In June 2021, Apple introduced the latest version of the iOS operating system, iOS 15, which will be released this September. There are lots of iOS 15 new features for FaceTime calls, tools to reduce distractions while studying, working, a new notification experience, added security features, redesign for Safari, weather, and maps, and other iOS 15 safety features, etc.
However, when it comes to children or teenagers using the Internet, what are iOS 15 Child Safety features does iOS 15 have to help parents better protect their children online? The article below will help you analyze 2 important updates of iOS 15 that parents MUST know!
2 important updates of iOS 15 that parents MUST know
Safari extensions for iPhone and iPad
Previously add-ons/extensions were only available on Safari browser on Macbook, so what’s new in iOS 15? With this latest update, an add-on has been added to iPhone/iPad that further improves the user’s iPhone and iPad surfing experience.
Through downloading from the App Store, users can use the utility to password protect the browser, shop securely, translate content on the browser, and more.
In terms of child safety on the internet, this is a great opportunity for parents to take advantage and download add-ons that help filter out harmful content such as porn, gore, accidents, murder, violence, etc on the websites children visit, better protect your children on iPhone and iPad. This is not just limited to computers as it used to be.
While we wait for CyberPurify to develop Safari extensions for iPhone and iPad (which coming very soon), in the meantime, don’t forget to be proactive in making sure your kids’ online environment is safer and healthier by using an online content filtering tool – considered by many parents as one of the best free parental control software to hide 15 types of harmful content on the Internet, including:
- Pornography
- Horrifying content like gore, accidents, ghosts, violence, murder, terrorism, etc
- Content about stimulants, addictive substances such as alcohol, beer, marijuana, drugs, etc
- Content with aggressive elements, hurting others like Hate speech
This free porn blocker extension can help to minimize your child’s access to harmful content, ensuring a healthy online environment for your child but at the same time, not invading their privacy rights.
In addition, parents can also consider applying a variety of solutions that CyberPurify has prepared for you to set up parental controls on your children’s devices to filter harmful content, limit the use of devices device, or some other features for kids like no in-app purchases.
You may need some online safety tips for kids below:
- How to set up parental controls on Macbook
- How to block porn sites on Google Chrome
- How to block porn sites on Safari
- Set up parental controls for Microsoft Edge
- Set up parental controls for Youtube
Screen Time API
Basic information
The Screen Time API allows 3rd party app developers to create apps that help parents manage what their kids do on their devices (iPhone, iPad) such as setting restrictions: locking accounts, prevent password changes or limit access to applications.
While these features are already available in Apple’s Screen time, the Screen Time API enables developers to build their own experiences and extend the functionality using Apple’s system.
Third-party apps can also create features like alerting your child when an app or device’s time is running out. When the time expires, this third-party app will lock access to websites and apps and may remind kids it’s time to do homework.
Apps, on the other hand, can motivate kids to get access to screen time after they’ve completed some other task, like doing homework, reading, or doing chores, etc.
In short, Screen Time API gives parents access to more choices of parental control apps on iPhone and iPad in the future.
What is the reason for the introduction of Screen Time API?
In 2019, not long after Apple developed the Screen time feature, they removed a series of screen time control apps or parental controls apps that are allowed from the App Store (some apps already exist on the App Store for years). The move brought Apple to face an antitrust hearing last June.
App developers have used a variety of methods such as background location, VPN, and MDM-based solutions to track device usage, as there are no official means to do so.
Image source: Graeme Jennings-Pool / Getty Images
At the hearing, Apple’s CEO argued that MDM technology used by third-party apps could take control of children’s screens, so they were concerned about “children’s privacy and security” and that the technology that those applications use is problematic.
MDM technology is designed for business use – such as managing employee devices, allowing device location access, controlling email and app usage, and setting permissions differently. In a way, that’s why it’s so desirable for parents to control their kids’ iPhones.
And when demand begets supply, application developers saw the hole in the market and sought to fill it using the tools at their disposal.
On the other hand, the way apps use MDM also brings privacy risks. But instead of banning this app outright, Apple should give them an alternative like building a developer API – which we see they are about to update this month.
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