Apple, AAP Release Guide to Help Families Build Healthy Digital Habits

Apple said the guide is meant to help families balance screen time with sleep, exercise, schoolwork and socialization. It includes a six-step breakdown for families. The first step advises starting a conversation about screen time, with tips for parents on approaching the topic and establishing expectations in a way that helps children feel included in the plan.

The second step is to create a Child Account, which enables age-based safeguards and gives parents access to parental controls to manage their child's experience. The guide then calls for setting safety settings for websites and apps, including Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse, so families can review new apps and websites together.

For device use, the guide recommends making a schedule using Time Allowances and Schedules to balance time online with sleep, schoolwork, physical activity, and time with family and friends. It also covers managing communications, with parents deciding who their child can communicate with. Communication Safety, on by default for all users under 18, is intended to help protect children from viewing or sharing sensitive content.

The final step focuses on continuing the conversation as children grow, with guidance on adjusting the family's plan over time. 9to5Mac reported that the guide can be found on Apple's website.