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.
Screen Time Passcode
Settings > Screen Time > Lock Screen Time Settings
This prevents your child from changing or disabling any Screen Time restrictions you have configured.
Content & Privacy Restrictions
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
Blocks access to adult content across Safari and apps, and can restrict explicit music, films, and TV shows by age rating.
App Installation Restrictions
Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases
Prevents children from downloading new apps without your permission, giving you control over which apps they use.
Communication Limits
Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits
Restricts who your child can call, message, and FaceTime with, preventing contact from unknown numbers.