How To Combine Family Sharing With Screen Time?

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Apple introduced Screen Time in iOS 12 and later added it to Mac with macOS Catalina. This tool allows users to monitor their device usage, schedule time away from the screen, and set app use limits for themselves or a child in their family. To use Screen Time with Family Sharing, a child must be under 18 with their own Apple ID. Parents can turn Screen Time on from their own iPhone or iPad for each child in a family when using Family Sharing. They can also enable Screen Time directly on a child’s device.

To set up iPhone parental controls using Family Sharing and Screen Time, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and go to (Your Name) > Family Sharing. Tap Screen Time, then tap your child’s name and choose to Turn On Screen Time. When you change Screen Time settings with Family Sharing, tap the name of the family member you want to change Screen Time settings for and tap “Screen Time”.

You can also add additional adults to Set up Screen Time for a family member on their device. To do so, follow the steps in Set up Screen Time or if they are in a Family Sharing group. Go to Settings, tap (your name), then Family Sharing, tap Screen Time, add a family member, and create a child account.

You can stay in the “family” for app sharing or subscriptions but the parent can no longer approve your screentime. When you create a Google Account for your child with Family Link, you can set screen time limits on their Android device or Chromebook.

In summary, Apple introduced Screen Time in iOS 12, and later added it to Mac with macOS Catalina. Users can view time spent on devices, schedule time away from the screen, and set app use limits for themselves or a child in their family. Parents can also use Screen Time to control apps and content on their devices.

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📹 Setup iPhone Parental controls using Family Sharing and Screen Time

In this video, I’ll show you how to set up iPhone parental controls using Family Sharing and Screen Time. I’ll also show you how to …


Who Can Use Screen Time In A Family Group
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Who Can Use Screen Time In A Family Group?

Adults in a family group can assume the roles of parent or guardian, leveraging Screen Time and parental controls to monitor app and website usage. They can aid in managing usage frequency, sidestepping inappropriate content, approving purchases, and tracking locations. To initiate Screen Time for a family member, one can follow setup protocols, or, if they are the Family Sharing organizer, adjust the settings from their own device. Device-specific limits can be established, but they must be linked to the family group.

With Screen Time, content and privacy restrictions can be activated, maintaining control over apps, purchases, downloads, and privacy settings. Families have designated roles; a family organizer can establish usage limits, while Screen Time reporting offers insights into daily and weekly device usage. The Microsoft Family Safety tool promotes balanced online habits, allowing users to dictate usage times. Two primary methods exist for activating Screen Time via Family Sharing: within Screen Time settings or Family Sharing settings, both manageable from the organizer's device.

Strategies for establishing screen-free zones and media agreements enhance healthy digital habits. Furthermore, parents should be aware of common Screen Time workarounds, such as kids requesting additional minutes of usage. Ultimately, effective Screen Time management is pivotal in nurturing balanced online behavior for children in the family.

How Does Screen Time Work
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How Does Screen Time Work?

Screen Time, incorporated in iOS 12, allows users to track time spent on devices, helping both adults and children manage their screen usage. It enables the monitoring of app and website activity, clearly illustrating how much time is dedicated to each, which apps are most frequently used, and when devices are most active. Users can set time limits for specific applications and schedule breaks from screen time. This feature is essential for parents, offering insights into their children's digital habits, including the duration and frequency of app usage and notifications received.

A report generated by Screen Time includes details such as total device engagement and the number of times the iPhone is picked up. Parents are encouraged to engage with their kids during screen time, guiding them toward meaningful activities and avoiding excessive use. Despite the potential for misuse, Screen Time supports healthier digital habits, particularly in light of studies suggesting that excessive screen time can negatively impact children's cognitive development. Overall, Screen Time is located in the Settings app of iPhones and iPads and is pivotal for fostering responsible screen habits within families.

Why Won T My Apple Family Sharing Work
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Why Won T My Apple Family Sharing Work?

To access shared content through Apple Family Sharing, ensure your device meets system requirements: an iPhone or iPad with iOS 9 or later, or a Mac running OS X El Capitan 10. 11 or later. Older devices will not be compatible. A common issue is the inability to locate shared content, like Media and Purchases or Apple TV. First, check your purchase sharing settings and ensure that all family members are using the correct Apple IDs. Confirm that purchase sharing is enabled.

If you encounter location sharing issues, where "Share My Location" shows as disabled, verify in Settings under Apple ID that it’s active. Restarting your device may resolve minor glitches. Other troubleshooting tips include checking Apple’s System Status, restarting the device, or performing a factory reset if necessary.

Common reasons for Family Sharing problems include incorrect subscription plans, like using an Individual Apple Music plan instead of a Family plan. For effective management, ensure family members are correctly added to the Family Group and can see shared subscriptions in Settings. Sign in issues might require multiple attempts to sign out and back in. Always ensure internet connectivity and that all devices are on the same network. Regular updates and signing back into your iCloud account can also help in fixing Family Sharing functionality issues.

