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Teenagers

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Restricting individual apps on iPhone - is it possible?

6 replies

WoIsMe · 03/08/2021 08:39

My 15-year-old has been looking at some dodgy sex stuff on Reddit including asking strangers to personal message. I've blocked all the social media sites I can at the level of Wi-Fi router and added Microsoft Family to the computer which seems to be pretty well locked down now. I know there are going to be workarounds, e.g. using VPNs, so I've moved the computer into the living room for ease of supervised use for homework, watching Netflix and gaming.

It doesn't seem as easy to lock down access on the iPhone though. Even with Reddit blocked at the Wi-Fi router my phone can still use the Reddit app. Is it possible to block individual apps on a teenager’s iPhone or do I need to take the phone away? The Apple Family Sharing system only lets you restrict access if the child is under 13. I did a Mumsnet trial of the Sky Buddy system a couple of years ago but it didn't work that well at the time and I ended up deleting it because the children's iPads kept locking up. I've searched online but most of the advice seems to be aimed at younger children, not at teenagers who need to have limited access to social media rather than no access. For example, the Scouts use WhatsApp to communicate about upcoming meetings so I need to leave WhatsApp available but block Reddit, Snapchat, etc.

Can anyone help, please?

OP posts:
LarryUnderwood · 03/08/2021 08:41

Google family link?

GetTaeFuck · 03/08/2021 08:42

Do you have another iPhone or iPad? If so it’s very easy to restrict access to apps, which is why I got DD an iPhone.

bongbigboobingbongbing · 03/08/2021 08:42

I have a feeling that although the app will still work you won't be able to view any dodgy sub-Reddits with parental controls on. That seems to be the case in our house, anyway.

WisestIsShe · 03/08/2021 08:43

Can't you delete the app and make any app downloaded have to be approved by the family admin? I think that's what we did with DD.

StuntNun · 03/08/2021 09:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Lockdownlard · 03/08/2021 09:11

You can do this via iPhone screen time - you can restrict times for any apps.

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