Keeping children safe and managing the time spent on devices can be difficult.  All Apple devices (iPhone, iPad and newer laptops running OS Catalina) have the capacity to help you manage the devices using ’Screen Time’.  This feature allows you to set parental controls, restrict apps at certain times and most importantly schedule ‘downtime’.

See the attached link to access Apple’s information about Screen Time: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT208982

See the attached link to access Apple’s information about Parental controls: https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201304

The eSafety Commission quotes the following:

"Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include: 

• less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
• not doing so well at school
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain 
• changes in eating patterns
• reduced personal hygiene
• obsession with particular websites or games
• extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity
• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family"

"Device-free zones and times, can help you manage screen time. For example, your family plan could include rules like this:

• no devices in the bedroom for younger children
• all screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
• all screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
• all family members switch off at dinner time
• devices charged overnight in a place your child cannot access"