What you need to know about setting Parental Controls on the iPhone

The Apple iPhone has burst onto the technology scene with a popularity and hype rarely seen for technology or gadgets. Users like the ease of the applications and the many ways that iTunes can be used. However, iPhones have a wide ranging scope of use. This has become a problem for parents who want control over the content their children have on their iPhones.

With the 1000s of available applications for the iPhone, many parents are concerned about their children accessing applications that are inappropriate. Some applications are simply not appropriate for children and, consequently, many parents want to be able to block access to them. In addition, there are applications that an irresponsible child might not realize cost money if they are used inappropriately. Perhaps your child spends too much time browsing the internet via Safari, uses the camera inappropriately or maybe they went on a spending spree in the Application or iTunes store, and you were unaware of it until your credit card bill came in the mail. Whatever the case may be, you can regain parental control by enabling restrictions. Parents would do well to acquaint themselves with the Parental Controls and how to use them on the iPhone.

Parents need to understand that all applications are on, unless they are restricted. They do not have to be enabled. This becomes a problem when you assume that certain applications will not work if you have not turned them on. If you have decided that your child needs some restrictions with their iPhone, here is how you do it.

Here are the steps to setting Parental Controls on the iPhone:

• 1st, go into “Settings”.
• Once you are in the “Settings”, go directly to the “General” tab.
• Then you will tap the “Restrictions” tab and, once you are on that screen, choose to “Enable Restrictions”.
• You will now be asked to enter a 4 digit pass code. It is crucial that you do not forget this pass code, since there is no way to retrieve it. You should understand that if you do forget it, a full restore (re-installation) of the iPhone is needed to reset it.

Keep in mind that after you have entered your pass code, you have the ability to restrict any of the functions you see on the screen. For example, if you choose to restrict Safari, and then head back to the home screen, you’ll see that the icon is gone and there is no longer possible to reach that application. In order to enable a function again, you must return to the “Restrictions” page and then authorize with the 4 digit pass code you entered and turn it back on.

If you have decided that you do not want to completely block an application, but you want to control the content, there are ways to do just that. For example, you can go to the iTunes store via your computer and set limits on the amount your child can spend and the content of purchases. Your child can still have some access to iTunes, according to the boundaries that you feel comfortable setting. While this option is not available for every application, you can explore what works best for you and your child for iPhone access.