Child Safety

A Simple Way to Create a Safer iPhone for Your Child

As parents, many of us want our children to have access to a phone for communication and safety without exposing them to the full range of online content, apps and distractions that come with a standard smartphone. One little-known iPhone feature, Assistive Access, can help create a safer and more age-appropriate device experience.

How to Set It Up

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Assistive Access.

2. Select the Grid layout for a simple, easy-to-use display.

3. Choose only the apps your child needs, such as:

   • Phone

   • Messages

   • Maps

   • Camera

   • Photos

4. Leave out apps that may expose children to online risks, including social media, video-sharing platforms, web browsers, online games, and app stores.

Why Parents May Find This Helpful

• Limits access to potentially harmful online content by only allowing approved apps to be visible and accessible.

• Provides essential communication and safety features while reducing opportunities for unsupervised online activity.

• Allows families to repurpose an old iPhone as a simple first phone for a child, without purchasing an additional device.

• Enables parental oversight by allowing parents to keep the Assistive Access passcode, preventing children from changing the settings independently.

A Helpful Starting Point—Not a Complete Solution

While Assistive Access can help create a safer digital environment, it does not replace regular conversations about online safety, respectful behaviour, cyberbullying, privacy, and responsible technology use. Families should continue to establish clear expectations and maintain open communication about children's digital lives.

Parent Tip: If you have an older iPhone at home, consider using Assistive Access to turn it into a simple communication device. It can provide peace of mind by helping children stay connected while giving parents greater control over how the device is used.

This is a summary created by Copilot. You can read a full article on this topic written by Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social here: One hidden iPhone setting can calm the scroll in seconds. by Kirra Pendergast