Lilia2

Q: Parental controls/time restrictions on iPhone

I can safely say that my daughter's iPhone has ruined our lives.  We've had it for five days.  Yes, there are some built-in parental controls, but Apple has blocked anybody from offering a software program that will turn the dang thing off (I'm talking about texting and calling) at a certain time every night.  I have a daughter who is addicted to her phone and the battles are humongous to get her to do anything but text. 

 

There are plenty of good programs with good parental controls for the Android and Blackberry, but thanks Apple for not allowing us as parents to turn the phone off at night.  I know about Mobicip, which is a great company, but they can only turn the internet off, not texting or calling.  When you have a kid who can and will text 5,000 texts a month, we need something that eliminates the battles at home and can automatically turn the thing off when it's bedtime.  We're all losing sleep.  Most parents, when they get an iPhone for their kid, don't realize that Apple, unlike Android, has chosen to place more importance on children's privacy than parent's ability to place restrictions on their kids' phones.  I plan to take the iPhone back and get her an Android.

iPhone 4S, iOS 4.3.3, Time restrictions?

Posted on Mar 27, 2012 7:49 AM

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Q: Parental controls/time restrictions on iPhone

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  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Nov 29, 2015 2:14 PM in response to Ferone
    Level 9 (56,349 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 29, 2015 2:14 PM in response to Ferone

    Ferone wrote:

     

    Now I did just find out that wifi providers such as Verizon and AT&T do allow you to control the wifi, restricting specific devices at certain times of the day or completely.

    If the router provided to you doesn't offer those options, then buy one that does. It's not that difficult.

  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 6:10 AM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 6:10 AM in response to KiltedTim

    I personally would like to see restrictions on the iphone devices.  Such as text, phone and time restrictions. Im on FIDO in canada and I dont hink we have the restrictions like the ATT and verizon have.

     

    I have removed data from my one child's iphone that has been super addicted to his phone (13yo boy)

     

    However, if he gets a wifi hotspot he is free to surf the web and interact with his applications (you can remove apps and then lock the phone so that he cannot add any more apps though the RESTRICTIONS area of the iphone)

     

    Here are a few things I have done at our home.

     

    1.  We have an apple extreme router in the house for just the kids.  You can add a time block on the router so wifi gets shut down at certain times of the day.  I highly recommend this.  (the parents have a separate router for us and we password protect our ipads)

     

    2.  I have a virtual firewall that I have set up and is programed through the router.  I imagine the kids could circumvent this if they were tech savey but it is somewhat technical to set up.  Goto https://www.opendns.com/ to set up an account and you can manually set restrictions or you can use filter groups like ONLINE CHAT or **** or customize the URL that you want blocked etc.  I think this is a must for all parents.  At my work, I am restricted from certain websites and I dont see it being unreasonable to block website at our house.   Remember, your kids bring friends over and share the wifi password and if they load somthing inappropriate on their device at your house, whom do you think will get the blame?

     

    3. without a doubt there are other providers that have better parental control.   Windows has time restrictions on their devices.

     

    4.  I often get, "Dad I need the wifi b/c im doing a project!".   My older two children have laptops and they use them for their word or pages projects.  To circumvent the wifi restrictions, they can plug the computers into the wall and get an ethernet connection.  Since most kids today only know how to use ipads and iphones, they use the laptops only for their project.   

     

    While this isnt the best solution, it is a free solution and should filter 70% of what you want and is relatively simple to get set up.

     

    As for all the people that want to give parenting advice.   Every kids between the ages of 8 and up now has some sort of device that will connect to the internet.  There is an age of curiousity that children reach or they can put a search term incorectly into google and get something that just isnt right.  Also, teenages like independence and freedom and dont like parents pulling their device away and scanning throuhg the text messages or browser history.  There are many battle to fight with teenagers, you want to pick your battles and help them turn into responsible young adults.

     

    The internet is a big deal and it is like we have given our children keys to our car and haveing even showed them how to open the door to the car let allone make sure they know the rules of the road.   Is that the parents fault?  partially, but quite frankly, the internet is new to everybody including parents.  And, there are no rules on the internet.

     

    When I was a kid, having a TV or a phone in your room was a huge thing.  My parents said no.  probably 20% of the kids at school had a phone or TV.  Now,  80-95% of kids have their own wifi device.   Its very hard to say no,,  As well, I want to make sure my children are able to navagate the internet as well as understand how to use these mini computers.  In 10 years the destop will not exist but these devices will continue to evolve and I do not want my chidlren to be ignorant as to how they work and can be used.

  • by GamerParent,

    GamerParent GamerParent Dec 14, 2015 6:38 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 6:38 AM in response to coxwain

    Try "Inspire" by Gamer Parents. This is an app that has restrictions built into the app. This app will also allow you to post study material directly to the users smart device to ensure that learning is involved throughout the child's daily entertainment. The parent can view the feedback instantly, send direct messages over the child's display, set bed times, lockout features and more!

    this link is to the App Store.

     

    GP Inspire by Todd Redenshek

    https://appsto.re/us/9D9U8.i

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 14, 2015 6:39 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 9 (56,349 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 6:39 AM in response to coxwain

    Parenting is not easy. No on ever said it would be. if your children are defying you and violating the rules you set down for them regarding accessing the Internet, then take the devices away. Teach them some discipline and self control.

     

    This is a technical support forum, not a place to complain that Apple doesn't provide the features you want to control access to information for your minor child.

