The Screen Time setting in the new iOS 12 update for iPads/iPhones makes the parental controls (formerly restrictions) much easier to use while also giving more options for the control of screen time. It will also keep you updated on how you are using your device and how much time you are spending on the device.
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Screen Time is not an app. It is a setting within the Settings app. If you want to use Screen Time for your children to keep track of your own usage, here are a few steps to follow.
- Open the Settings App.
- Scroll down to Screen Time. It is grouped together with Notifications, Sounds and Do Not Disturb.
- Tap Screen Time and turn it on. If it is being set up for a child, it will ask you to create a Screen Time passcode. If it is for you, it will not ask for a passcode. Once it is turned on, it will keep track of screen time across all devices that are logged into your Apple ID. The data can also be broken up by the device.
Other Features of Screen Time:
- Downtime – Downtime allows you to set time periods where certain app usage is restricted. This works great for restricting the iPad during times like nighttime for children.
- App Limits – You can add time limits for all apps or just certain apps.
- Always Allowed – Choose apps that you want to allow even during downtime and when app limits have been reached.
- Content and Privacy Restrictions – Allows you to block inappropriate content as well as make changes to location and privacy settings.
This new feature will allow parents a little more control over how their children use iPads/iPhones and should make them a little safer. It can also give you a better idea of your own screen time usage.
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Need help keeping your kids safer while online using their devices? Here are some great options:
- Use Circle Home Plus to filter all your kids’ devices including phones, tablets, game consoles and more.
- Use Bark Monitoring software to monitor texts, emails, social media and more.
- Use the Bark-O Matic Personalized Resource for Parental Controls to get a step by step list to set up device specific parental controls.
- If your kids have Chromebooks, check out this post to set up the Chromebooks to keep your kids safer while using the Chromebook.
- Use ScreenTime Parental Controls if your kids have iPads.
