required to make changes to the Screen Time settings in the future, so make sure it's something you can remember, but not too easy that your child can guess it.
After creating the passcode, you can set up Downtime, App Limits, and Content & Privacy Restrictions. Downtime allows you to schedule specific times when your child's device can only be used for essential apps, like making calls. App Limits allow you to set daily time limits for app categories such as social media or games. Content & Privacy Restrictions let you restrict certain websites, explicit content, and other features.
If you want to manage Screen Time and set restrictions remotely from your own device, make sure that both devices are a part of the same Family Sharing group. This way, you can monitor and adjust your child's screen time settings from your own iPhone or iPad without needing physical access to their device.
Remember that Screen Time is a valuable tool to help you understand and manage your child's device usage. It provides insights into how much time your child spends on their device, what apps they use the most, and even blocks inappropriate content. However, it's essential to have open and honest conversations with your child about why screen time limits are important and how these restrictions are meant to help them develop healthy tech habits.
So, if you've been struggling to find the right balance when it comes to your child's screen time, iOS 12's Screen Time feature is here to make your life a little easier. Give it a try, set up those necessary limits, and enjoy a more balanced approach to technology in your family!