Q: When is Apple going to get serious about parental control?
There are a ton of parental control apps out there for Android and iOS but every single one of them has caveats on their functionality in iOS. They all say that it is because Apple will not allow them the control they need to implement all of their features. We are to the point of having to make the decision to replace all of our kid's devices with Android ones if Apple doesn't do something to allow the kind of control parents need.
Here are the current issues we are facing.
1 - I need to block specific apps and functionality but still allow my children to use their device for other things. So if they need to look something up on the internet for a project or lookup a word in their dictionary or listen to music while they work or set an alarm or take a note then fine. But I don't want them to have access to games during homework or school time.
2 - Automatic duration and time block outs. This is less of an issue because we can manually turn on and off the settings in #1 if we have to but it would be far better to be able to say after 9 PM the only thing you can do is listen to music and set an alarm OR you can play games or Minecraft for 1 hour per day and that is it.
Apple has made one product to replace the portable music player, alarm clock, phone, handheld game, dictionary, calculator, flashlight, and the list goes on. But when it comes to kids we need the control to say what they can use these amazing tools for and when. The other option is to buy them separate devices for each or to just get an Android device where this is already possible.
Please take notice of this Apple and do something about it soon!
Thanks,
Bill
iPod touch, iOS 9.3.1
Posted on Sep 8, 2016 7:59 AM