Lock Down iPad & iPhone for Kids: Parental Controls Guide

Parental Controls on iPhones and iPads

Apple’s iPads and iPhones offer robust features allowing parents to manage and limit how children interact with their devices.

These controls range from temporarily locking a device into a single application to implementing comprehensive restrictions for ongoing use.

Utilizing Guided Access for Temporary Use

Guided Access is particularly useful when you need to briefly allow a child to use your device for a specific purpose.

This feature enables you to restrict the device to a single app, preventing access to other functionalities.

Implementing Restrictions for Consistent Control

For devices frequently used by children, Apple’s Restrictions feature provides a more permanent solution.

With Restrictions, you can lock down the entire device, controlling access to various apps, features, and content.

Two Key iOS Features

Effectively managing your children’s device usage relies primarily on two core iOS features: Guided Access and Restrictions.

Guided Access is best suited for short-term lending, while Restrictions are designed for devices used regularly by kids.

Utilize Guided Access to Confine Usage to One Application and Implement Time Restrictions

Further Reading: A Guide to Establishing Screen Time Boundaries on Your iPhone or iPad Utilizing Guided Access

The Guided Access feature provides the capability to restrict your device’s functionality to a single application. For instance, you might choose to limit device operation to a particular learning application or game, then entrust it to a child. Their interaction would be confined exclusively to that designated application. Upon completion, the device can be unlocked using a pre-defined PIN, restoring normal functionality.

To configure Guided Access, launch the Settings application and proceed to General > Accessibility > Guided Access. Within this menu, verify that Guided Access is activated, establish an alarm to signal the expiration of a time limit, and define a passcode. (Should a passcode not be initially set, you will be prompted to create one when initiating a Guided Access session.)

Initiating a Guided Access session requires opening the application to which you wish to limit device access—for example, the chosen educational application or game. A rapid triple-press of the Home button will then display the Guided Access interface.

From this point, further restrictions can be applied to the application. Options include complete disabling of touch input, selective disabling of touch within specific app areas, deactivation of hardware buttons, or the setting of a usage time limit.

However, configuring these additional settings is not mandatory. To commence a Guided Access session, simply select the "Start" option located in the top-right corner of the screen.

Attempting to exit the application via the Home button will trigger a "Guided Access is enabled" notification at the screen's top. A subsequent triple-press of the Home button will present a PIN entry prompt. Inputting the previously established PIN will terminate Guided Access mode.

In essence, whenever you intend to activate Guided Access, simply open the desired application and perform the “triple-click” action on the Home button. Additional information regarding Guided Access can be found here.

Restricting Applications and Implementing Other Limitations

Related: Guidance on Preventing Excessive Spending on In-App Purchases by Children

The "Restrictions" functionality within iOS enables the establishment of device-wide limitations that are consistently applied. For instance, specific applications can be permanently blocked from use by children. Installation of new applications can also be prevented, alongside disabling in-app purchases.

Furthermore, access to certain websites can be restricted, and other settings can be secured. The selections made within this area cannot be altered without the provision of the PIN initially created.

Setting Up Restrictions

To configure Restrictions, launch the Settings application and navigate to General > Restrictions. Activate Restrictions, and you will be prompted to generate a PIN. This PIN will be required whenever modifications are made to your Restrictions settings.

Following this, scroll through the list to personalize the types of applications, content, and settings accessible to your children.

Managing App Content

To enforce content ratings, navigate to the Allowed Content section and select Apps. Here, you can define the permissible app types for your children to install. For example, applications with a "17+" age rating could be blocked.

Website Access Control

Selecting the Websites option allows you to prevent the Safari browser from loading designated website categories. Access can be limited to adult content or restricted to a pre-approved list of specific websites. Precise control over allowed and disallowed websites is also available.

Complete web access can be disabled by deactivating Safari and preventing the installation of any alternative browsers.

Additional Security Measures

Further settings enable the locking of privacy and system configurations, preventing unauthorized alterations. For example, modifications to Mail and Calendar accounts can be restricted. Options for Game Center are also present, allowing control over multiplayer gaming and friend requests.

Under "Cellular Data Usage," cellular access for all functions can be disabled, while maintaining basic phone and text messaging capabilities. Selecting "Don't allow changes" prevents access to this menu.

These chosen settings remain in effect until the Restrictions screen is accessed, the Disable Restrictions option is selected, and the original PIN is entered.

Managing Data Consumption and Screen Time via Your Mobile Provider

For parents with limited data plans who still wish to allow their children mobile access, several carriers offer tools to facilitate this.

AT&T provides Smart Limits, a feature available for $5 monthly, enabling restrictions based on specific times of the day. Verizon’s FamilyBase service, also priced at $5 per month, sends notifications when a child reaches a predetermined data usage threshold. Both T-Mobile and Sprint offer complimentary data restriction options; T-Mobile through its Family Allowances page, and Sprint via its Limits and Permissions section.

These carrier-provided services offer a valuable layer of control over your child’s mobile data consumption.

While iOS currently lacks native multi-user account functionality, the aforementioned features significantly enhance parental control over iPad usage.

Whether the iPad is predominantly used by the parent or the child, these tools provide effective management capabilities.

Furthermore, Guided Access and Restrictions are also applicable to the iPod Touch.

If an iPod Touch has been purchased for a child, the same security measures can be implemented to ensure appropriate usage.

Image Source: Brad Flickinger on Flickr