[Macworld]

Post your comments for Limiting your kids' iOS use here

[Ryan009]

This is a very handy suggestion. I didn't realize you could set time limits through the airport. Thank you!

However... it is still only a partial workaround for what are weak parental controls on IOS. I don't understand why Apple hasn't implemented the same parental controls that are in Mac OS X.

Limiting the airport time limit will allow you to control internet access, but there are no tools (that I am aware of) that will allow you to limit access to the device itself (and its apps) like Parental Controls will on the regular Mac.

[Jaystah]

I don't mind my kids messaging or Facebooking with friends, but i do have a problem with my kids playing games or watching youtube videos for hours.
I wish there was a folder that i could drag apps into and PIN lock that folder.
That would allow me to limit the device to only allow messaging, music, pics and educational games without the worry that they'll hide and play games all day. Then whenever they get "play" time, i just unlock the folder for them.
I know there is a Cydia app that does that, but i don't want to rely on a jailbrake.

[LiquidD]

That's exactly what did just last week along with some iPods built restrictions. I thought about changing the WI-FI password, but I have way too many devices drawing off it, so this was actually the best technique.

But back in my day (sorry, had to) the only electronics I had was the Atari and one TV, which my mom had on soap operas all day, so outside we went until dinner. Kids these day! Gotta love 'em.

[rairvine]

I did this a while ago. It didn't take long for my 11 year old to figure out how to go in and change the airport settings. Sometimes he remembers to change it back, and then I never know he did it. Given what he's learned about computers through minecraft (he routinely does stuff in terminal I never would dare attempt) I'm not surprised. Any other ideas?

[fibercut]

Quote

I did this a while ago. It didn't take long for my 11 year old to figure out how to go in and change the airport settings. Sometimes he remembers to change it back, and then I never know he did it. Given what he's learned about computers through minecraft (he routinely does stuff in terminal I never would dare attempt) I'm not surprised. Any other ideas?

Yea. Change the password to something he doesn't know and don't tell him. If he resets the Airport discipline the child by taking away computing and/or iOS device for while. Take charge of your children.

[AndrewSwift]

Use a lamp timer when you charge the iPods so they only ever get charged to 10% (for example).

[jfletch]

You can lock YOUR wifi, but you may not be able to lock your neighbors' wifi. Just sayin'.

[MP001]

<quote>"I wish there was a folder that i could drag apps into and PIN lock that folder.

That would allow me to limit the device to only allow messaging, music, pics and educational games without the worry that they'll hide and play games all day. Then whenever they get "play" time, i just unlock the folder for them.

I know there is a Cydia app that does that, but i don't want to rely on a jailbrake."</quote>

Your idea sounds brilliant. I jailbroke my iOS device to do the something similar. I lock the device with 2 passcodes and also individual apps for maximum security against theft.

Jailbreaking does not harm the device, it simply allows you to take off Apple's restrictions and use the device more. You can use iProtect from the Cydia store to protect individual apps or use SBSettings to hide icons, or both.

Before jailbreaking, ensure that the jailbreak you are installing is untethered, meaning that if your children decide to turn their iPods off, you won't need a computer to boot them up again.

I recommend you use redsn0w to jailbreak.

If you run into a problem with jailbreaking or after you have jailbroke the device, simply plug the device into iTunes, it can recover the device no matter what and even restore from a backup.

Also note, jailbreaking voids the warranty of the device, but if the warranty is expired, there is nothing to lose.

[jbellanca]

Quote

Jailbreaking does not harm the device, it simply allows you to take off Apple's restrictions and use the device more

That's not entirely true, or at least is only a half-truth. Sure, it doesn't physically harm the device. However, it eliminates the requirement that code needs to be signed by Apple in order to execute. By eliminating that and allowing unsigned code to run, you're opening an attack vector into your device for viruses, hackers, data theft, etc., that was previously closed on non-jailbroken devices. And pin-locking apps through a Cydia app doesn't restore the protection - your data's still vulnerable.

[KirkS]

Quote

I did this a while ago. It didn't take long for my 11 year old to figure out how to go in and change the airport settings. Sometimes he remembers to change it back, and then I never know he did it. Given what he's learned about computers through minecraft (he routinely does stuff in terminal I never would dare attempt) I'm not surprised. Any other ideas? Yea. Change the password to something he doesn't know and don't tell him. If he resets the Airport discipline the child by taking away computing and/or iOS device for while. Take charge of your children.

Amen! Sorry, we Gen Xers were the first latch-key kids, and most of us didn't have a healthy childhood. In turn, we think that we are doing a favor by being "friends" to our children--not a good idea!

[KirkS]

Some routers have a time limit feature, too!