iPhone
What is iPhone?
This guide is about the device rather than a single app. An iPhone can provide access to apps, games, the web and communication. Apple’s main family tools are Family Sharing, Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions, which can manage purchases, communication, apps and content. Some controls are on by default for child accounts, but the exact defaults depend on age, country or region, so review the live settings rather than relying on an assumption. [1]
Age limit: In most countries a child under 13 cannot create an Apple Account without a parent or guardian, and must be part of a Family Sharing group; some countries set a higher threshold, from under 14 up to under 18. Individual apps set their own age rules, and some controls are on by default for child accounts. [1] [4]
Why do kids like it?
- 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 — streaming apps can make music and video easy to access.
What are the real risks?
- Unsuitable content. Apps, websites and supported Apple Intelligence features can surface material that may not fit the child’s age. Screen Time provides controls for app ratings, explicit media, web content, Image Creation and other supported AI features. [1]
- Unwanted contact. iMessage and FaceTime can allow calls or messages from people the child does not know.
- Unwanted file sharing. AirDrop and supported communication features can deliver files or sensitive images. Communication Safety can detect nudity on the device and warn before an image or video is viewed or sent. [3]
- Location sharing. Apps and services may share a child’s location without the child understanding who can see it.
- Purchases and payments. App Store and in-app purchases can create unexpected costs. Ask to Buy covers eligible downloads and purchases, but not updates, redemption codes or every redownload. [2]
Settings to check
- Set up Family Sharing and Screen Time: Open Settings → Family → select your child, then configure Screen Time and a passcode the child does not know. Keep family devices updated so controls sync correctly. [1]
- Turn on content and privacy controls: Open Settings → Screen Time → under Family, select your child → Content & Privacy Restrictions. Review app installs and deletions, in-app purchases, allowed apps, media ratings and Web Content. In iOS 26, Apple groups content under App Store, Media, Web, & Games. [1]
- Set App Limits and Downtime: Open Settings → Screen Time → select your child → App Limits or Downtime, then choose which apps remain available.
- Limit communication: Open Settings → Screen Time → select your child → Communication Limits, then choose who can contact them during allowed time and downtime. Check third-party apps separately. [1]
- Check Communication Safety: Open Settings → Screen Time → select your child → Communication Safety. It can warn about sensitive photos and videos before they are viewed or sent; availability and defaults depend on age, family setup and supported software. [3]
- Review purchase approval: Open Settings → Family → select your child → Ask to Buy → Require Purchase Approval. It applies to eligible App Store downloads and purchases. Whether it is on by default or can be turned off varies by the child’s age and state, country or region. [2]
- Limit AirDrop: Open Settings → General → AirDrop → choose Contacts Only or Receiving Off.
- Review location sharing: Open Settings → Family → Location Sharing, then choose who can see the child’s location. In Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Share My Location, you can prevent changes. [1]
- Restrict AI features where needed: Open Settings → Screen Time → select your child → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Intelligence & Siri, then review Image Creation, Writing Tools, Intelligence Extensions and Web Search Content. These controls apply only where the features are available. [1]
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 would you want Screen Time, AirDrop and location sharing to work for you?”
Last reviewed: September 2026