Best iPad Parent Control App?

[mk4gtiturbo]

Sorry if this is the wrong section but I assumed this will get most hits. I'm not going into detail (yet) but what are peoples recommendations on iPad Control apps for kids?

I'd like to be able to restrict what apps he can access and times. I've tried a quick Google and there are hundreds so thought I'd ask what other are using.

Thanks

[eybic]

Think there are some options within the settings under General then restrictions.

[mk4gtiturbo]

I have looked at that, but I have been talking to a few people and there is an app available that is a bit more comprehensive but they couldn't remember the name of it so I thought I'd ask on here

[feef]

To extend what Eybic said, you can restrict what is accessed with the standard settings, but not 'when'.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201304

My boy has an Amazon Fire. The parental controls on that are far more comprehensive such that it has a 'kid' mode which removes access to most controls and settings, and then you can also limit access based on time of day and duration of use. That's granular to the point of saying how many hours you want to allow on films, apps/games or reading. I think my boy has 1hr on films and games and 2 hrs on reading atm.

[mk4gtiturbo]

That's the sort of thing I'm after.

I overheard a conversation he had with one of his mates basically saying they would Skype each other once we had gone to bed "like they did last week"

Time to access the internet would be a good feature!!

[feef]

mk4gtiturbo said:

That's the sort of thing I'm after.

I overheard a conversation he had with one of his mates basically saying they would Skype each other once we had gone to bed "like they did last week"

Time to access the internet would be a good feature!!

Have a look at your wifi router. Mine has a 'guest' network which means visitors can use my wifi and get internet access but have no local network access (so can't access printers, file shares and whatnot). Unless he NEEDS access to other devices on the network from his iDevice, then you could use that and schedule the guest network to only operate at certain times.

Make sure you keep the wifi key to the 'main' network secret and have changed the router's admin settings and password so it can't be overridden.

Even without the guest network, your router MAY allow some restrictions on access to services/sites, or from certain devices at certain times. Whether that would also impact your usage or not would depend on the router

[eybic]

You may be able to restrict access to the internet through your router. We have a BT HH5 and set time restrictions up for the 15 year old's devices (no access between 2230 & 0600 for example). All the connected devices are in a drop down menu.

[seyre1972]

Hi - take a look @ OurPact

Can manage both IOS and Android devices. Works on a Policy based (so you install a certificate onto the devices) and then you manage the Policy from your OurPact account.

Always fun to hear the cries of anguish when all their apps disappear ...... You can grant extensions/or turn off in the middle of the day if the little st/darling doesn't keep their side of the Pact !!

Not sure of the content filter portion - for that you maybe better at looking the IOS itslef - and /or at your Router and it's capabilities.

[interstellar]

+1 for our pact.

It restricts times and works well.

My daughter has wifi only so it will only take a command from "our pact" if she is on wifi to receive the signal.

[plasticpig]

I bet most kids would love an app to control their parents

[Steve Campbell]

How about something more simple, like, you aren't taking the iPad or anything similar into the bedroom ?

You don't need apps to be a great parent ;-). Expect major tantrums, "but all my mates do it" & a thousand other excuses as to why he now considers you the worst parent in the world

Electronic stimulation before bedtime (for any of us ;-)) isn't good for a good nights sleep anyway. My son has never been allowed his electronic devices in the bedroom at bedtime....Simple as......

Edited by Steve Campbell on Wednesday 7th December 15:05

[mk4gtiturbo]

He actually on a complete technology ban at the moment because of his actions but I think it's slowly sinking in, especially when we used one of our friends as an example.

We don't mind him using the iPad as he really enjoys it and it quite IT savvy (or it keeps him quiet). He really enjoys making videos and editing them in iMovie and, to be honest, he's really quite good at it!

[Steve Campbell]

Yep, no problem with technology. My little teenager has iPad (they use it in school aswell), iPhone and PS4. All have rules about when they can and can't be used & for how long. Bedroom is out of bounds for technology. He doesn't even question it anymore :-). As per your current situation, sanctions involve gradual or complete removal if he's being a pain. The school have even told parents they will fully support removal of iPads for sanctions, even though they need them in class sometimes. He's not gone that far yet....but it's been close ! Oh the joys of teenage life.......in my day I was just trying to negotiate staying out playing with my mates later !!

[mk4gtiturbo]

Mine is only just 10. Up until now he hasn't needed any kind of restrictions because he did what he was told (sort of) but now he's a full on practicing pre-teen, strops and all. I'm going to try OurPact.

[VEX]

We use Screentime.

Had it on from day one, so we had no real fights from either of our girls about it.

Timed use,
Out of hours lock out
School hours, limiting access to specific apps,

Chores completed, earning extra time.
Send them messages about leaving or dinner time.
Daily reports about useage.

Well worth it for piece of mind.

[interstellar]

I would recommend it, it takes all the issue out of you taking it off them. When it reaches 8pm for example my daughter puts it down with no fuss at all and does something constructive.