Apple and AAP release family guide to digital habits

Apple’s Screen Time controls include schedules and time allowances for children. Image: Apple.

Apple and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published a new guide to help families discuss technology use and establish routines. Released on 29 September, Building Healthy Digital Habits: A Guide for Families brings the organisation’s advice together with instructions for Apple’s parental controls.

The six-step guide starts with a conversation about screen use and shared expectations. It then covers child accounts, app and website settings, device schedules and communication controls, before encouraging families to revisit their arrangements as children grow.

For schools, it offers a resource to share through parent newsletters or digital citizenship programmes. The new Screen Time features it describes require version 27 software across the Family Sharing group; availability varies by region, language and device.

Read Apple’s announcement.

Read the family guide