Apple’s New Child Safety Features: What Parents Should Set Up First

Apple released its new child safety features on 14 September 2026 with iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. They include Ask to Browse, Time Allowances, a redesigned Screen Time and wider Communication Safety protections.

None of it switches on by itself, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide puts the steps in the order we would do them. It is part of our WWDC 2026 coverage.

Get every device ready first

Every device in your Family Sharing group needs to be on version 27 before you can use the new controls. That means iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, plus watchOS 27 and visionOS 27 if you have them. Our checklist before you update covers the preparation.

Once your own device is updated, open Settings (System Settings on a Mac) and choose Family. Choose View Family Devices to see which devices still need updating. When they are all done, the Family Sharing organiser or a parent or guardian needs to update the parental controls for the family. Choose Family, then tap or click Get Started.

If a device cannot update, such as an older iPad, it stays on the earlier Screen Time settings. You can keep using the previous version, or adjust the controls directly on your child’s device.

Start with a Child Account

The first and most important step is a Child Account in Family Sharing. Apple requires one for children under 13 and makes it available for children up to 18. It turns on age-based safeguards and gives you access to the parental controls.

Each child needs their own Apple Account and should not share one with anyone else. Add a parent or guardian to your child’s contacts list too, so that their requests can reach you for approval.

When you set up their device, Setup Assistant lets you choose which system apps they can use. You can pick a few essential apps, a recommended set or the specific ones you want. We suggest starting small and adding more later, because it is much easier to give access than to take it away.

If you are reusing an old iPhone or iPad for your child, back it up, sign out of your Apple Account and remove your personal information first.

Decide what they can browse

Ask to Browse means your child has to ask before visiting a new website in Safari. You see the request in Messages, and once you approve a site it stays accessible. Apple turns Ask to Browse on by default for Child Accounts under 13, and turns on Limit Adult Websites by default for Child Accounts under 18.

Ask to Buy works the same way for apps. When your child wants to download an app or make a purchase, the request arrives in Messages and you decide.

Choose who they can talk to

When your child wants to message or call someone new, you review and approve that contact first. Apple turns contact management on by default for Child Accounts up to 13, and it can be turned on for older children. You can choose whether everyone in a group needs approval, or just one approved contact in the thread.

Communication Safety also covers more than before. It now blocks gore and violent content as well as nudity in shared images and videos, including in live FaceTime calls.

Set time boundaries

Time Allowances let you set a daily total and decide how much of it can go to each category, such as Entertainment, Games and Social Media. Time Allowances provides age-based starting points that you can adjust. Schedules decide which apps are available at different times of the day, for example during school.

A useful routine is to turn screens off for at least an hour before bed and keep devices outside the bedroom overnight. You can also pause access during meals and other times that deserve full attention.

Our step-by-step guides cover Screen Time on iPhone and iPad and parental controls on the Mac.

Decide about Siri AI and Apple Intelligence

Siri AI is only available to children aged 13 and over. Children under 13 use the previous version, called Siri Classic. For older children, you choose between Siri AI (Beta), Siri Classic or no Siri at all. You can also allow or block Broad World Knowledge, which combines information from the web with your child’s personal context, and Writing Assistance.

To find these settings, open Settings, tap Family, tap your child’s name, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and then select Siri. On a Mac, open System Settings, click Family, click your child’s name and choose Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Apple Intelligence uses generative models, and its answers may be inaccurate, unexpected or offensive. It is worth talking with your child about checking anything important. Our Siri AI guide explains what it can do.

Review and adjust over time

No setup is perfect on day one. Check in occasionally, adjust the limits as your child grows and talk about how they use their devices. Apple’s redesigned Screen Time gives you an at-a-glance view of usage and one-tap controls to change access when you need to.

Need a hand?

If you would like help setting up Child Accounts, Screen Time or Family Sharing, see our Smart Home & Family Safety page, or contact Your Mac Tech. We can set everything up clearly and calmly so it works for your household.