Prevent your child from spending too much time on the screens, especially that of your smartphone. This is the objective of many parents, especially at a time when students return to school. And there are several devices for this purpose, allowing not only to limit screen time, but also block access to certain content or applications.
Among these tools, two were designed by Apple and Google. Tech & Co explains how to configure them.
Screen time on the iPhone
Since 2018, Apple offers a function to monitor its activity on its iPhone. Called “screen time”, she is also a way to control her son’s. To do this, it will first be necessary to confuse family exchange on your iPhone or that of your offspring. Once this is done, all you have to do is go to the configuration to press “screen time”, then in the name of your “family” son.
Then several control options are proposed to define limits in terms of use, content and applications. But the main one, “departure time”, allows you to program time spaces during which only calls and certain applications are allowed. And, therefore, to reduce the time that your child will spend on social networks or games.
After trusting the “starting time”, it is possible to schedule the period during which your child will not have access to several applications. You will have the option between “every day” and “Customize the days”, then select the schedules (from 10 pm to 7 am).
The “Content and Confidentiality” option allows you to impose restrictions so that your child does not access certain content (“explicit content”, “all audiences”, “-12” … or even allow you to play multiplayer games with “friends only”, “all” or simply prohibit it.
Since this option, it is also possible to prevent confidentiality configuration, such as the exchange of position, voice recognition or even access to photos.
Keep in mind that it is possible to use a code to block the “screen time” configuration and, therefore, prevent your child from changing them. To do this, simply press “block the screen time configuration” and define a code.
Family link on Android
Unlike Apple Parental Control, Family Link is not directly integrated into Android devices. Although it has been developed by Google, it is necessary to go through Play Store to download this application, on the parents’ smartphone and that of their son (it is also available on iOS). Everyone will also have to have a Google account.
From there, go to the configuration and press your Google space (or your name and your name). Select “all services”, then display the screen until you see “parental control” in the “Children and Family” section. Then it will be enough to follow the steps to configure the family link, which offers similar options to “screen time”.
Family Link also allows you to consult your child’s activity and establish limits in terms of time of use. With the “daily limit”, you can fix one, selecting time and minutes. Your child’s smartphone will be blocked, so you will not be able to see your notifications or use applications.
Similarly, the “pause time” function offers the possibility of defining a rest time.
It is even possible to remotely block your child’s smartphone, selecting your account in the family link application and then pressing “blocking.”
Source: BFM TV
