Apple expands child safety tools, new parental controls and Screen Time features coming to iPhone, iPad and Mac – Firstpost | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey

The debate over children’s online safety is no longer confined to parents and educators. Around the world, governments are increasingly scrutinising the impact of social media and digital platforms on young people’s mental wellbeing, with concerns ranging from excessive screen time and online addiction to exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying.

Several countries have already moved to restrict social media access for younger users, with some introducing or proposing bans for children under the age of 16. Against this backdrop, at
WWDC 2026, Apple has unveiled a major expansion of its child safety and parental control tools, aiming to give families greater oversight of how children use technology while promoting healthier digital habits.

The new features, arriving later this year through Apple’s software updates, focus on three key areas: what content children can access, who they can communicate with, and how much time they spend using apps. Together, the changes represent one of the company’s most comprehensive efforts yet to help parents navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

Apple gives more control to parents

At the centre of the update is Apple’s Child Account system, which enables age-appropriate protections across its ecosystem. Parents setting up a new iPhone, iPad or Mac for their child will be guided through a simplified setup process that automatically applies safeguards tailored to the child’s age.

Child Accounts restrict access to adult websites, ensure age-appropriate media recommendations and apply App Store restrictions. Apple says the accounts are required for children under 13 and can be used for anyone up to the age of 18.

One of the biggest additions is a new approach to app access. Rather than allowing children unrestricted access to all available applications, parents can choose a carefully controlled starting point. They can permit only a handful of essential apps, select from a curated collection or manually decide which apps are appropriate. More apps can then be added gradually as children grow older and gain greater independence.

Apple is also extending its parental approval model beyond apps. While Ask to Buy already requires parental permission before downloading applications or making in-app purchases, a new feature called Ask to Browse brings similar controls to web browsing. Children will need approval before accessing a new website through Safari, helping parents maintain closer oversight of online activity across iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Communication tools are receiving significant upgrades as well. Parents can already manage who their children contact through Messages, FaceTime and Phone. The latest update allows parents to require approval before a child can communicate with a new contact, creating an additional layer of protection against unwanted interactions.

Meanwhile, Apple’s Communication Safety feature is becoming more sophisticated. The system currently detects and blurs nudity in Messages and FaceTime. With the upcoming update, it will also identify graphic violent or gory content in shared photos and videos, intervening before children view potentially disturbing material. The feature remains enabled by default for users under 18.

Screen time management is another major focus. Apple is introducing Time Allowances, enabling parents to set limits across broad categories such as Social Media, Entertainment and Games rather than configuring restrictions app by app. The company says parents will receive recommendations based on expert guidance and a child’s age, although settings can be customised to suit individual family needs.

The company is also enhancing scheduling tools. Parents can now create detailed daily and weekly schedules that determine when certain apps or categories are accessible. This could help reduce distractions during school hours, encourage outdoor activities or support healthier bedtime routines.

A redesigned Screen Time dashboard ties these features together. The updated interface provides parents with an at-a-glance overview of device usage, including average screen time and the most frequently used apps. Adjustments can be made quickly, allowing parents to temporarily extend access or introduce restrictions during family meals, study sessions or other important moments.

Which Apple devices are eligible?

The new child safety and parental control features will roll out later this year through Apple’s latest software updates for supported iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.

Many of the features are designed to work seamlessly across Apple’s ecosystem, meaning parents can manage permissions, browsing requests, communication approvals and screen time settings from multiple devices. This integrated approach ensures children receive consistent protections regardless of which Apple device they are using.

Apple has also launched a dedicated online resource centre for parents, offering setup guides, educational resources and answers to common questions. Alongside the new features, families will continue to have access to existing tools such as Screen Time passcode notifications, harmful-content reporting systems and Apple Watch for Kids, which allows parents to stay connected with children who do not yet own an iPhone.

As policymakers, researchers and parents continue to grapple with the effects of digital technology on younger generations, Apple’s latest update signals a broader shift in the industry towards stronger safeguards and more hands-on parental controls. Rather than simply limiting access, the company is betting that giving families greater flexibility and visibility will help children develop healthier relationships with technology from an early age.