How to Use Apple’s ScreenTime to Manage Your Child’s Device Usage
Apple’s Screen Time feature can help you monitor and limit your child’s device use, ensuring a healthy balance of online and offline time. These instructions were created using OS 18 and could appear in a different order if you are not updated to the latest iOS release.
You can find more information about Screen Time directly from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108806
Step 1: Find the Screen Time Setting
1. Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
Click to play
Step 2: Set Up Screen Time For Family Members
1. Screen Time will first show your options
2. Tap Use with Other Devices of Family to set up screen time for your child
Step 3: Enabling the Settings for Screen Time
1. Screen Time will walk you through the basics as well as creating a password to protect the rules you’ve put in place.
2. These settings can be modified any time. You will find more info below about these settings as well as what Dana Hall recommends.
Use the Screen Time Passcode
A passcode prevents your child from changing the Screen Time settings.
1. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and enter a 4-digit passcode.
2. Confirm the passcode to secure your settings.
*If you forget the password, use this resource for next steps
Set Downtime
Downtime limits when the device can be used. During these hours, only apps you choose will be available.
1. Tap Downtime
2. We recommend creating a customized schedule to fit your needs
3. Block at Downtime should be toggled on
Set App Limits
You can put a time limit on specific apps or a group of apps based on category. If your child needs more time, they can request it.
1. Tap App Limits and then Add Limit.
2. Select the app categories you want to limit, such as Social Networking or Games. You can also limit specific apps from the category.
3. Set the daily limit by adjusting the time slider.
Choose Apps that Are Always Allowed
Always Allowed lets you select specific apps, like Phone or Messages, that will be accessible anytime, even during Downtime or when app limits are met.
1. In the Screen Time menu, tap Always Allowed.
2. You’ll see a list of apps divided into Allowed Apps and Other Apps.
3. Tap the + or – buttons to add or remove apps from the Always Allowed list.
Dana Hall asks that you always allow our core apps to be used at anytime. Throughout the school year, we may ask you to add a few more.
Set Content and Privacy Restrictions
These settings help you control what your child can see and do on their device.
1. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and switch it on.
2. Customize restrictions, such as preventing explicit content, in-app purchases, or specific web content.
Dana Hall recommends the following settings:
Allow Install Apps & Delete Apps
Allow Account Changes
Monitor and Review Activity
You can view detailed reports to see which apps your child uses most. Access these reports directly from the Screen Time menu under See All App & Website Activity.
If you have additional questions about Apple’s Screen Time, please contact helpdesk@danahall.org