How to Set Up Parental Controls on iPhone -

Introduction

In today’s digital age, kids spend hours on smartphones, tablets, and social media apps. While the internet is full of opportunities to learn and play, it can also expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and screen-time addiction.

That’s where parental control tools come in. If you own an iPhone or iPad, Apple’s built-in Screen Time makes it easy to monitor your child’s online activity without extra software.

In this article, we’ll show you how to set up parental controls on iPhone, explain why they’re effective, and share bonus tips to keep your family safe online.

Why Parental Controls Matter

Protect your child from harmful or adult content
Limit screen time for healthier digital habits
Block or restrict specific apps like games or social media
Monitor online behavior and track device usage
Promote responsible internet use

Parental controls are not just about restrictions; they help families create a safe, balanced, and educational digital environment.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Parental Controls on iPhone

1. Turn On Screen Time

Open Settings > Screen Time
Tap Turn On Screen Time
Tap Continue

2. Set Up as Parent or Child

Choose This is My Child’s iPhone for your kid’s device
If you’re controlling your own phone, select This is My iPhone

3. Create a Passcode

Tap Use Screen Time Passcode
Create a 4-digit code to prevent kids from changing restrictions

4. Set Downtime

Go to Downtime
Pick the hours (like 9 PM to 7 AM) when apps are blocked, except for essentials like Phone or Messages

5. Limit Apps

Go to App Limits > Add Limit
Choose categories like Social Networking or select individual apps
Set daily time limits (e.g., 1 hour per day for TikTok)

6. Restrict Content & Privacy

Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Turn On
Block adult websites, explicit music, age-restricted apps, and in-app purchases

7. Enable Family Sharing (Optional)

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Screen Time
Manage your child’s Screen Time remotely from your own device

Bonus Safety Tips

Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS for better security
Combine Screen Time with a VPN that includes parental controls for advanced web filtering
Talk openly with your kids about online safety tech alone isn’t enough

How to Set Up Parental Controls on iPhone