Manage Child Screen Time During the School Year: Parental Controls IPhone and IPad

The school year brings back routines, homework, and a big challenge for many families: keeping kids’ screen time under control. Between apps, games, and streaming content, it can be tough to figure out how much time is too much. With tools like Screen Time on iPhone and parental control apps like Bark parental control, parents have more support than ever for balancing digital habits.

Experts generally recommend no more than one to two hours of recreational screen time per day for school-aged kids. That number can vary depending on your child’s age, schoolwork, and other responsibilities. If you’ve been asking yourself how much screen time is too much, the good news is that your devices already have some built-in tools to help. And with just a few adjustments, you can gain better control over what your kids access and how long they’re spending on their screens.

How to Set Parental Controls on iPhone

Apple provides a feature called Screen Time that allows parents to see how much time their kids are spending on their iPhones. It also lets you create limits for specific apps, restrict content, and even schedule downtime. Knowing how to set parental controls on iPhone gives you better visibility into your child's digital habits and puts you in charge of guiding them.

To get started, go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time. Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone” and follow the prompts. From there, you can manage app limits, block certain websites, and set communication boundaries. You can also set a Screen Time passcode so that only you can make changes to these settings. This is especially helpful during the school year, when you want to keep distractions to a minimum during study hours and bedtime.

How to Put Parental Controls on iPad

The good news for families with tablets is that these same parental features also apply to the iPad. If you’re wondering how to put parental controls on iPad, it follows nearly the same steps as on an iPhone. The iPad also uses Screen Time to manage usage, block inappropriate content, and limit app access.

Go to Settings > Screen Time and make sure it's turned on. Choose “This is My Child’s iPad” to apply parental controls. You can set limits based on time of day or by category (like games or social networking), which is especially helpful during homework or reading time. You can also restrict access to explicit content in Apple Music, Safari, and the App Store. By setting these controls, you make the iPad a safer, more focused tool for both learning and fun.

Using Bark for Extra Peace of Mind

While built-in features from Apple are helpful, many parents find that using a third-party tool like Bark parental control offers more in-depth monitoring. Bark not only tracks screen time but also scans for potential issues like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and risky conversations across platforms like email, text messages, and social media apps.

Bark works on both smartphones and tablets, including iPhones and iPads. It gives parents alerts rather than full access to every message, which respects kids’ privacy while still keeping their safety a priority. For families looking for more flexible control and alerts, Bark can be a great companion to Apple's built-in tools.

For Buckeye Broadband customers, there’s an added bonus. Families who subscribe to Buckeye Internet can get Bark Jr. for free, which includes screen time scheduling, app blocking, and location tracking. It’s an easy way to extend digital safety tools across your home’s devices at no extra cost.

Why Parental Control Apps Make a Difference

There are many types of parental control apps available, but not all are created equally. Some focus on time limits, while others specialize in content filtering or real-time alerts. Apps like Bark offer a combination of these features, giving parents a broader safety net.

The right app for your family depends on your needs. If your main concern is limiting gaming after school, time-based tools might be enough. But if you’re also worried about your child’s exposure to harmful content or online strangers, a more advanced app that monitors conversations and activity might be a better fit.

Using these tools doesn’t mean you’re hovering over your child’s every move. Instead, they’re a helpful part of building healthy habits, encouraging balance, and giving you the confidence that your child is spending their time online safely and responsibly.

Buckeye Broadband Helps You Manage Screen Time

If managing your child’s device use feels overwhelming, Buckeye Broadband is here to help. As part of your Internet service, Buckeye offers customers access to Bark Jr. for free, giving you powerful tools to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and keep track of your child’s location. Combined with built-in Apple features, this makes it easier to support your family’s digital wellness, especially during the busy school year.

To learn more about how to activate Bark Jr. or explore other digital safety options, visit Buckeye Broadband’s parental controls page.