In today’s digital world, iPads have become a commonplace for both work and play, not just for adults but for kids too. With increasing usage of iPads, it has become important to limit the usage of apps, content, and websites available to kids. That’s where the Parental Controls feature in iPad comes in handy. It allows parents to limit their kids’ iPad usage, keeping them safe from inappropriate content and regulating their screen time.
Parental Controls is a built-in feature on the iPad. It lets parents restrict certain apps, content types, web access, and even restrict communication apps like iMessage and FaceTime. In this blog post, we will be discussing the steps to set Parental Controls on iPad in detail.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Set Parental Controls on iPad
While iPads are great devices that cater to both adults and kids’ needs, there is a concern about the content available to kids on the internet. Kids can easily access inappropriate content or even stumble upon sites with explicit material. Additionally, we are now living in the age of digital addiction, and excessively using iPads can be detrimental to kids’ mental and physical health.
That’s why it has become important for parents to monitor and limit their kids’ iPad usage. With Parental Controls feature on iPad, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe from harmful content, and their screen time is regulated.
Method 1: Via Guided Access
Guided Access is a feature provided by Apple that can help you set up a single app mode on your iPad. This means that whatever app is running will be locked in, and the app can only be exited with the correct passcode. Guided Access is an excellent way to keep your kids safe within a designated app and limit their access to other apps or settings.
Steps:
1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap on General > Accessibility > Guided Access.
3. Toggle the Guided Access button to enable it.
4. Tap the Passcode Settings and set a passcode that you will use to exit Guided Access mode.
5. Launch the app you want your kid to access.
6. Triple-click the Home button to enable Guided Access mode.
7. Select the Options button and adjust settings as necessary.
8. Tap Start.
Pros:
– Restricts the iPad to one app only.
– Disables hardware buttons and touch gestures.
– Easy to set up and convenient.
Cons:
– Can only be exited with a passcode.
– Cannot be used to control the usage of other apps.
Method 2: Via Screen Time
Screen Time is a versatile feature that can help you monitor and limit your kids’ screen time. You can set up app limits, downtime, and even block certain apps or websites. Screen Time also provides you with weekly usage reports, which gives you an idea of how much time your kids are spending on various apps.
Steps:
1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap on Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time.
3. Tap on Continue > This is My iPad > Parental Controls.
4. Set a passcode that will be used to access Screen Time settings.
5. Tap on your kid’s name, then tap on "Turn On Screen Time."
6. Tap on "Set App Limits," and choose the categories of apps you want to limit.
7. Set the time limit for each app category.
8. Tap on "Downtime," and set a time period where specific apps will be locked.
9. Tap on "Always Allowed," and select apps that your kid can always access.
Pros:
– Provides a detailed screen time report.
– Allows you to set app limits and downtime.
– Easy to set up and use.
Cons:
– Limits are based on app categories instead of individual apps.
– Cannot completely lock your kid from using the iPad.
Method 3: Via Restrictions
Restrictions are another way to enable Parental Controls on an iPad. With this feature, you can prevent or allow access to different apps, features, content types, and prevent changes to settings. The best part about Restrictions is that it allows you to customize the settings as per your preference.
Steps:
1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Tap on General > Restrictions.
3. Select Enable Restrictions.
4. Set a passcode that will be used to access Restrictions settings.
5. Under the allowed content section, choose the type of content your kid can access.
6. Under the privacy section, toggle off apps that you don’t want your kid to access.
7. In the Game Center and iTunes Store section, toggle off if you don’t want kids to make purchases.
Pros:
– Allows you to enable or disable individual apps and features.
– Customizable settings.
– Can prevent in-app purchases.
Cons:
– Content restrictions are broader and not very specific.
– Cannot regulate screen time.
What to Do If You Can’t Set Parental Controls on iPad
If you are unable to set Parental Controls, that could mean that the iPad you’re using doesn’t support the feature. In that case, you could try using a third-party app to monitor and restrict your kid’s iPad usage. These apps can be downloaded from the App Store and provide similar features to Parental Controls.
You could also contact Apple support or visit your nearest Apple Store for guidance.
Bonus Tip
Yoto Player is a fun and interactive audio player for kids. With Yoto Player, kids can listen to audio stories, music, and other content without being exposed to ads or any harmful content. The best part about Yoto Player is that it’s easy to set up and use, and parents can control it via the companion app.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why do I need to set parental controls on my kid’s iPad?
A: Kids today are exposed to unsuitable content on the internet, which can be detrimental to their mental well-being. Without Parental Controls, kids can easily access inappropriate content, be subjected to cyberbullying, and may develop insomnia by excessive screen time.
Q2: Can I still use my iPad after setting up Parental Controls?
A: Yes, with Parental Controls, you can use the iPad as you would normally do, but with restricted access to specific apps or content.
Q3: Can my kid change the Parental Controls settings?
A: No, the Parental Controls settings can only be changed with a passcode that you set up beforehand.
Q4: Can I restrict only specific apps, and not all apps?
A: Yes, with Screen Time, you can limit access to apps by category or by individual apps.
Q5: Can third-party apps really provide Parental Controls?
A: Yes, there are many third-party apps available that offer similar features to Parental Controls, which can help you monitor and limit your kid’s iPad usage.
Final Thoughts
Setting up Parental Controls on your kid’s iPad is an easy and efficient way to regulate their screen time and ensure they are safe from harmful content. With this guide, we hope we’ve provided all the necessary information to set up Parental Controls on your iPad. Remember, with Parental Controls, you can still allow your kids to enjoy apps and content on their iPad, but with the peace of mind that they are staying safe and healthy.