Screen time not blocking apps or websites

Question

Screen time not blocking apps or websites

I am trying to use Screen Time to restrict usage of my son’s iPhone and iPad. My wife and I both have control from our iPhones. Bedtime is set and appears to work as the apps not included in the always allowed list become greyed out. Annoyingly, Safari appears to be automatically on the always allowed list so web browsing can still continue after the bedtime limit is reached. We have therefore tried to add both websites Safari to the app limits in Screen Time but neither work. App Limits and Block at End of Limit switches are turned on.

I have tried removing and resetting app limits and turning off Screen time and resetting all my child’s devices as some guides found in the internet suggest with no improvement in the way Screen Time seems to work. Is there any other better advice? I don’t want to resort to third party apps if possible.

Thanks in advance.

Posted on Apr 18, 2022 12:55 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 21, 2022 11:07 AM in response to Miche11e_P

Thanks for the response but unfortunately it doesn’t help me.

i am trying to set limits on apps and certain websites (eg YouTube). These app limits worked briefly and now don’t block when the time is up. For example, I’ve set a limit of 30 minutes so that my son has to ask if he wants to keep watching and I can regulate his screen time. This worked briefly but then stops working so he keeps viewing (today it appears >5 hours before I got home from work!). I thought this was the sort of occasion that the screen time app was designed to help with. We have changed passcodes so we know my son is not just awarding himself extra time! Is there some other reason for this only working intermittently? Bedtime setting works but as it won’t block Safari at bedtime, my son keeps watching!

Any other help or suggestions?

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Answer 2

Miche11e_P

Community Specialist

Apr 19, 2022 7:20 AM in response to Confused_apple_das1

Hi Confused_apple_das1,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We understand that you've set up parental controls via Screen Time but your children are still able to access Safari.

As outlined in Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support, you can prevent web content.

Prevent web content

iOS and iPadOS can automatically filter website content to limit access to adult content in Safari and other apps on your device. You can also add specific websites to an approved or blocked list, or you can limit access to only approved websites. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.

2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode.

3. Tap Content Restrictions, then tap Web Content.

4. Choose Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites Only.

Depending on the access you allow, you might need to add information, like the website that you want to restrict.

We hope this helps.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Bryan_K1

Community Specialist

Apr 21, 2022 11:14 AM in response to Confused_apple_das1

Hello Confused_apple_das1,

Based on what you're seeing, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support directly to look in to this and see what's going on.

You can reach out to them here: Apple Support

Take care!

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Screen time not blocking apps or websites

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