Apple puts parents back in control of kids’ iPhone use

At its recent Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled a suite of innovative features aimed at enhancing parental control over children's iPhone usage. These tools allow parents to dictate whom their children can communicate with, the applications they can access, and the websites they can visit. Additionally, these features include options to block inappropriate messages, regulate screen time, and provide age-appropriate app recommendations. The revamped Screen Time controls build upon Apple's existing technology, offering parents more detailed management options. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of technology on children's mental health, as well as new regulations aimed at limiting youth access to devices and social media platforms. When parents set up a child's account on a new device, Apple's safeguards will be customized based on the child's age. This means automatic restrictions on adult content, access to age-appropriate media, and limitations on the App Store. Parents have the flexibility to modify these settings, allowing them to gradually introduce additional content as they see fit. To simplify the process, Apple will suggest suitable apps during setup, enabling parents to choose whether to grant children access to essential applications or to selectively permit other apps. This feature is particularly beneficial for younger users, such as tweens, who may not be ready for the full array of social interactions available on an iPhone. Moreover, parents will gain control over the websites their children can access, addressing a common issue where kids have circumvented parental restrictions. The new “Ask to Browse” feature will function across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices using Safari, while “Ask to Buy” will be automatically enabled for children under 13. In addition to managing contacts, parents will have the ability to block potentially harmful media in text messages, which may include violent or inappropriate content. Existing features allow for the restriction of social media during school hours, and Apple is now collaborating with experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide initial screen time recommendations based on children's ages and app types. The enhanced Screen Time interface will also enable parents to visualize their children's device usage more effectively, making it easier to adjust access with minimal effort. App developers are being provided with a comprehensive set of APIs to help them filter out inappropriate content and ensure that parental approval is required for new contacts. These new parental controls are set to be released alongside iOS 27 this fall.