How Do I Check My Screen Time On Family Link
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How Do I Check My Screen Time On Family Link?

Para establecer límites de tiempo en pantalla para aplicaciones, sigue estos pasos. Primero, accede a la pantalla de controles y selecciona "Límites de aplicaciones". Allí podrás ver un desglose del tiempo que tu hijo pasa en diferentes aplicaciones y bloquear aquellas en las que ha pasado demasiado tiempo. Con Google Family Link, puedes crear una cuenta para tu hijo y gestionar el tiempo de pantalla en su dispositivo Android o Chromebook. Además, Family Link te permite supervisar el uso del dispositivo, el tiempo de pantalla y recibir recomendaciones de contenido.

Si habilitas el uso compartido de datos de actividad de aplicaciones, obtendrás más información sobre el tiempo que tu hijo pasa en cada aplicación. Desde la aplicación, puedes establecer horarios de descanso, límites diarios de tiempo de pantalla y bloquear o aprobar la descarga de aplicaciones. Para gestionar el tiempo de pantalla, selecciona el nombre de tu hijo y haz clic en "Destacados". Con Family Link, puedes ayudar a tu hijo a encontrar un equilibrio saludable en su uso de dispositivos, estableciendo límites diarios, horarios de descanso y supervisando la actividad en línea.

How Do I Access Family Screen Time
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How Do I Access Family Screen Time?

To manage screen time for family members, navigate to Settings > Screen Time on your device. Choose a family member under the Family section to set screen time limits. In Microsoft Family Safety, you can schedule usage times for connected Windows and Xbox devices. On an iPhone or iPad, select your child's name within Screen Time settings, enable Content and Privacy Restrictions, and set specific usage limits. For Android devices, use Google Family Link to establish screen time boundaries. To set up Screen Time, open the Settings app on your device or your child's device, ensuring they are using iOS 13 or higher. Options include managing screen time directly or utilizing Family Sharing functionalities. Use the Smart Family app to track location and manage controls. Sign in to the Family Link app to adjust app limits for your child's device. The process can vary slightly depending on the device type, whether it's a phone, tablet, or computer. Once everything is configured, you can view and modify screen time settings as needed to promote healthier digital habits within your family.

How Do I Enable Screen Time For Family Sharing
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How Do I Enable Screen Time For Family Sharing?

Enable Screen Time for Family Sharing via the Screen Time or Family Sharing settings. To set it up through Screen Time, go to Settings on your device, select Screen Time, and tap 'Set Up Screen Time for Family.' You can configure Screen Time for a family member's device or, if you're the organizer in a Family Sharing group, do it from your device. In Settings, tap Screen Time, select your child's name under Family, and manage Content and Privacy Restrictions by entering your Screen Time passcode. You can remotely adjust settings through your device by navigating to Settings > Screen Time. Alternatively, set Screen Time settings online at family. microsoft. com or using Microsoft Family Safety or Xbox Family Settings apps.

To schedule downtime or manage settings for your child's device, ensure you're their guardian and the device is part of your Family Sharing account. Although parents can control settings, children can potentially disable Screen Time if they know how. Thus, it's essential to be aware of possible workarounds. For effective management, parents should create child accounts within Family Sharing, ensuring supervision is in place. Remember, Family Sharing is accessible when the child is under 18 and appropriately registered.

Why Is Screen Time Not Working On Family Sharing
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Why Is Screen Time Not Working On Family Sharing?

To troubleshoot issues with Family Sharing and Screen Time, start by disabling "Share Across Devices" in Settings > Screen Time, then re-enable it and test again. If this doesn't resolve your issue, check if "Ask to Buy" is enabled and consider disabling it as well. Navigate to Settings > (your name) > Family Sharing to access these features. Ensure that your device is updated to the latest OS, as outdated software can cause connectivity issues. If you encounter a blank Screen Time screen within Family Sharing, verify that family members have accepted their invites and that you are listed as a parent/guardian. If the Screen Time feature is grayed out, consult the Family Organizer for assistance.

To refresh settings, consider toggling "Ask to Buy" off and on again, or disabling and re-enabling Screen Time. If the issue persists, restart the devices involved, or clear usage data. Ensure Location Services are enabled for Screen Time and check all devices for the most recent updates. If you've recently encountered a bug affecting Screen Time limits, be aware that this is a known issue. Perform a force restart if necessary and temporarily turn off Low Power Mode to enhance performance. Following these steps should help restore functionality to Screen Time within your Family Sharing setup.

How Does Screen Time Work For Family Sharing
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How Does Screen Time Work For Family Sharing?

To manage your child's Screen Time using Family Sharing, navigate to Settings > Screen Time on your device and select your child's name. Follow the on-screen prompts to customize their Screen Time settings. Introduced with iOS 12 and later added to Mac with macOS Catalina, Screen Time helps you monitor device usage. You can enable Content and Privacy Restrictions to control content, apps, and privacy settings, including restricting explicit content and purchases. Screen Time can be set up directly on your child’s device or remotely through Family Sharing if you're the organizer. Ensure all devices in your Family Sharing group are compatible to utilize all features effectively.

