iPhone Parental Controls & Safety Guide
Complete guide to setting up parental controls on iPhone for children, including Screen Time, content restrictions, and privacy settings.
The iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones among young people in the UK. Apple's built-in Screen Time feature provides robust parental controls that allow you to manage app usage, content access, and communication limits. With proper setup, an iPhone can be a reasonably safe first smartphone for older children.
Main risks
- • Unrestricted access to the internet and social media apps
- • In-app purchases and subscription sign-ups without parental approval
- • Location sharing with strangers through apps and services
- • Exposure to inappropriate content via Safari or third-party browsers
Initial setup steps
Create a child Apple ID through Family Sharing
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Add Member > Create Child Account. Follow the prompts to set up an Apple ID for your child. This automatically enables Ask to Buy for app purchases.
Enable Screen Time and set a passcode
On your child's iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time. Choose 'This is My Child's iPhone'. Set a Screen Time passcode that your child does not know.
Configure content and privacy restrictions
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and toggle it on. Set age-appropriate ratings for films, apps, and music. Under Web Content, select 'Limit Adult Websites' at minimum.
Set Downtime and App Limits
Under Screen Time, configure Downtime to block most apps during bedtime hours. Use App Limits to set daily time allowances for categories like Social Media and Games.
Parental control settings
Screen Time Passcode
Location: Settings > Screen Time > Lock Screen Time Settings
Recommended: Enabled with a passcode your child does not know
This prevents your child from changing or disabling any Screen Time restrictions you have configured.
Content & Privacy Restrictions
Location: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
Recommended: Enabled — restrict web content to 'Limit Adult Websites' or 'Allowed Websites Only'
Blocks access to adult content across Safari and apps, and can restrict explicit music, films, and TV shows by age rating.
App Installation Restrictions
Location: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases
Recommended: Set 'Installing Apps' to 'Don't Allow' for younger children
Prevents children from downloading new apps without your permission, giving you control over which apps they use.
Communication Limits
Location: Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits
Recommended: Allow communication only with contacts during allowed and downtime periods
Restricts who your child can call, message, and FaceTime with, preventing contact from unknown numbers.
Age recommendations
Generally not recommended. If necessary, use 'Allowed Websites Only' mode, disable Safari, and restrict app installation entirely. Consider a simpler device instead.
Suitable with strict parental controls enabled. Use 'Limit Adult Websites', set communication limits to contacts only, and enable Ask to Buy for all purchases.
Appropriate with moderate controls. Gradually relax restrictions as your teenager demonstrates responsible use. Maintain Downtime during school and sleep hours.