How to Set Up Communication Limits for Children on iPhone and iPad
Looks like Apple is paying close attention to every criticism that is directed upon it unlike ever before. And that is turning out very good for consumers. The latest such addition from Apple is a more powerful parental control system. WhileScreen Timealready offered reliable parental controls, it lacked the tool to restrict communication for children. But with the release of iOS 13.3, the Cupertino-based company has finally filled that void. So, if you are looking for a way to rein in your unruly kid or have better control over who he/she can communicate with, this new Screen Time feature is for you. Let me walk you through this hands-on guide to set up communication limits for children on the iPhone and iPad.
Enable Communication Limits for Kids in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13
First things first, thecommunication restriction basically applies to four things: Phone, FaceTime, Messages, andiCloud contacts.That means you can allow your child to send iMessage, make a phone call to selected people or get into face-timing with only specific people. What’s more, you can also prevent your kid from making any changes to the contact. But keep in mind,the communication to knownemergency numbersis always allowed for security concern.
-
Launch theSettingsapp on your iPhone or iPad.
-
Now, tap onScreen Time.
-
Tap on“Communication Limits”.
-
Next, you have three options.
Choose Who Your Kid Can Communicate During Allowed Screen Time
If you want to restrict who your kid can communicate with during allowed screen time, tap onDuring Allow Screen Time. Then, selectEveryone or Contacts Only.
Note:If you have enabled Screen Time passcode, you will need to enter it before being able to customize the “During Allow Screen Time” feature. If you have forgotten the passcode,head over here to reset itright now.
By default, Everyone is selected. Choose Contacts Only, if you want to have a bit more control over communication. Besides, there is also an option toallow people to be added to group conversationsif one of your contacts is in the group.
Customize Communication Limit During Downtime
Should you want to restrict communication limit during downtime (the period during which your child is not allowed to access restricted apps and features), tap onDuring Downtime. Now, you have two options:
For better parental controls, selectSpecific Contacts. After that,Choose Contacts from your address bookor add a new contact. I’m going to select from my address book. Once you have selected contacts, tap onDoneto finish.
Disallow Contact Editing
If you don’t want your kid to edit contact without your permission, turn off the toggle for “Allow contact Editing”.
That’s all there is to it!
Customize Communication Limit for Your Child on iPhone and iPad
So, that’s how you can enable communication limits for your kid/s so that they can communicate with only the approved people. From the parents’ point of view, it’s a very helpful feature, isn’t it? If there is anything that I still want from Screen Time is a more comprehensive tool tohideorlock selected apps. Though you can set time limits for apps, it’s not perfect. What’s the one feature you still want to see in it as a parent? Let us know in the comments.
Rajesh Mishra
An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
01
02
03
04
05
