Hey everyone—I believe this could be a real game changer. Yesterday Apple announced that later this month it will release a new software update—operating system iOS 12— which will include several much-needed functions in a tool named “Screen Time.” This tool helps parents control aspects of kids’ time spent on phones and tablets. Google has similar controls for Android phones that can be managed through its Family Link app, but today I am writing about iPhones and iPads.
For years I’ve been speaking and writing about the need for technology manufacturers to add easy screentime parental controls to their devices. Until now, parents could put apps on kids’ phones to try to do things like this, but youth are able to bypass the apps by disabling the VPN, or by other means. So, Apple’s new functions are a really big deal.
Screen Time will have many features, including a program that records time spent on various apps. Currently, if someone wants to know the amount of time spent on apps, they have to download a third-party app. My son Chase did this recently with the app called Moment to track his time. He was surprised by how much time he was on his phone and how frequently he was checking it just out of habit throughout the day. Now, this function will automatically be installed with the iPhone update. Parents and youth will be able to get activity reports from their “Family Sharing” account in iCloud. Knowing use patterns of various apps can help direct conversations about what individual behaviors need modification.
Screen Time will enable parents to set time limits for usage for individual apps, through the tool, “App Limits.” It will even notify children when their time is almost done. This warning can help youth more calmly transition off their devices.
Now parents will be able to control the apps they do not want their children using during school hours, such as Instagram and Snapchat, while keeping others on their phones during school, such as Quizlet (an app that mimics flashcards). This function will be helpful at home as well. As I always say, “Sleep is Supreme.” In iOS 12 it will be easy to set up bedtime parameters on kids’ phones and tablets.
Notifications are often a huge distraction (I personally do not allow any on my phone except for receiving phone calls and texts), but with the update you will be able to easily control when notifications can be displayed and delivered to you (or to your child).
In conclusion, I want to share my fantasy: that through large public and small private discussions, involving young and old, our society will establish norms around tech limits (what children have access to and time limits) and technology will seamlessly support these norms.
For Today’s Tech Talk Tuesday let’s talk to our kids—ages 2 to 20—about the potential power and pitfalls of the Apple tool, Screen Time.
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
Hey everyone—I believe this could be a real game changer. Yesterday Apple announced that later this month it will release a new software update—operating system iOS 12— which will include several much-needed functions in a tool named “Screen Time.” This tool helps parents control aspects of kids’ time spent on phones and tablets. Google has similar controls for Android phones that can be managed through its Family Link app, but today I am writing about iPhones and iPads.
For years I’ve been speaking and writing about the need for technology manufacturers to add easy screentime parental controls to their devices. Until now, parents could put apps on kids’ phones to try to do things like this, but youth are able to bypass the apps by disabling the VPN, or by other means. So, Apple’s new functions are a really big deal.
Screen Time will have many features, including a program that records time spent on various apps. Currently, if someone wants to know the amount of time spent on apps, they have to download a third-party app. My son Chase did this recently with the app called Moment to track his time. He was surprised by how much time he was on his phone and how frequently he was checking it just out of habit throughout the day. Now, this function will automatically be installed with the iPhone update. Parents and youth will be able to get activity reports from their “Family Sharing” account in iCloud. Knowing use patterns of various apps can help direct conversations about what individual behaviors need modification.
Screen Time will enable parents to set time limits for usage for individual apps, through the tool, “App Limits.” It will even notify children when their time is almost done. This warning can help youth more calmly transition off their devices.
Now parents will be able to control the apps they do not want their children using during school hours, such as Instagram and Snapchat, while keeping others on their phones during school, such as Quizlet (an app that mimics flashcards). This function will be helpful at home as well. As I always say, “Sleep is Supreme.” In iOS 12 it will be easy to set up bedtime parameters on kids’ phones and tablets.
Notifications are often a huge distraction (I personally do not allow any on my phone except for receiving phone calls and texts), but with the update you will be able to easily control when notifications can be displayed and delivered to you (or to your child).
In conclusion, I want to share my fantasy: that through large public and small private discussions, involving young and old, our society will establish norms around tech limits (what children have access to and time limits) and technology will seamlessly support these norms.
For Today’s Tech Talk Tuesday let’s talk to our kids—ages 2 to 20—about the potential power and pitfalls of the Apple tool, Screen Time.
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
One phrase I’ve often used over the years is “fighting fire with fire,” and when it comes to managing screen time, this idea can really come in handy. Incorporating parental controls into your family’s screen time routine can make things run more smoothly at home. And summer is an ideal time to consider this approach.
READ MORE >
A topic I hear from parents regularly is regret—regret about saying yes to a tech device too soon. Maybe it was a smartphone, a smartwatch, a gaming console in the bedroom, or allowing social media. Today’s post is about how to reverse course on a tech decision for your child thoughtfully — and possibly prevent even deeper regret down the road.
READ MORE >
As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, I want to share my perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach. If you have decided to move forward, my team and I have worked hard to compile a detailed chart of simple phone and watch recommendations to help you choose the best option.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