You can also adjust Screen Time settings remotely by following these steps: go to Settings, tap Screen Time, scroll to select your child’s name, and then manage their settings. Apple provides resources for parental controls applicable to devices like iPhones and iPads, while you can create screen-free zones and times, and establish family media agreements to promote healthier digital habits. Parents can also schedule usage limits with the Downtime feature and receive breakdowns of app and website usage. Overall, Screen Time and Family Sharing are valuable tools for parents to oversee and manage children's technology use seamlessly.

What Happens When A Child Turns 13 On Apple Family Sharing
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What Happens When A Child Turns 13 On Apple Family Sharing?

Under 13: You must be part of a Family Sharing group, and your parent or guardian must create an Apple ID for you, which will automatically be added to the group. If you are between 13-17, you can leave the group unless your parent has enabled Screen Time on your account; in that case, you’ll need their permission. The 13 age limit only allows for removal from the Family Sharing group, but it doesn’t affect your account's functionality or restrictions.

On your 13th birthday (or the minimum age specific to your region), you’ll have the option to maintain your account without being part of Family Sharing. Accounts for users aged 13+ become independent, meaning they can choose to leave the group, although parental controls remain effective unless disabled by someone with the appropriate password.

Once turned 18, your account automatically transitions from "Child" to "Adult," granting you access to additional features. To create an Apple Account for a child under 13, a parent or guardian needs to provide personal details. Family Sharing and parental control remain applicable until age 13, post which management can be adjusted.

How Do I Set Up Screen Time For A Family Member
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How Do I Set Up Screen Time For A Family Member?

To set up Screen Time for a family member, you can do it directly on their device or through Family Sharing if you're the organizer. Screen Time allows you to establish limits on devices connected to your family group. You can manage settings online and impose age-related restrictions on content, purchases, downloads, and privacy when configuring Screen Time on a child’s device. If you wish to adjust settings remotely, go to Settings > Screen Time on your device and follow the necessary steps. For a Microsoft Family setup, access the Microsoft Family page to set screen time limits for a child’s Windows device. Ensure you have a single schedule set up with the latest Windows update. For Apple devices, navigate to Settings > Screen Time and activate it for your child’s iPhone. To manage Screen Time through Family Sharing on iOS 12, be a family organizer or parent/guardian, and ensure your child is under 18. Various apps, like the Microsoft Family Safety app and Xbox Family Settings app, help manage screen time effectively.

How Can I Monitor My Child'S IPhone On Family Sharing
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How Can I Monitor My Child'S IPhone On Family Sharing?

To set up parental controls on your child's iPhone or iPad, start by opening the Settings app and tapping on Screen Time. Select your child's name under Family and tap Content and Privacy Restrictions. If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode, then activate these restrictions to manage content, apps, and device settings. This includes preventing access to explicit content, in-app purchases, and limiting web content. For effective monitoring, add your child's iPhone to your Family Sharing account, and enable Screen Time.

By setting up Downtime, App Limits, and Content Restrictions, you can oversee device usage, locations, and purchases. Family Sharing allows up to six members to share purchases and subscriptions while enabling parents to limit screen time for teenagers. You should initially configure Family Sharing from your iPhone or iPad. To set up a child account, go to Settings, select your name, and choose Family Sharing to add your child. Follow the prompts to create the account. Additionally, ensure parental controls are appropriately managed for children over the age of 13 to maintain their safety and usage limits.

Why Isn'T Screen Time Working With Family Sharing
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Why Isn'T Screen Time Working With Family Sharing?

If Screen Time isn't functioning correctly with Family Sharing, try the following troubleshooting methods: Ensure both devices are running the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Disable and re-enable Screen Time in Settings on both devices. Sign out and back into iCloud on both devices and restart them. If you encounter issues like Screen Time data not appearing in Family Sharing, check that the app is not in AllowAlways and that both devices have been updated.

Additionally, verify connectivity and confirm you are a guardian in the Family Sharing setup. On the organizer’s iPhone, navigate to Settings » iCloud to ensure correct configuration. If Screen Time is greyed out, or your child’s device is not listed, it may be due to opting out of Screen Time sharing. Make sure "Add Family Member" is enabled for visibility. You may also want to disable "Share Across Devices" in Screen Time settings and re-enable it.

If problems persist, try force restarting the devices or clearing usage data. Ensuring location services are enabled for Screen Time may also help. Restarting the devices after logging out of iCloud can resolve many issues. Following these steps should improve the functioning of Screen Time with Family Sharing.


📹 Ultimate Guide: Setting Up Family Sharing & ScreenTime Apple Devices Parental Controls Explained

Ultimate Guide: Setting Up Family Sharing & Screen Time on Apple Devices Parental Controls Explained 00:00 – Introduction …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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