5 Ways iPad Features Make Parents’ Lives Easier in 2024

Did you have any idea that governing screen time would be such a major part of your role as a parent? It’s a constant conversation.

And not just with whiny kids begging for more screen time and more games. It's also being discussed among experts, educators and parents. We are all trying to find a healthy balance of digital skills and real-world experience for kids.

With schools banning phones and experts sharing the dangers of screen time, technology companies are making changes. Which in turn makes parents' lives easier.

In September, Apple will debut a selection of new features just in time for back-to-school—when on-screen homework can quickly become gaming or web browsing. Setting up an iPad for kids is now simpler than ever. Parents can customize Apple's built-in parental controls to meet their family's needs.

Screen Time

This core iPad feature allows parents to set a schedule for when apps lock and unlock. It can also be used to set time limits on each app or a category of apps. Parents can filter explicit content, restrict purchases and downloads in the app store, limit access to features like Siri web search and Game Center, and manage privacy settings all from their iPhone or iPad.

With the new iOS and iPad OS 18, parents have:

• More granular control over app usage and time limits
• The ability to create custom schedules for different days of the week
• Access to enhanced reporting features to track device usage
• ​​Improved filters for explicit content in apps, music, and videos

• The option to block specific types of apps and websites or content categories

• The ability to manage app downloads and updates

Communication safety

Before the new iOS, parents could limit who their children messaged and when they could message each other. Now, the system offers:

• Protection against sexually explicit content in messages, AirDrop, and other communication platforms

• Expanded detection capabilities for harmful content

• Option to require parental approval for sensitive content

Privacy and security

Many parents of kids with iPads have relied on guided access—using a password to lock the device on a specific app—to keep kids from sneaking web searches or playing games while listening to a podcast, for instance. Now, parents have more control with:

• The ability to lock apps with Face ID or Touch ID for added security

• The option to hide apps from the Home screen for privacy

Family Sharing

This feature makes buying apps more affordable and convenient because purchases can be shared across family devices. With the update come enhancements like:

• Expanded sharing options for subscriptions and services

• Improved tools for managing family members and Apple devices

• Enhanced location-sharing features

There are also:

• New collaborative features for apps like Photos, Notes, and Calendar
• Improved support for family gaming and entertainment
• Tools for creating shared routines and schedules

Accessibility

Technology can be tricky for family members who have visual, hearing or motor impairments. The new iOP offers:

• Improved voice control and assistive touch options
• Enhanced accessibility for people with visual, hearing, and motor impairments