Use Apple’s Screen Time to Generate Reports, Set Restrictions on Your Child’s Device
I am extremely mindful about how much screen time my 4-year-old daughter gets with her tablet. With today’s technology, we have a wealth of information and entertainment at our fingertips anywhere we go. Some restaurants even have tablets on their tables (looking at you, Chili’s). Not only is limiting her time on the tablet important, but as she gets older, I like to know what apps and pages she may be visiting.
With Apple’s Screen Time (available as a new feature of IOS 12), parents can access real-time reports regarding how much time they and their kids spend on apps and websites across all Apple devices. This includes iPhones, iPad, and iPod touch. Not only can parents view reports, they can also manage device settings. This includes Downtime, App Limits, Always Allowed, and Content & Privacy Restrictions. Parents can also set up Screen Time and create settings right on their child’s device. Additionally, they can use Family Sharing to configure their child’s device from their own device. Once the setup is complete, parents can use Family Sharing to view reports and adjust settings any time, right from their mobile phone or tablet.
To turn on Screen Time:
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to “Settings” > “Screen Time.”
- Tap “Turn On Screen Time.”
- Tap “Continue.”
- Select “This is My [device]” or “This is My Child's [device].”
Screen Time for IOS 12 puts my mind at ease. I have configured the settings to know that my daughter is only allowed on her tablet at specific times and is only permitted to use Apps I allow. Consider this tip the next time you let your young ones use their mobile device.
Anthony has been in the MSP business since before the acronym existed. Managed IT once started as break-fix solutions and some light phone support.
Since then, he has seen the industry flourish into a landscape of platforms, cloud servers, software tools and AI . Tailoring network configurations and software stacks to the specific needs of each business.
In his current role, he focuses on proactive planning, ensuring clients can avoid potential issues altogether. This involves meticulous planning for enhanced business continuity, allowing swift resolution of any unforeseen challenges. What initially began as addressing "fires" through break-fix solutions has evolved into a proactive approach, ensuring that such issues are prevented from arising in the first place.
