From a certain age, many children can no longer do without a smartphone. Apple’s Screen Time feature puts tools in the hands of parents. This is how you prevent continuous gaming or unsuitable apps.
Children and smartphones – that is both a curse and a blessing. On the one hand, the children should learn how to use digital media. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be too much either – and not all apps are suitable either.
The Family Sharing control function (found in the settings for your own Apple ID) helps.
Here parents can set up and manage a family group with accounts for the children – if everyone has an iOS device.
If only the child has an iOS device, set up the protections in the settings under “Screen Time” and protect them with a security code. The three most practical functions at a glance:
►Time Limits: Limits can be set here for each app category. Less time for social media, chats and games, but more time for education. After the time allotted is up, the apps will be locked for the rest of the day. With the “Time out” function Complete periods of time can be set up in which only approved apps and calls are available – for example during bedtime.
►Content and age limits: install apps? Watch movies? A blanket yes or no is difficult here. the “Restrictions” allow fine tuning. Here, under “Content restrictions”, you can set which age ratings are okay for films, which TV shows children are allowed to watch, or which age groups are okay for apps. Adult web content and the game center’s networking functions can also be blocked here.
► Questions before buying: The child wants an app? If you die Request to Buy feature activated, it must ask. As a family organizer, you will then receive a request – and you can allow or deny it. However, this obligation to inquire does not apply to redeemed codes, the download of apps that have already been purchased or updates.
►Further protection against unwanted expenses via the App Store and Co.: Block in-app purchases in the “Restrictions”. The latter is particularly important if you do not use family sharing, but rather regulate the protective functions on the device itself.
also read
► Why apps for toddlers need to go through parental controls
► No more unwanted in-app purchases
The expert advice: In principle, technical locks are only one possible means that should help younger children in particular. The “Look!” initiative also recommends making binding agreements in order to develop a conscious approach to media as you get older.
The recommendation for screen time is: a maximum of half an hour a day for children up to five years of age and one hour for six to nine year olds.
Older children from the age of ten prefer to receive a weekly allotment of time. In this way, they can also learn to work with their resources.
A rough recommendation: Ten minutes per year of life per day or one hour per year of life per week. Media use for school and education should not be counted.