How do I turn off/deactivate the App Store?

Hi TwoArmsC,

For macOS, you'll want to follow the steps below the can help step up Screen Time for a child:

Set up Screen Time for a child on Mac

1. On your Mac, do one of the following:

If you’re using Family Sharing: Log in to your Mac user account, then make sure you’re signed in with your Apple ID.

If you aren’t using Family Sharing: Log in to the child’s Mac user account.

2. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Screen Time  in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

3. If you’re using Family Sharing, click the pop-up menu on the right, then choose a child.

4. Turn on Screen Time, then turn on any of the following options:

Include Website Data: Turn on this option if you want Screen Time reports to include details about the specific websites visited. If you don’t turn on this option, websites are just reported as Safari usage.

Use Screen Time Passcode: Turn on this option to keep Screen Time settings from being changed, and to require a passcode to allow additional time when limits expire.

5. You can also do any of the following in Screen Time settings:

Click Downtime, then set up a downtime schedule.

Click App Limits, then set time limits for apps and websites.

Click Communication Limits, then set communication limits.

Click Communication Safety, then turn on communication safety.

Click Always Allowed, then choose apps that can be used at any time.

Click Content & Privacy, then set up content & privacy restrictions.

Hope this helps!

Have a great day.

Hello TwoArmsC,

Thank you for reaching out to Apple Support Communities, and we'll be happy to help in any way we can. We understand you're having issues with blocking purchases from the App Store. Follow the steps here to turn on restrictions for the App Store: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

"Prevent iTunes & App Store purchases 

You can also prevent your child from being able to install or delete apps, make in-app purchases, and more. To prevent iTunes & App Store purchases or downloads:

1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time. 
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
3. Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
4. Choose a setting and set to Don't Allow.

You can also change your password settings for additional purchases from the iTunes & App Store or Book Store. Follow steps 1-3, then choose Always Require or Don't Require."

We hope this helps.

Cheers!