Source: iMore
Having children in the age of technology presents parents with many challenges. One of the largest is making sure your loved ones are safe and healthy by limiting the time they spend staring at a screen. It's also important to monitor and restrict what they are doing during that time. With Screen Time, you can keep your family's device usage in check.
In iOS 13, Apple added more Screen Time tools for parents. Here's how to set up Screen Time for your child so you can be sure they're enjoying their new tech responsibly.
There are two ways you can set up Screen Time controls for your child: through Family Sharing and directly on a device.
- How to set up Screen Time for your child through Family Sharing
- How to set up Screen Time for your child directly on a device
- How to set communication limits for your child
How to set up Screen Time for your child through Family Sharing
With Family Sharing, you create an Apple ID for your kids. In doing so, all members of a family can share their Apple purchases such as apps, music, and books. With Family Sharing, you can set Screen time rules for each individual family member, so you can be certain that everyone has settings that fit their needs and lifestyle.
To add a child account to family sharing, check out our How to create and add a child to Family Sharing article.
After you've added your child's account to Family Sharing, you can control their Screen Time settings by doing the following.
- Launch Settings.
- Tap on your Apple ID.
- Tap Family Sharing.
- Tap Screen Time.
Follow the instructions to create your child's Apple ID
Source: iMore
How to set up Screen Time for your child directly on a device
Though Family Sharing is a great tool, it isn't for everyone. If you'd prefer not to give your child their own Apple ID just yet and would instead like to set up Screen Time directly on the device your child will use, you can absolutely do that as well. Here's how.
- Launch Settings.
- Tap Screen Time. You'll see a list of insights that Screen Time provides.
Tap Continue.
Source: iMore
- Tap This is My Child's iPhone/iPad to set up Screen Time on this device for a child. You can then set a Downtime (i.e. a chunk of time — say, nighttime — when you don't want them using their device).
- Tap Start.
- Select a start time.
- Tap Start again. Do the same for the End time.
Tap Set Downtime to save your settings.
Source: iMore
Set your child's App Limits (the amount of time per day that you want your kiddo to spend on certain categories of apps). For instance, if you only want them to spend 30 minutes per day playing games, then tap Games to select that category. Then scroll down to the bottom to where it says Time Amount, enter 30 minutes, then tap Set App Limit. You can set limits on as many individual app categories as you like, or you can set an umbrella time for all apps.
Source: iMore
- Tap Continue after reviewing Content & Privacy controls.
- Create a four-digit Parent Passcode using the numerical keyboard. Your child's device will require this passcode in order to allow for more time or to change any Screen Time settings.
Re-enter the passcode.
Source: iMore
That's it! The Screen Time settings on your child's device are now in place. If you ever want to make any changes, all you'll need to do is launch Screen Time using the first two steps in the tutorial above and then enter your Parent Passcode.
How to set communication limits for your child
Beginning with iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, Screen Time includes the ability to create communication limits. These limits, which you can set for yourself and your children, apply to Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and iCloud contacts.
- Launch the Settings app on your mobile device.
- Tap Screen Time.
Under Family, tap your child's name.
Source: iMore
- Select Communication Limits.
- Enter your Screen time password, if applicable.
- Tap During Allowed Screen TIme
- On the next screen, you can decide Allowed Communication is Everyone or Contacts Only.
Tap the Allow Introductions in Groups toggle if you want to allow people to be added to group conversations when someone is already a contact or family member.
Source: iMore
- Tap the Back button at the top left.
- Select During Downtime to limit who your child can communicate with during downtime or after app limits have expired.
On the next screen, you can decide Allowed Communication is Everyone or Contacts Only.
Source: iMore
- Tap the Back button at the top left.
- From the Communications Limits screen, tap the Manage (Your Child's Name) Contacts toggle if you'd like to manage their iCloud contacts remotely.
Toggle Allow Contact Editing if you'd like to turn contact editing on/off for your child.
Source: iMore
Questions?
Do you have any further questions about setting up Screen Time on your youngster's new device? Leave them in the comments below and we'll do our best to help you out.
Updated February 2020: Includes information on iOS 13.3.1.

Caviar unveils outrageous 'Apple Tree wood' iPad that costs $185,000
Caviar, maker of all things expensive and Apple, have unveiled a new range of Apple products made from Apple tree wood, decked with gold and diamonds, the most expensive item of which is an iPad Pro that costs $185,000.

The definitive ranking of every Legend of Zelda game
The Legend of Zelda franchise has some of the most memorable games of all time, but after such a long life in the industry, some have stood out more than others. Here's our list of every Legend of Zelda game ranked.

Apple Watch ECG finally coming to Australia
Apple has finally had its ECG for Apple Watch approved in Australia, meaning the introduction of the feature is imminent.

Looking for a new controller for your Switch? Look no further!
If you want a more conventional gaming controller for your Switch and don't want to spend more on the Pro Controller, you do have other options. Here are my favorite third-party controllers for Nintendo Switch.