The Screen Time app for the iPhone, introduced during WWDC in 2018, helps you track your daily app and website usage. Designed by the Cupertino team, this app addresses concerns about smartphone addiction and also offers parental controls to manage a child’s screen time on iPhones and iPads.
What’s the Latest with Screen Time?
Last year, Apple acknowledged a bug in Screen Time that allowed children to bypass set time limits on their devices. This bug enabled kids to access apps and websites for longer than intended, raising alarms among parents. Despite attempts to fix it with iOS updates, the issue persisted for some users.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, security researchers and users flagged ongoing problems with Screen Time even after updates. Issues included access to blocked websites, ineffective app limits, inaccurate screen usage charts, and missing time requests.
An Apple spokesperson assured ongoing efforts to enhance Screen Time through software updates. The company aims to address these issues in future releases like iOS 17.5.2 or iOS 18.
What Can Parents Do?
If you’re using Screen Time to monitor your child’s device usage, it’s crucial to ensure that blocked apps and websites remain inaccessible. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time on your Apple device.
- Tap App & Website Activity, then Turn On App & Website Activity.
- Set up Family Sharing by tapping Set Up Screen Time for Family.
- Use Family Sharing for reports and settings adjustments.
- Parents or legal guardians can create child accounts for those aged 12 or under.
Looking ahead, Apple may unveil improvements for Screen Time during WWDC 2024 on June 10th at 10 am PDT/1 pm EDT. While significant changes are unlikely, updates could enhance user experience and address existing bugs effectively.
Stay tuned for more news on how Apple plans to optimize Screen Time with upcoming software releases!
