Apple App Store Will Soon Make More Changes to Better Protect Children

Parents, take note! Apple has just announced a new set of initiatives to help keep kids safer while using its devices.

• Ten things Apple tries to ignore

Apple is making it easier for parents to set up accounts for kids

First, Apple will make it easier for parents to set up child accounts, which are required for children under 13 and provide all of Apple’s child safety tools.

A new setup process streamlines the steps parents need to take to set up an account. If a parent waits to set up a child account, the child-appropriate default settings will still be enabled on the device. Once setup is complete, children will be able to use the App Store and other services using content and app restrictions selected by the parent. Parents can also edit the age associated with a child account if the account was not set up properly.

Apple is also making it easier for app developers to know a child’s age. Previously, kids would enter their information into an app and could easily lie to unlock all of the app’s features. Developers can use the Declared Range API to provide age information provided by parents during setup.

When an app requests information, a pop-up window will appear on the screen, similar to when an app requests to use the device's camera. With that information, app developers can provide a better age-appropriate experience. Developers won't see the actual birth date, just the age.

Apple is also expanding the number of age ratings for apps. Currently, there are four options—4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. But Apple will update those ratings to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Kids won’t be able to download apps that exceed the age set by their parents.

Note : All improvements will be available to parents and app developers by 2025.

Some notable new features to help protect children

If your kids can’t stop using their iPhones and iPads, you’ll be happy with all of these changes. Apple is making it easier for you and parents around the world to customize how your kids use technology and keep it safer.

While these Apple tools are helpful, communication is still key between kids and parents. If you’re a parent, talk to your kids about online safety in general. This will help them better understand the sometimes dangerous digital world.