Step By Step Guide To Setting Up Parental Controls On A New IPad

Bringing home a new iPad for your child can be exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Without proper safeguards, unrestricted access to apps, websites, and screen time can quickly become overwhelming or even harmful. Setting up parental controls—known as Screen Time in iOS—is essential for maintaining a healthy digital environment. This guide walks you through every step, from initial setup to advanced restrictions, so you can confidently manage how your child uses their device.

Why Parental Controls Matter on an iPad

iPads are powerful tools for learning and creativity, but they also open doors to social media, online shopping, and content that may not be age-appropriate. Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature gives parents granular control over usage, app access, content filters, and communication. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, consistent digital boundaries help children develop healthier relationships with technology, improve sleep, and reduce exposure to inappropriate material.

Unlike third-party apps, Screen Time is deeply integrated into iOS, making it more reliable and harder for tech-savvy kids to bypass. It’s available on all iPads running iOS 12 or later, including models used by toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

Tip: Always set up parental controls during initial iPad setup—before handing the device to your child—to avoid accidental exposure.

Step-by-Step Setup: Configuring Screen Time and Restrictions

The foundation of parental control on any iPad is Apple’s Screen Time feature. Follow this sequence to configure it properly:

1. Turn on the iPad and proceed through the standard setup (language, Wi-Fi, etc.).
2. When prompted with “Set Up for Child,” select Continue. If skipped, go to Settings > Screen Time later.
3. Choose This iPad Belongs to a Child to enable child-specific protections.
4. Select the child’s age. This automatically adjusts content and privacy settings based on developmental appropriateness.
5. Enable Screen Time if not already active.
6. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and create a 4-digit passcode. Do not share this with your child.
7. Confirm the passcode and store it securely (e.g., password manager).

Once enabled, Screen Time begins monitoring app usage and allows you to enforce limits and restrictions.

Daily Usage Monitoring and App Limits

One of Screen Time’s most valuable features is the ability to set daily time limits for specific apps or categories. For example, you might allow 1 hour of games per day or 30 minutes of social media.

To set app limits:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
2. Tap Add Limit.
3. Select a category (e.g., Games, Social Networking) or choose specific apps.
4. Set the allowed time (e.g., 1 hour).
5. Decide whether the limit applies every day or only on certain days.
6. Tap Add.

When time runs out, the app will lock. The child can request more time, but you must approve it via Face ID, Touch ID, or your Screen Time passcode.

Tip: Use downtime to encourage non-screen activities. Set it during homework hours, meals, or bedtime.

Content & Privacy Restrictions: Filtering What Your Child Sees

Beyond time management, controlling what content your child accesses is equally important. Content & Privacy Restrictions let you filter websites, restrict explicit music, block adult apps, and disable features like Siri web searches.

How to Enable Content Restrictions

1. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Toggle the switch to on.
3. Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted.
4. Adjust the following sections:

Section	Recommended Setting	Why It Matters
Content Restrictions > Web Content	Limit Adult Websites or Specific Websites Only	Blocks access to adult content and unapproved domains.
Content Restrictions > Music, Podcasts, News	Explicit Content: Don’t Allow	Prevents exposure to mature lyrics or topics.
Content Restrictions > Apps	Choose minimum age rating (e.g., 9+)	Stops installation of apps unsuitable for age group.
Privacy	Disable Location Services, Contacts, Calendars for untrusted apps	Protects personal data from being shared without consent.
Allow Changes	Disable changes to Account Settings, Cellular Data, Multiplayer Gaming	Prevents child from disabling restrictions or altering key settings.

“Parents often underestimate how quickly kids can navigate beyond intended content. Built-in filters like restricted web browsing significantly reduce risk.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Child Digital Wellness Researcher, Stanford University

Managing Communication and Contact Safety

For younger users, uncontrolled messaging and FaceTime calls can pose safety risks. Apple’s Communication Limits help ensure your child only interacts with approved contacts.

To set communication rules:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits.
2. Select During Screen Time and/or During Downtime.
3. Choose Contacts Only under “Who Can You Allow?”
4. Ensure your child’s trusted contacts (family, close friends) are saved in their iPhone or iCloud contacts.

If a stranger or unapproved contact tries to message or call, the request will be blocked or require parental approval.

You can also schedule communication windows. For instance, allow messages only between 3 PM and 7 PM on school days.

Real-Life Example: The Miller Family

The Millers gave their 10-year-old daughter her first iPad for schoolwork and educational games. Within a week, she downloaded a chat-based game with public forums. Unaware of the risks, she began exchanging messages with strangers. After noticing unusual behavior, her parents reviewed Screen Time reports and discovered high usage in the app. They immediately enabled Communication Limits, restricted app downloads, and set up weekly family check-ins to review activity. Since then, her usage has been safer and more focused on learning.

This case highlights how easy it is for children to drift into risky digital spaces—and how effective proactive controls can be.

Additional Security Measures and Best Practices

While Screen Time covers most bases, consider these extra steps to strengthen protection:

• Disable In-App Purchases: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Require Password or Don’t Allow.
• Turn Off Siri Web Searches: Under Privacy Restrictions, disable “Siri Can Search the Web” to prevent AI-driven access to unfiltered results.
• Use Family Sharing: Link the child’s iPad to your Apple ID via Family Sharing (Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing). This lets you remotely manage settings, approve purchases, and locate the device.
• Enable Ask to Buy: For children under 13, this feature requires your approval before any app download or in-app purchase.
• Regularly Review Screen Time Reports: Check weekly usage summaries to spot trends, such as rising social media use or late-night activity.

Tip: Schedule a monthly “digital check-up” where you and your child review Screen Time reports together—this builds trust and awareness.

Parental Control Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure full protection is in place:

• ✅ Set up the iPad as belonging to a child during initial configuration
• ✅ Enabled Screen Time with a secure passcode
• ✅ Set daily app limits for games, social media, and entertainment
• ✅ Configured Downtime (e.g., 8 PM to 7 AM)
• ✅ Enabled Content & Privacy Restrictions
• ✅ Restricted adult websites and explicit content
• ✅ Limited app installations by age rating
• ✅ Set Communication Limits to “Contacts Only”
• ✅ Disabled in-app purchases and Siri web search
• ✅ Joined Family Sharing and enabled Ask to Buy
• ✅ Reviewed first-week usage report

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child turn off Screen Time?

No—if a Screen Time passcode is set, the child cannot disable it without your permission. Even restarting the device won’t remove restrictions. However, always keep the passcode secure and never share it.

What if I forget my Screen Time passcode?

Unfortunately, Apple does not provide a recovery option. If you forget the passcode, you must erase the iPad and set it up again. To prevent this, store the passcode in a trusted password manager or secure location.

Can I control my teen’s iPad remotely?

Yes. Using Family Sharing and the Screen Time settings on your own iPhone or iPad, you can adjust limits, approve app requests, and view reports remotely. Open Settings > Screen Time > [Child’s Name] to manage their device from yours.

Final Thoughts: Building Healthy Digital Habits

Setting up parental controls isn’t about surveillance—it’s about guidance. A well-configured iPad can support education, creativity, and connection while minimizing risks. By taking the time to implement these settings thoughtfully, you’re not just blocking content; you’re teaching responsibility, balance, and digital citizenship.

Technology evolves quickly, but consistent oversight and open conversations remain the best tools. Revisit these settings as your child grows, adjusting restrictions to match their maturity level. The goal isn’t a locked-down device, but a safe space where learning and growth can thrive.

💬 Have questions about managing your child’s iPad? Share your experience or ask for advice in the comments—let’s build a safer digital world together.