iPhone

What is iPhone?

This guide is not about a single app — it is about the device itself. An iPhone is the gateway to all other apps, games, the web, and communication. Here we focus on iOS parental controls, primarily Screen Time and Family Sharing, which are the main tools for managing what a child can access and for how long. Without active configuration, an iPhone gives a child unrestricted access to almost everything online.

Why do kids want one?

• Communication — staying in touch with friends and family through messages and calls.
• Social belonging — “everyone has one.” Not having a smartphone can feel isolating.
• Apps and games — access to a huge range of entertainment.
• Camera — taking photos and videos is a big part of their social life.
• Music and streaming — Spotify, YouTube, and more are always available.

What are the real risks?

• App and web access. Without restrictions, the App Store and Safari can provide access to apps, websites and services that may not fit the child’s age.
• Unwanted contact and file sharing. iMessage, FaceTime and AirDrop can allow contact or files from people the child does not know.
• Location sharing. Apps and services may share a child’s location without the child understanding who can see it.
• Limited oversight without Screen Time. Without Screen Time configured, there is little central visibility into app use, screen time or content access.
• Purchases and payments. Wallet, Apple Pay and App Store purchases can create unexpected costs if payment methods are added.

Settings to check

1. Screen Time: Set up the iPhone as your child’s device through Family Sharing so settings can be managed from your own device.
2. App limits: Set daily time limits by app category, such as social media or games.
3. Downtime: Schedule periods when only phone calls and selected apps are available.
4. Content & privacy restrictions: Open Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions, then block explicit content, filter web content and restrict app installs.
5. Communication limits: Set who your child can contact during allowed time and during downtime, such as contacts only.
6. Ask to Buy: Enable this in Family Sharing so every App Store or in-app purchase requires approval.
7. AirDrop: Set to “Contacts Only” or turn off completely under Settings → General → AirDrop.
8. Find My: Enable Family Sharing location sharing to see where the device is.

How to talk about it

“Which apps do you use most, and what do you like about them?”

“What do you do if you get messages or files from someone you don’t know?”

“How can Screen Time or location sharing be used in a way that feels clear and safe to you?”

Last reviewed: July 2026