Securing an iPad for Kid-Friendly Use – Managing Screen Time: Restrictions Locally on iDevice vs Family Sharing
Too Long Didn’t Read? (TL;DR):
One device or no Apple device yourself – local is easiest.
Many devices or you own an Apple device yourself – Family Sharing is probably what you want.
What is it:
Local Management: configure settings on the child’s device itself. How to configure local management.
Family Sharing: an Apple feature which provides tools for parents to manage and monitor their children’s usage of Apple devices and content, as well as sharing access to Apple services such as Apple Music, App store, storage etc. How to configure family sharing.
1. Differences Between Local Management and Family Sharing
Local Management:
Screen Time settings are managed directly on the child’s device.
Requires physical access to the device to set limits, adjust settings, or monitor usage.
Settings apply only to the specific device unless configured on multiple devices separately.
Family Sharing Management:
Allows remote management of Screen Time settings across all devices signed into the child’s iCloud account.
Parents can monitor and adjust Screen Time limits from their own devices without needing access to the child’s device.
Shared purchases and app downloads can be controlled and restricted.
2. Pros and Cons of Local Management
Pros:
Simple and easy to set up directly on the device.
No need for an additional account or setup process.
Can be suitable if managing only one device.
Cons:
Requires physical access to the child’s device every time you want to make changes.
Settings only apply to the specific device, not to other devices the child may use.
Monitoring is limited to when you have access to the device, making it harder to track usage in real-time.
3. Pros and Cons of Family Sharing Management
Pros:
Allows for remote management and monitoring of all devices under the child’s account.
Easier to manage multiple devices in the family (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Mac) with one set of Screen Time settings.
Parents can monitor Screen Time and app usage in real-time from their own devices.
Controls shared purchases, app downloads, and iCloud features, offering a more comprehensive solution for managing the child’s device use.
Cons:
Requires setting up Family Sharing, which can take time.
Both parent and child devices need to be connected to the same Family Sharing account.
Some parents may find the process of managing multiple accounts or users more complicated compared to local management.
Limited to iOS and macOS devices; cannot manage non-Apple devices
Children may find ways to temporarily circumvent setting changes such as by turning on flight mode, click here to limit this
