Problems Locking Down Browser on iPhone

I have a child for whom I am trying to restrict internet access, but he keeps finding ways around parental blocks on his phone. I disabled the browser, but he found that gmail meeting invitations asked him if he wanted to add the meeting to his calendar via the browser, and clicking on this opened the browser even though he supposedly didn’t have access. Two questions: how can I prevent this happening in a way he can’t change? And how many other stupid loopholes are there on this phone that I’m going to have to ferret out?

Posted on Jul 26, 2021 7:00 AM

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6 replies

Jul 26, 2021 8:05 AM in response to MJ84037

I understand your frustration, the problem lies in how apps are launched. When you press an icon on your screen, the call to open the app is made from the phone. When there is a link in an app to open a browser, that call is made differently.

There are countless apps out there that can open the browser, he may even be able to download third party browsers that can circumvent the default browser lockdown. I just don't think there is a surefire way to completely lock a phone from the internet.

Jul 26, 2021 7:56 AM in response to MJ84037

I’m entirely aware my original question and response sound *****. I’m upset right now and I haven’t disclosed my entire situation because what I want from here is tech advice, not parenting advice. But if an app is approved by the App Store to function on an Apple device, then it should not be able to subvert Apple restrictions set by parents on an Apple device. If anyone knows how to fix this situation, I welcome input of that nature.

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Problems Locking Down Browser on iPhone

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