The guide, developed with the American Academy of Pediatrics, sets out six steps, from discussing screen time to creating a child account and managing communications.
Apple has published a German-language family guide on healthy digital habits. It was developed with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), adapting the academy’s recommendations to Apple’s parental controls. The German edition was covered by heise; Apple has published the guide’s content and feature details.
The guide suggests starting with a conversation about screen time and setting expectations together with the child. It then recommends creating a child account, configuring safety settings for apps and websites, including purchase and browsing requests, and setting a device-use schedule that takes sleep, schoolwork, physical activity and family time into account.
The final steps cover managing a child’s contacts and continuing the discussion as the child grows. Apple’s official description also says Communication Safety is on by default for users under 18 and can help reduce the risk of viewing or sharing sensitive content.
The guide draws on the AAP’s Family Media Plan and adds age-specific guidance. Apple says the Screen Time features are available with updates to iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27; compatible devices in a Family Sharing group must be
Heise also pointed to a potential conflict of interest: Apple says child safety is a priority while selling devices designed for regular use. The publication noted that Screen Time limits can be circumvented; this is heise’s analysis, not a conclusion attributed to the AAP.
The European regulatory context has also moved on: the European Commission presented its EU KIDS Act proposal on Sept. 17, 2026. It is a proposal for gradual age-based limits on social media, not a ban already in force. Debate over child safety online has sharpened attention to the controls platforms offer parents and how effective those tools are.