wisey

stpat said:

This is definitely an issue that Apple is responsible for providing better tools for parents. They've created a powerful pocket size computer with access to the almost limitless resources in the internet and built-in gaming and social media to hook the users. It's much different then when prior generations had access to other physical devices/phones, because they were very simple and easy to control access/content. The current parental control tools do not exist, or provide easy configuration and monitoring without excess cost or time requirements, to allow for meaningful usage and access, yet restrict the content or consumption of the device. Additionally, to Apple's own assertion, these are highly personal devices that tend to make children have a sense of entitlement to the device. The argument of "just take it away" does more damage to the relationship and the sense of trust between the child/parent then it does to solve the actual issue, which is limiting access and consumption. I'm not saying Apple should be helping to monitor this, but at least provide the same tools they have currently for the Mac. 

This is potentially a huge social issue as phone/technology addiction leads to lots of unsocial tendencies and behavioral problems, so for essentially the entire current youth generation to be caught up in this could have huge implications 20-30 years from now. I already see it in the workplace and the inability of lots of young 20 somethings to have face to face conversations without having to pick up their phone as a distraction from actual physical communication. It's sad and scary.

Please look in the Restriction section of Settings > General of your iPhone or iPad before claiming that “current parental control tools do not exist, or provide easy configuration without excessive cost or time requirement”.  In this section, you can shut off many apps, turn off the microphone (so the phone cannot be used for talking), prohibit installation of Apps or in-App purchase, prevent viewing of porn sites or any specific sites, not allow “private viewing” which erases the record of sites viewed, and restrict of many other functions of the iPhone.  You can add a passcode which prevents the child from changing it.  It only takes a few seconds and no cost.  The only thing that is missing, which this article points out is available for the Mac OS, is being able to schedule the restrictions both on the calendar and on the clock.

You say that it is sad and scary that all these 20-something year old people interact with their smartphones first and can’t interact with other people.  I think that it is more depressing and frightening that parents who complain about Apple’s lack of parental controls on iPhones have not even looked at their own IPhones or iPads, or looked the subject up on Internet, before going public with this complaint about Apple.  They gave the iPhones to their kids without understanding the consequences or knowing how to protect their kids against the device they gave their kids.  An iPhone is very dangerous technology in the hands of a kid.  They can get themselves into trouble, use it to play too much instead of studying, look at material that they are too young to understand, and get influenced by people they should not be exposed to.

In short, parents are giving young children technology such as an iPhone without restrictions, finding that their kids are getting into trouble, and then blaming Apple for not having parental controls on the device, which have been there for many years.  Apple has been making iOS and MacOS devices for children for decades.  Apple has put much thought and effort in providing extensive teacher and parental control of the iPads and Macs at schools and homes.  The parents have a responsibility to their children, too.  This responsibility includes understanding the technology that you give to your kids and how to protect them. It includes teaching your kids courteous and safe practices such as not texting at meals or while driving. Finally, parents need to restrict or take back the iPhone if the kids are not using the device appropriately or safely.