At its Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple introduced a host of tools designed to put parents back in control over how their kids are using the iPhone. This includes features that let parents decide who a child can talk to, what apps they can use, whether they can visit specific websites, and access to other tools to block inappropriate texts, manage screen time schedules, find age-appropriate app suggestions, and more.
The redesigned version of its Screen Time controls builds on the technology Apple already offers, expanding its capabilities in new ways with more granular controls. This comes as the mental health impacts of technology on children’s development have come to the foreground of people’s minds, and as new laws and regulations are attempting to rein in kids’ access to devices and social media.
When creating a child’s accounts on a new device, Apple will tailor safeguards to their age, blocking adult websites, allowing only age-appropriate media, and setting age-based restrictions on the App Store. Parents can adjust these settings if they prefer, but now they can go even further.
Image Credits:Apple
For instance, parents can start off by providing kids access only to the content they’re comfortable with, then add more over time, as they deem it appropriate. Apple will make smart app suggestions upon setup, letting parents pick whether they want to only give a child access to the essentials, or if they want to pick and choose specific other apps the child can use. This particularly makes sense for younger kids getting iPhones, like tweens and other school-aged children, who may not be ready for all the social experience an iPhone provides.
In addition, parents will be able to control access to which websites kids can browse, too — a feature that’s been much in demand since kids have historically used websites to work around parental controls that would restrict access to certain apps, often social media.
This feature, “Ask to Browse,” works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac with Safari, Apple notes. And it, along with “Ask to Buy” for apps and games, is on by default for kids under 13.
Parents will also be able to control which contacts the child can add to their contacts, and can opt to block media arriving in text messages that may include gore or violence. A similar feature has already been available to block possible nudity, to assuage sexting concerns.
Image Credits:Apple
The company’s existing Screen Time controls lets parents set up a schedule and choose which apps are available on which days and at which times. The feature helps parents limit access to things like social media during school hours, but not on weekends.
What’s new is that Apple is now relying on experts’ advice to make some initial screen time allowance recommendations, based on a child’s age and the app category. Apple said it consulted with the American Academy of Pediatrics and others on this feature. The company also pointed in particular to the fact that social media apps aren’t advised for children under 13, which is why Apple may suggest that category is turned off for younger kids.
Image Credits:Apple
The Screen Time feature has been redesigned, as well, to make it easier for parents to see how kids have been using their devices, and to allow parents to adjust that access with just a tap.
App developers, meanwhile, are offered a full suite of APIs that let them protect against nudity and violent content in apps, help ensure parents approve any new contacts in apps, or ensure a child is of age to use their app, among other options.
The new parental controls will roll out to consumers with the release of iOS 27 in the fall.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured displaced residents of Plateau State that the Federal Government will rebuild communities affected by violence and facilitate their safe return home.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday during the APC presidential campaign rally at Zaria Road Stadium in Jos, where he acknowledged the devastation caused by insecurity in parts of the state.
Recalling his previous visit to Plateau, the President said he was restricted to the airport and could not visit communities in the hinterland.
“The last time I visited Plateau State, I was limited to the airport. Forgive me if you didn’t see me in the hinterland, but I saw the devastation, got the report from the governor, and saw the horror on the faces of our people,” he said.
He added that the situation had since changed, assuring displaced persons that his administration would support the rebuilding of their communities and enable them to return.
“But since then, that has changed; we are forging ahead together. I assure those who are displaced that we will rebuild your communities and bring you back there,” Tinubu stated.
The President said his administration was committed to restoring peace in affected communities and ensuring residents could return to their homes without fear.
On security measures, Tinubu disclosed that 1,000 forest guards were undergoing training, while surveillance cameras were being procured to strengthen security operations.
His assurances come amid persistent security challenges and displacement in parts of Plateau State, where affected communities continue to face the challenge of rebuilding lives and restoring livelihoods.
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration against criticism over rising insecurity, accusing previous administrations of failing to address the challenge for more than two decades.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, where he challenged critics of the ruling party to account for their records on security before accusing the current administration of lacking a clear strategy.
“Those who are saying we don’t have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time,” Yari said.
The former Zamfara State governor assured Nigerians that the APC remained committed to implementing its manifesto, expressing confidence that the party would fulfil almost all its campaign promises by 2031.
He also expressed optimism about the APC’s political fortunes in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that political leaders and influential stakeholders in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further commended Tinubu’s leadership, particularly his handling of the nation’s revenue, citing what he described as a significant increase in funds accruing to the Federation Account.
According to him, Tinubu inherited a Federation Account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but the figure has since increased to trillions of naira.
He said the development reflected the administration’s efforts to strengthen government revenue and improve the country’s financial position.
Yari’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and the performance of the Tinubu administration as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general election