If you want to make sure your kid is safe online and manages screen time responsibly on a Mac, then parental controls are the way to go. This guide shows you how to get started with setting up and using them, along with helpful tips for privacy and self-control.
How to Create a New User Account
To activate parental controls, first create a new user account for your child. Here’s what to do:
- Open System Preferences from the Dock.
- Select Users and Groups.
- Unlock the menu by entering your admin username and password.
- Click the + icon to create a new account.
- Choose “Standard” as the account type.
- Enter your child’s full name and a password for the account.
- Add a password hint in case you forget the password.
- Repeat the process for each child’s account you want to create.
How to Activate Screen Time on Mac
The Screen Time feature allows you to impose limits and restrictions on your kid’s device usage. Here’s how to activate it:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Make sure the admin account is selected (it should be by default).
- Click “Options” in the lower-left corner.
- Click “Activate” in the upper-right corner.
How to Set Restrictions on Multiple Devices
You can impose consistent restrictions on your child’s devices by sharing Screen Time info. Here’s how:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Ensure the admin account is selected (it should be by default).
- Click “Options” in the lower-left corner.
- Check the box next to “Share across devices.”
How to Add a Passcode to Screen Time
Adding a passcode to Screen Time is essential in ensuring that your child cannot change the settings. Here’s what to do:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Select your child’s account on the left-hand side.
- Click “Options” in the lower-left corner.
- Check the box next to “Use Screen Time Passcode.”
- Enter and confirm a four-digit passcode.
How to Schedule Downtime
The Downtime feature allows you to schedule a daily block of time where your child cannot access their device. Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Select your child’s account on the left-hand side.
- Click “Downtime” on the left-hand side.
- Click “Activate” to turn on Downtime.
- Choose “Daily” or “Custom” to set a schedule.
How to Set App Limits
You can limit the amount of time your child spends on specific apps using Screen Time. Here’s how:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Select your child’s account on the left-hand side.
- Click “App Limits” on the left-hand side.
- Click “Add Limit” to create a new limit for an app category.
- Select the app category you want to limit.
- Set a time limit using the buttons on the right-hand side.
- Repeat the process for each app category you want to limit.
How to Remove App Limits
To remove an app limit, go to Screen Time, and uncheck the box for the app category you no longer want to limit.
How to Configure Content Restrictions
You can set restrictions for websites, app ratings, and more using Screen Time. Here’s how:
- Go to System Preferences and select Screen Time.
- Select your child’s account on the left-hand side.
- Click “Content & Privacy” on the left-hand side.
- Click “Activate” to turn on these settings.
- Select the type of content you want to restrict (Content, Stores, Applications, or Others) and check the box next to “Restrict.”
Conclusion
Setting up parental controls on your Mac is an excellent way to ensure your child’s safety while helping them develop healthy device habits. Follow the steps detailed above to create a new user account, activate Screen Time, set restrictions on multiple devices, add a passcode to Screen Time, schedule downtime, limit app usage, and configure content restrictions.
FAQs
Can I set up parental controls on a single app?
Yes, you can use Screen Time to set time limits for specific apps on your child’s device.
Can I set up parental controls for multiple children?
Yes, you can create separate user accounts for each child and set individual parental controls for each account.
Can I set time limits for specific days of the week?
Yes, when setting up app limits or downtime, you can select “Custom” and choose specific days and times for the limits to apply.
Can parental controls restrict access to YouTube?
Yes, Screen Time allows you to restrict access to certain websites, including YouTube.
