Article

A Parent’s Guide to Apple Screen Time: Setting Healthy Digital Boundaries

Smartphones and tablets are part of everyday life for children today. They’re fantastic for learning, creativity, and keeping in touch — but without guidance, they can also lead to late nights, constant distractions, or exposure to things we’d rather our kids didn’t see.

That’s where Apple’s Screen Time comes in. Built into every iPhone and iPad, it gives parents practical tools to monitor, guide, and limit how children use their devices. Think of it as scaffolding: not a replacement for parenting, but a framework to help you set clear, healthy boundaries.

How to Get Started

  1. On your child’s iPhone or iPad, open Settings.

  2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.

  3. Choose Turn On Screen Time, then tap Continue.

  4. Select This is My Child’s iPhone/iPad (so Apple applies the restrictions to them, not you).

  5. Set a Screen Time passcode (a 4-digit code they can’t guess).

From here you’ll see the different options.

The Main Settings Explained

1. Downtime

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → Downtime.

  • What it does: Lets you schedule hours when the device is off-limits. Only apps you allow and phone calls will work.

  • Why it matters: Stops late-night scrolling or sneaky gaming after bedtime.

  • Example: Set Downtime from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am on school nights.

2. App Limits

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → App Limits → Add Limit.

  • What it does: Choose app categories (e.g. Games, Social Networking, Entertainment) or individual apps, and set daily usage limits.

  • Why it matters: Teaches children to budget their time online and encourages breaks.

  • Example: Limit TikTok and Instagram to 1 hour per day combined.

3. Always Allowed

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → Always Allowed.

  • What it does: Choose apps that work all the time, even during Downtime or when App Limits are reached.

  • Why it matters: Keeps essentials (like Phone, Messages, or Maps) usable in emergencies.

  • Tip: Keep this list short — if everything is always allowed, the limits lose impact.

4. Content & Privacy Restrictions

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.

  • What it does: This is a whole toolkit in itself. You can:

    • Block iTunes/App Store purchases or require your approval each time.

    • Restrict built-in apps (Safari, Camera, FaceTime) if you don’t want them available.

    • Filter content (music, TV, films, apps, websites) based on age ratings.

    • Control privacy permissions, such as whether apps can use location, microphone, or contacts.

  • Why it matters: Prevents surprise bills, reduces the risk of inappropriate content, and protects your child’s data.

  • Example: Block explicit music, restrict Safari to “Allowed Websites Only”, and require approval for all app installs.

5. Communication Limits

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → Communication Limits.

  • What it does: Controls who your child can talk to via Phone, Messages, FaceTime, and iCloud. You can set different rules for general use and for Downtime.

  • Why it matters: Lets you ensure your child can always reach family, but not friends or strangers late at night.

  • Example: Allow communication with “Contacts Only” during the day, and “Family Only” during Downtime.

6. Screen Time Passcode

  • Where to find it: When you set up Screen Time, you’ll be asked to create one. You can also change it at: Settings → Screen Time → Use Screen Time Passcode.

  • What it does: Protects your settings so kids can’t simply turn limits off.

  • Tip: Use a unique 4-digit code, not the device PIN.

7. Screen Time Reports

  • Where to find it: Settings → Screen Time → See All Activity.

  • What it does: Shows daily and weekly reports, breaking down time spent per app, category, and even number of pickups/unlocks.

  • Why it matters: Turns vague worries into facts you can discuss with your child.

  • Example: Spot a pattern of late-night YouTube binges and adjust Downtime accordingly.

8. Family Sharing Integration

  • Where to find it: Settings → Your Apple ID (top of Settings) → Family Sharing → Screen Time.

  • What it does: Lets you set up and manage your children’s Screen Time remotely from your own iPhone.

  • Why it matters: No need to wrestle their phone from them to make changes.

  • Tip: Family Sharing also enables features like shared purchases and subscriptions.

9. Ask to Buy (via Family Sharing)

  • Where to find it: Settings → Your Apple ID → Family Sharing → Ask to Buy.

  • What it does: Kids can request new apps, and you get a notification to approve or decline.

  • Why it matters: Keeps you in control of new downloads, prevents surprises, and opens up healthy discussions about what’s appropriate.

Tips for Parents

  • Involve your child: Frame Screen Time as a way of helping, not punishing.

  • Start small: Set one or two key limits first, then add more later.

  • Adapt over time: Relax limits as children show responsibility.

  • Model behaviour: Set your own limits too — kids notice if you’re scrolling endlessly while asking them to stop.

The Bigger Picture

The real power of Screen Time isn’t just in the toggles and timers. It’s in the conversations those settings make possible. With a shared understanding of limits, you’re not just blocking screen use — you’re teaching your child how to manage technology responsibly.

👉 Takeaway: Don’t wait until screen use becomes a problem. Set up Screen Time today, start with a few gentle rules, and build from there. It’s one of the simplest steps you can take to help your child grow into a healthy digital citizen.