safe mode parental controls

birdblock108 wrote:

Hi

Im looking at getting my teens an Iphone 6. I want to make sure they cant access innapropriate content.

A problem with Anroid phones is that most parental controls can be overidden by booting up in safe mode. When this is done everything is unrestricted on the phone.

I have been told iphones do not have safe mode, is that correct?

Is there a way the restrictions can be overidden via a safe mode type type feature?

iPhones do not have a "safe mode." If you set restrictions in Settings/General/Restrictions and chose a passcode that is secure there is no way to override the restrictions that you set. But you need to set restrictions on installing apps, or they will be able to install alternate browsers.

You also need to think about what you consider to be inappropriate content. The default settings that Apple chooses may not be the same as your choices. Alternatives include disabling the built-in Safari browser and installing a browser from the app store that gives finer-grained control over available content.

You may need to establish an agreement with your children that they understand that you have the right to examine what is on their phone if you feel this is necessary. There is no parental control feature on any device that is 100% perfect.

As you can see, Apple's forum software blocks some content automatically. You control the apps on the phone by installing them yourself, then blocking installation of new apps. As an alternative, set up the phone with its own iCloud ID that is linked to your Apple ID using Family Sharing. You then have the option of approving or disapproving apps that they want to install, and you can also see what they want to install. So either way you control what social media (and other) apps are on the phone.

For Safari you can limit access to "adult content", or to only specific websites. I have no direct experience with other browsers (my youngest child is 34), but there are a wide variety. You will need to explore the App Store or ask for advice from other parents.

One thing to avoid is products that allow you to monitor your child's phone remotely. All of them require hacking the phone, which leaves it open to outside miscreants. They are tempting, but the risks of using them are greater than any presumed or claimed benefit. You need to have some level of trust with your children; technology can't solve all parental problems. If you feel the level of trust is not sufficient maybe they shouldn't have a smartphone.