Smartphones & tablets

Apple iPhone logo

Apple iPhone

The iPhone is a line of smartphones created by Apple and since 2007 has been one of the most widely used smartphones in the world.

Described by many as a handheld computer, the iPhone has a range of features beyond taking photographs, making phone calls and sending text messages. Through Apple’s iOS mobile operating system (the software that powers an iPhone), users can also use the App Store, which gives them access to millions of apps – from TikTok to Minecraft to Apple Music.

iOS does have parental controls available to help parents block or limit specific apps on their child’s iPhone as well as restricting features such as location sharing.

Parental controls can be accessed through the ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions’ section of the ‘Screen Time’ setting on their child’s iPhone. Parents can set a passcode to prevent these settings being changed. Apple also introduced Family Sharing which can be used to share Apple subscriptions like Apple Music, but also allows parents to set up an Apple ID for children in their family under 13 and set parental controls remotely (on their own devices).

Access parental controls
or safety settings here

Safety restrictions available

Harmful Content

Block or limit access to content that could be harmful to children e.g. videos that contain bad language or sexual, violent or discriminatory content.

In App Purchasing

Disable option to buy extra content, goods or subscriptions when using apps e.g. buying TikTok Coins when using the social media app TikTok

Location Sharing

Prevent users from being able to share their location with apps, websites or other users

Chat

Block a user's ability to communicate privately with one person or a group of people e.g. send or receive direct messages

Private Account

When an account is set to 'private' it means only approved people whom the user has chosen can see their profile and/or communicate with them e.g. just friends and family

Time Limit

Decide when and for how long a user can access a piece of technology e.g. set a schedule on a broadband router so that internet access turns off after 8pm

App Blocking

Prevent users from being able to install and/or delete apps on a device