As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are safe and protected from any harm that may come their way. With the widespread use of technology and the internet, it’s becoming increasingly important to take control of our children’s online activities.

Photo smartphone on floor locked with notification label on top of screen red background 3d rendering

Unfortunately, the internet is not always a safe place, and it’s easy for children to stumble upon inappropriate content that can have negative effects on their mental and emotional wellbeing. In this article, we’ll provide you with a solution to this problem by sharing a step-by-step guide on how to block websites on your child’s iPhone. By doing so, you can help to protect your child and ensure that they have a safe and positive online experience.

Step 1: Enable Restrictions

The first step in blocking a website on iPhone is to enable restrictions. This will allow you to control what your child can and cannot access on their device. To do this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If you haven’t set up a passcode already, you’ll be prompted to do so. Once you’ve set up a passcode, turn on the Content & Privacy Restrictions toggle.

Step 2: Block Websites

After enabling restrictions, you can now proceed to block specific websites. To do this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. Here, you’ll see two options: Allowed Websites Only and Limit Adult Websites. The former option allows you to specify which websites your child can access, while the latter blocks websites that are deemed adult content by Apple. If you choose the Allowed Websites Only option, you’ll need to manually add websites that your child can visit by clicking on Add Website under the Always Allowed section.

Step 3: Add Websites to the Block List

If you want to block a specific website that’s not already on the list, you can add it manually. To do this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites > Add Website. Type in the website’s URL and click on Done. The website will now be added to the block list, and your child won’t be able to access it.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Apps

In addition to the built-in website blocking feature, there are also several third-party apps that you can use to block websites on your child’s iPhone. One such app is Freedom, which allows you to block specific websites, as well as apps and other online distractions. Another option is Norton Family, which lets you block inappropriate content, set time limits, and monitor your child’s online activities. These apps can be downloaded from the App Store and are easy to set up and use.

Step 5: Monitor Your Child’s Online Activities

While blocking websites is an effective way to protect your child from harmful content, it’s not foolproof. Your child may still come across inappropriate content on social media or other online platforms. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your child’s online activities and have open conversations with them about internet safety. Encourage your child to come to you if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or confused. By maintaining open communication, you can help your child navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Parents vary about buying an iPhone for their young children and it is understandable.  Parvinder Singh, a software engineer and Technology head at Parental daily emphasizes that “There is no specific recommended age for granting phone access to kids. Instead, parents must ensure that the children can handle the device properly and know essential features including location sharing, messaging and emergency SOS.” 

In this comprehensive iPhone for Kids’ guide, Parvnider has collected data about the influence of iPhones on kids and teenagers from several reputed journals and presented it in a simple manner.

The Risks of Online Activity for Teenagers

Teenagers are at a higher risk of encountering online risks and dangers compared to adults. With the widespread use of social media, messaging apps, and online gaming, teenagers are exposed to a range of online threats, including cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content.

  • Cyberbullying is a growing concern among teenagers, with many experiencing harassment, humiliation, and threats online. Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on a teenager’s mental health and can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
  • Online predators are another risk that teenagers face. Predators often use social media and messaging apps to groom and manipulate teenagers into sharing personal information or engaging in inappropriate behavior. This can lead to physical harm, exploitation, and even trafficking.
  • Exposure to inappropriate content is also a concern for teenagers. With access to the internet and social media, teenagers can easily stumble upon explicit content, violent videos, and hate speech. Exposure to such content can desensitize teenagers to violence, promote unhealthy relationships, and encourage risky behavior.

As parents, it’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect our teenagers from online threats. By monitoring their online activities, setting strict privacy settings, and using parental control tools, we can help to ensure that our teenagers have a safe and positive online experience. Additionally, it’s important to have open and honest conversations with our teenagers about the risks of online activity and the importance of responsible online behavior. By doing so, we can help to educate and empower our teenagers to make safe and informed decisions online.

Conclusion

Blocking websites on your child’s iPhone is an effective way to protect them from inappropriate content that can harm their mental and emotional wellbeing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable restrictions, block websites, and use third-party apps to further enhance your child’s online safety. However, it’s important to remember that blocking websites is not foolproof, and it’s essential to monitor your child’s online activities and maintain open communication with them. By doing so, you can help your child navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

, How to Block a Website on iPhone: A Guide for Parents, Days of a Domestic Dad