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Apple puts parents back in control of kids’ iPhone use
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.
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.
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.
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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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Dangut, who previously served as the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, assumed office on October 1, 2026, becoming the 14th Registrar of the examination body.
His five-year tenure will run from October 2026 to September 2031, succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia.
The appointment was ratified by the Council, WAEC’s international governing board, during its 74th Annual Meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in March 2026.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Headquarters, Accra, Demianus G. Ojijeogu.
Dangut, a Nigerian, served as Head of the Nigeria National Office from October 2023 to September 2026 before taking up his new regional position.
Born on October 2, 1967, the new Registrar holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production, obtained in 1991; a Master of Science in Animal Science, 1994; a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science, 2017; and a Master of Education in Administration and Planning, 2020.
He began his career in education in 1994 at St. Louis College, Jos, where he worked as a WAEC examiner before joining the Council in 1998.
Since joining WAEC, Dangut has held several positions across its examination and administrative structures.
His previous roles include Assistant Registrar, Test Development Division, Ogba, Lagos; Head of Examinations Security and Deputy Branch Controller in Uyo and Bauchi; Branch Controller in Yola; Controller, Post-Examinations Department; Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja; and Deputy Registrar and Head of the National Office.
The Council described him as an experienced test developer and administrator with more than two decades of experience in examination management.
Dangut has also focused on the use of Information and Communications Technology in test development, examination administration and post-examination activities.
During his tenure as Head of the Nigeria National Office, he championed the rollout of Computer-Based WASSCE, serialization of question papers and the introduction of a Digital Electronic Marking System.
He also oversaw the Digital Certificate Portal, WAEC E-Study Platform, Digital Records Archive, as well as systems for examination logistics and the monitoring of examiners.
His career has attracted recognition, including a commendation from the Nigeria Examinations Committee for his handling of examination matters between 2000 and 2006.
He also received an Award for Meritorious Service from the Ondo State Government during his National Youth Service Corps year.
Beyond WAEC, Dangut has served on the boards of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC); Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB); Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); and Grange Educational Foundation.
He has also represented WAEC at the Joint Consultative Committee on Education and the National Council on Education.
Dangut has published works in international and national journals and presented papers at several conferences.
He currently serves as the Regional Representative of the West African Sub-region on the Executive Board of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).
He is also a Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
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