by Philip Lop

Created on: December 16, 2010   Last Updated: December 17, 2010

Controlling how children and teenagers use an iPhone can be difficult for parents. Many teenagers are now starting to get their own iPhones, but it is also not uncommon for parents to allow their children to play games or access the Internet browser on the iPhone. Without constant supervision, it is almost impossible for parents to prevent their children from accessing inappropriate material, downloading expensive apps or possibly taking unwanted pictures with the camera.

The good news is that the iPhone comes with a comprehensive set of options through which restrictions can be set up.

To set up restrictions on the handset, parents should apply the following steps.

1 - Go to Settings, then General, then tap Restrictions.

2 - Tap the Enable Restrictions button at the top of the screen

3 - Enter a four-digit pass code. This cannot be recovered unless the handset is entirely reset so it is important to choose a number that can easily be remembered. Users will need to enter this twice, to ensure that it is entered correctly.

4 - By default, the restrictions will now be applied to all settings on the iPhone. To lift a restriction from a particular application, users should simply slide the bar next to the OFF position.

5 - Restrictions can also be applied to certain content. By scrolling down the Restrictions screen, there is a section called Allowed Content. This enables parents to add further restrictions. The capability to allow purchases to be made from within an application can be switched off, for example, and it is also possible to disable any music and pod casts that are marked as containing explicit content.

6 - There is a setting at the very foot of the screen, which allows the user to restrict multi-player games in Game Center. This is a good security feature, as it allows parents to restrict their children from interacting with strangers.

7 - Tap the Disable Restrictions bar at the top of the screen at any time to remove all restrictions. This will require the pass code.

When applications are restricted they are entirely removed from the home screen. This means that adults wishing to use them will need to go back into the settings to turn off the restriction. The restriction is rather absolute and cunning children and teenagers may still be able to find ways around this. There are other options on the market, including the Mobicip Safe Browser, which more intelligently filters inappropriate content.

For parents simply wishing to deny access to key applications, however, the standard iPhone settings should prove effective enough.

Learn more about this author, Philip Lop.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.