Screen time monitor on 2010 MacBook with Catalina (current/updated) Operating system

What's the best program or way to monitor usage? My young adult child uses this computer for 8-12 hours/day watching movies/video's etc. It's time for Mom to help with self control. I'd like to see or track what the computer is being used for too if possible - like 60% movies, 25% social media, 15% education, etc. I'd love as much advice as possible. I'm not a techno genius by any means either. Thank you very much in advance.

Posted on Jan 6, 2022 2:17 PM

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2 replies

Jan 7, 2022 12:03 AM in response to Beverly275

Doesn't appear the Catalina macOS 10.15.7 is supported on an 2010 MacBook. Neither is

the Screen Time monitor app. ~ See which computers Catalina is supported to run, this

Support document with references to those models that can be used.


• macOS Catalina is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210222


(Screen Time? Seems only useful on much newer model Mac computers.)

Used to be Parental Controls; then was changed; then runs on newer OS.


To see which model computers could run major newer macOS systems

and where their hardware drops support, documentations exist online.


Generally ~ for very basic, of which ones could be run in what Mac, see:


• How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211683


This does not tell 'exact hardware build' supports Screen Time monitor app.

Other documentation probably does; something rather newer, almost sure.


While more details exist in other articles, this mostly covers iDevices:


• Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304


"With Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time, you can block or

limit specific apps and features on your child's device. You can also

restrict the settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for explicit

content, purchases and downloads, and privacy."


• How To Set Up Parental Controls On Mac: Screen Time And More - Macworld UK

https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/set-up-parental-controls-mac-3780629/


"Share your Mac with your child thanks to separate accounts and the free

parental controls that come in macOS. We show you how to set them up."


Jan 7, 2022 12:22 AM in response to Beverly275

PS: additional things that may be appropriate on topic to include

Family Sharing, Screen Time, Parental controls; article shows more.


• Families - Apple

https://www.apple.com/families/


You had already asked a question about 'Screen time' here earlier.

Appears that your Mac be newer than 2010; maybe a 2012?


• Is there an application or program, etc for... - Apple Community

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253536228

(So that may have been where to ask additional ones; that way

the replies could be seen together and not repeat any answers.)


Usually the ASC discussions area does not like us to have many similar

threads scattered about across the way; makes topics unmanageable.


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Screen time monitor on 2010 MacBook with Catalina (current/updated) Operating system

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