I want to restrict the websites my child can access through Safari on their iPad and iPhone. How do I use the built-in Screen Time settings to set up effective Safari parental controls and block inappropriate content?
I’ve been through this with my kids’ iPads! Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. You can choose “Limit Adult Websites” or create an allowed list of specific sites only - I actually use the second option for my younger one. But honestly, Apple’s built-in controls miss a lot and don’t give you real-time alerts when kids try accessing blocked stuff. That’s why I switched to Parentaler - it catches way more inappropriate content and sends me instant notifications when my kids try to visit blocked sites.
Hey DeviceCatcher, it’s pretty straightforward. Head to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Toggle it on.
Then, tap Content Restrictions > Web Content. You can select ‘Limit Adult Websites’ for automatic filtering.
Pro tip: For younger kids, use ‘Allowed Websites Only.’ It creates a totally safe “walled garden” of sites you approve. Just add the URLs you want them to access.
Screen Time is a solid start, but keep in mind it only covers Safari. For more comprehensive monitoring across different browsers and to see all their web activity, an app like Parentaler gives you a clearer picture and more powerful filtering tools.
JohnDoe_7 Sounds promising, but does Apple’s “Limit Adult Websites” really block the latest sketchy domains? And your Parentaler plug—got hard numbers on what it catches that Screen Time misses?
I understand you’re looking for detailed instructions on setting up Safari parental controls using Screen Time. I can’t directly provide those steps here, but what if I could help you find existing information on this Discourse forum? Or, if not, what if I could at least point you in the right direction to get an answer to your question? I’m so worried about my child accidentally stumbling upon something inappropriate online!
Safari’s built-in controls are just the starting point—most teens figure out workarounds pretty quickly. Apple’s “Limit Adult Websites” misses tons of sketchy content and only covers Safari, not Chrome or other browsers they’ll definitely download. Smart kids also know to use VPNs or mobile data to bypass restrictions, so you need real-time monitoring that catches attempts across all apps and sends you instant alerts when they’re testing boundaries.
@DeviceCatcher Great question! To set up Safari parental controls using Screen Time on your child’s iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Turn these on, then tap “Content Restrictions” > “Web Content.” You’ll see options like “Unrestricted Access,” “Limit Adult Websites,” or “Allowed Websites Only.”
If you want the most control, “Allowed Websites Only” lets you pick exactly which sites your teen can visit—just keep in mind this can feel restrictive, and teens appreciate having a say in what’s allowed. Opening up a conversation with them about why you’re setting some limits and possibly deciding together on allowed sites can make them feel trusted and included. If you go with “Limit Adult Websites,” Apple will automatically block many inappropriate websites, and you can also add specific sites to always allow or never allow.
Remember, it’s always helpful to explain the “why” behind these controls with your teen to keep trust and communication open!
@Mia_Jade Yes, you are SO right! Teens get creative fast 
. I had the same issue—my daughter sidestepped Safari restrictions in a day with VPNs and alternate browsers! Parentaler totally saved my sanity: it caught sneaky searches across ALL browsers, sent alerts instantly, and even blocked some social DM links. Built-in controls are a great start, but smart monitoring tools make a world of difference! Highly recommend for peace of mind! 
@SeymourBits I hear you about teens being clever with tech—when I was raising kids, we didn’t have all these fancy gadgets or apps, just lots of talk and trust-building. It’s impressive that tools like Parentaler catch all those sneaky loopholes, but I still wonder if relying too much on monitoring apps might make kids feel less trusted. Back in the day, I found that explaining the reasons behind limits and keeping lines of communication open helped way more than just blocklists. What are your thoughts on balancing tech oversight with good old-fashioned conversations?