Today, most major apps are also available on websites. Although we don’t want to get too far down in the weeds, apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and others have special coding and are referred to as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). In short, this simply means that your child can register for or access any of these apps through a browser. On iPhones, that browser is generally Safari. But other browsers can also be downloaded if you’re not managing the IOS app store.
How To Fix The Issue: (Note: Keep in mind that depending on the IOS operating system version that you are using, the screens and access to these screens might vary.)
Depending on your specific needs, there are several methods to restrict access to the browser or eliminate any browser on your child’s devices. (To eliminate access to any browser, go directly to step 5.)
To use the Content & Privacy Restrictions feature within Screen Time to restrict access to browsers on your child’s iPhone, follow these steps.
- Enable Screen Time:
- Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone.
- Tap on Screen Time.
- If it’s not already enabled, select Turn On Screen Time and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
- Set Up Content & Privacy Restrictions:
- In Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Toggle the switch to turn it on (green).
- You may need to create a Screen Time Passcode if you haven’t already. This passcode ensures that only you can modify these settings.
- Limit Adult Websites in Safari:
- Under Web Content, tap Limit Adult Websites.
- This will block access to adult content in Safari.
- If you want to allow specific websites, tap Add Website under Always Allow, and enter the URLs of those sites.
- Block Specific Websites:
- To block specific websites (in addition to the adult content list), follow these steps:
- Under Web Content, tap Limit Adult Websites.
- Now tap Add Website under Never Allow.
- Enter the URLs of the sites you want to block.
- To block specific websites (in addition to the adult content list), follow these steps:
- Restrict Other Browsers:
- While Safari is the default browser, you can also restrict other browsers like Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.
- Go back to Settings and then to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps and disable any other browsers you want to block.
Remember to choose a passcode different from the one used to unlock the device. These settings will help you manage your child’s browsing experience and keep them safe online.
Other methods Kids Are Using To Gain Access To Apps That Are Not On Their Devices
- Old Smartphones or Hand-Me-Down Devices:
– Teens might receive old smartphones from family members or friends. Even if these devices lack cellular service, they can still connect to Wi-Fi networks.
– By connecting to Wi-Fi, teens can use these devices to access apps, browse the web, and engage with social media platforms.
- Shared Devices:
– In households where multiple family members share devices, teens can use a family member’s phone or tablet to access apps.
– They might log in to their accounts or explore social media platforms using someone else’s device.
- Public Wi-Fi and Cafés:
– Teens can access apps when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those available in cafés, libraries, or shopping centers.
– They can use their own devices or borrow a friend’s device to log in and interact with apps.
- School or Library Computers:
– Teens often have access to computers at school or local libraries. While these devices may have restrictions, they can still use web browsers to access social media sites and platforms.
- Parental Controls and Restrictions:
– Some teens find ways to bypass parental controls or restrictions set by their parents.
– They might use workarounds like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access blocked content or disable location tracking features to maintain privacy.
Remember that while these methods allow access to apps, they may not provide the whole experience or features available in the official apps. Parents should stay informed about their teens’ online activities and consider using parental control tools to manage access and ensure safety online.
Other sources to consider:
1) 7 Ways Kids Bypass Parental Controls on iPhone. https://www.familyorbit.com/blog/bypass-parental-controls-on-iphone/
(3) A Complete Guide to Potentially Dangerous Apps for Kids. https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/online/a-complete-guide-to-potentially-dangerous-apps-all-parents-should-be-aware-of
(4) Can You Monitor a Cell Phone Without Installing Software? The Answer …. https://www.familyorbit.com/blog/monitor-cell-phone-without-installing-software/
(5) ‘Tinder for teens’ to anonymous feedback apps: How teenagers …. https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/apps-that-parents-of-teens-should-know-about/10901680
(6) Teens Are Online ‘Almost Constantly,’ Usually on These Apps. https://www.pcmag.com/news/teens-are-online-almost-constantly-usually-on-these-apps
(7) 6 Ways to Manage Your Teen’s Privacy and Safety Online. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-manage-your-teens-privacy-and-safety-online
(8) Parents, Here’s What You Need to Know About the Top Social Apps for Teens. https://alfred.camera/blog/apps-for-teens/
(9) Main Findings | Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2013/08/22/main-findings-3/
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