  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 7:19 AM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 7:19 AM in response to KiltedTim

     

    KiltedTim wrote:

     

    Parenting is not easy. No on ever said it would be. if your children are defying you and violating the rules you set down for them regarding accessing the Internet, then take the devices away. Teach them some discipline and self control.

     

    This is a technical support forum, not a place to complain that Apple doesn't provide the features you want to control access to information for your minor child.

    As a technical support thread that is titled "Parental controls/time restrictions on iPhone"  I think all comments should focus on supporting the Subject of the thread.

     

    If your comments do not offer solutions to the subject "Parental controls/time restrictions on iPhone" of the thread, keep them to yourself.

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 14, 2015 7:40 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 9 (56,349 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 7:40 AM in response to coxwain

    Let he who is without sin cast the first stone...

     

    Try reading the Apple Support Communities Terms of Use some time. You might learn something.

     

    You went out of bounds first. The question has already been answered. Continuing to whine about it will not alter reality.

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Dec 14, 2015 8:14 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 8 (38,274 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 8:14 AM in response to coxwain

    To focus on the technical issue, there is absolutely no way that technology can provide all of the answers. Several good options have been posted, but they do not provide total, absolute control over what your child does with a phone. There are ways around all of them, and children have almost infinite patience when it comes to finding them. And they know more about technology than you do. So some sort of backup plan is needed. That backup plan should not involve technology, because there is no total technological solution.

  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 8:33 AM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 8:33 AM in response to KiltedTim

    'Parental controls/time restrictions on iPhone'

    A reminder, that this forum  has a very specific topic about the Patental Controls/Time Restrictions of the iPhone.

     

    Why there are users on here that just like to hear themselves speak is beyond me.  Please provide options for people to turn these features on or use these featurs or keep it to yourself.  Otherwise, you are in violation of the Communities Use Agreement from Apple and will be banned.

     

    Great suggestion on reading forum rules.

    Apple Support Communities Use Agreement

     

    I thought I would publish some of them for you to follow.

     

    General

    11. If you provide any ideas, suggestions, or recommendations on this site regarding Apple’s products, technologies or services (“Feedback”), Apple may use such Feedback and incorporate it in Apple products, technologies, and services without paying royalties and without any other obligations or restrictions.

     

     

    Submissions

    1. Stay on topic. Apple Support Communities is here to help people use Apple products and technologies more effectively. Unless otherwise noted, do not add Submissions about nontechnical topics, including:
      1. Speculations or rumors about unannounced products.
      2. Discussions of Apple policies or procedures or speculation on Apple decisions.
    2. Be polite. Everyone should feel comfortable reading Submissions and participating in discussions. Apple will not tolerate flames or other inappropriate statements, material, or links. Most often, a "flame" is simply a statement that is taunting and thus arbitrarily inflammatory. However, this also includes those which are libelous, defamatory, indecent, harmful, harassing, intimidating, threatening, hateful, objectionable, discriminatory, abusive, vulgar, obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or offensive in a sexual, racial, cultural, or ethnic context.
    3. Post constructive comments and questions. Unless otherwise noted, your Submission should either be a technical support question or a technical support answer. Constructive feedback about product features is welcome as well. If your Submission contains the phrase "I'm sorry for the rant, but…" you are likely in violation of this policy.
  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 9:06 AM in response to Lawrence Finch
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 9:06 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

    Once again.  Please provide feedback on helping solve the problem trying to be resolved.

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Dec 14, 2015 9:06 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 8 (38,274 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 9:06 AM in response to coxwain

    coxwain wrote:

     

    Once again.  Please provide feedback on helping solve the problem trying to be resolved.

    I did. I said there is no complete solution to the problem trying to be resolved. You may not like the answer, but it is the correct one.

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 14, 2015 9:11 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 9 (56,349 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 9:11 AM in response to coxwain

    What? You think the rules apply to everyone but you? Apparently so.

     

    Take responsibility for being a parent. That's how you solve the problem you have.

  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 9:18 AM in response to Lawrence Finch
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 9:18 AM in response to Lawrence Finch


    Another negative nelly.

     

    If you dont have anything helpful to add try keeping it to yourself.'

     

    We have talked about the following

    1. Wireless router time restrictions

    2. Using your mobile carrier to restrict data, sms and time access

    3. Use a firewall to help filter unwanted traffic and set time restrictions

    4. Use 3rd party apps to help limit access to the phone

    5. Use parental controls on the iphone to limit access to the phone

    6. remove the data plan on the phone

     

    There are a lot of options that are helpfull.  I have probably missed a few as well.  This is clearly a big thread and important to a lot of people.  Maybe someone could make a sticky and summarize all the constructive solutions that were put forward?

  • by GamerParent,

    GamerParent GamerParent Dec 14, 2015 9:29 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 9:29 AM in response to coxwain

    Alright sir! I am happy to help a parent find solutions!

    try "circle with Disney"

    this is may be exactly what you are looking for.

    thank you and have a good day,

    todd

     

    <Edited By Host>

  • by coxwain,

    coxwain coxwain Dec 14, 2015 9:24 AM in response to KiltedTim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 14, 2015 9:24 AM in response to KiltedTim

    Try to stay on topic.  It seems you have a problem with helping out in the forums.  I didnt see "how to be a parent of a child with an iphone " in the subject of the thread?

  • by KiltedTim,

    KiltedTim KiltedTim Dec 14, 2015 9:26 AM in response to coxwain
    Level 9 (56,349 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 14, 2015 9:26 AM in response to coxwain

    The technical question has already been answered. If you haven't been able to figure out what that is in the 178 posts in this thread, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you can't comprehend the fact that your continued harping on it is off topic and bordering on trolldom.

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