Apple’s newest iOS 12 update is changing the way we use screen time in a positive way. These new features will provide you and your child with vital feedback about how much screen time you're actually using and makes it easy to set limits and privacy setting. Some of these features will be similar to family sharing (if you’ve set one up) but there are added features in this newest update that combine everything into one place under settings. Setting limits and content & privacy restrictions can be done in 2 different ways: set up family sharing and control the device remotely, or you can set limits directly on the kids device with a password- protected code in settings.
How do you utilize the parental controls in Apple’s new iOS 12 update?
Step 1: Head to settings and scroll down to ScreenTime.
Step 2: Set your Usage: This will show how much time was spent on the device and where and when (time of day) the device was being used. Most interestingly it shows information regarding your usage based on the categories (social networking, entertainment, etc.) and the specific app itself (Instagram, Fortnite, etc.). You can also see how many notifications the device received and where from.
Step 3: App Limits: App limits can be set for specific apps or for an entire category of app (such as Entertainment or social networking). Limits can also be set for “All Apps & Categories” as well. Once a limit has been set the user will receive a notification 5 minutes before the limit expires. Once they hit the time restriction, they can request more time from you. If you set a time limit for yourself you can choose to ignore the limit for that day or set 15 more minutes.
TIP: Limits can be set for an entire category such as social networking or can be set directly onto the specific app itself (such as for Instagram).
TIP: For older kids the goal should be for them to set their own limits. These new features allow you to start the conversation about how much time is being spent on their device and how that might be affecting the online/offline balance on their lives (i.e. the struggle to get their homework done). The Family Media Plan should also be looked at and revised if necessary with kids goals. If you allow kids to set their own goals they will have more ownership of them and less arguments about screen-limits.
Step 4: Schedule Downtime: This feature allows you to set time away. You can specify which apps are allowed during this time (phone calls will still be available). This feature is ideal for helping to set a healthy bedtime routine. If your kid uses a sound machine app to help them fall asleep you can allow just that app to be accessed during downtime.
TIP: Most likely if your kids are older and have their own phones you will need to have a discussion with them about why you need to set downtime and include that research suggests turning off devices one hour before bedtime to help the mind wind down. This opens up time before bed for reading. Downtime can also be scheduled at meal times or other times during the day you don't want the device being used.
Step 5: Content & Privacy Restrictions: This is similar to the previous restrictions settings. Here you can control and block inappropriate content, iTunes and App purchases can be limited. You can also set content restrictions or explicit music, podcasts & news, movies/TV Shows/ Books based on age (example you can set movies to G rated only). Websites can be limited to specific websites you set (for younger kids) or limit adult websites (for older children). Siri can have limits set for explicit language. And finally game center can have limits for adding friends, not allowing screen recordings and not allowing multiplayer games. Under privacy settings location services can be turned on as well for your child’s safety so you can see where they are.
TIP: Younger users would benefit from limits that aren’t appropriate and they could stumble upon. With older kids the best method for dealing with privacy settings will be a continued conversation about why a limit needs to be set or a setting turned on like location services. Making in-app purchases and gaming with friends is something that older children can earn through responsible technology use. As long as the conversation regarding media use remains open and ongoing, limits can be adjusted to fit the needs of the family and of the child. There will be natural periods of heavier and lighter media use and as long as a balance is reached then it shouldn’t be a problem.
NOTE: I’d like to leave a quick note that although these parental features are helpful and will hopefully create less tantrums when device time is over, it is still important to mentor and provide guidance to our kids. As long as your kids use devices, ongoing conversations between you and your child will be necessary so that they can become competent digital users. As parents and educations we want our children to have the tools to navigate technology and become technological literate and good digital citizens.
