How do I restrict Internet access on a Mac?
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You don't have to hover over your children's shoulders, watching their every move, to keep them safe. Apple has several parental control features for the Mac to help protect them as they browse the internet, use apps, and play games. You can even set time limits for your little ones' computer activities, so they don't overuse their allotted screen time. Here's how to set up and manage Parental controls on your Mac. If you are looking for how to use parental controls on iOS, check out our ultimate guide to parental controls on iPhone and iPad.
How to create a new user account on MacIf you currently only have one user account (your administrator account), you'll need to create a new account for your kids.
Once you create an account for your child, you must set restrictions by activating Screen Time in macOS Catalina. How to turn on Screen Time on macOSScreen Time is located in System Preferences in macOS Catalina. To get started:
You can now start using Screen Time on Mac. For further information on Screen Time for Mac, see:
The following steps are exclusive to establishing parental controls on Mac using Screen Time. How to set restrictions across all devicesThanks to Screen Time, you can establish restrictions for your children across all of your devices. As changes are made on one device, they'll carry over to the others. However, they must be set up to do so. On Mac:
How to add a passcode to Screen Time on macOSSo your child can't change restrictions, it's best to set a passcode on the account.
How to schedule Downtime using Screen Time for macOSDuring Downtime, only the apps you choose to allow will work for your child on Mac. To set up a Downtime schedule:
With Every Day selected, Downtime is enforced during the same time each day. With Custom picked, you can adjust the time for each day of the week or uncheck the box next to a day to turn Downtime off for that day. You can also select Block at Downtime if you want the machine completely blocked to your child during Downtime. set screen time downtime (Image credit: iMore)How to set app limits using Screen Time for macOSIn Screen Time for Mac, you can also set app time limits.
To remove app limits:
How to set always allowed content in Screen Time for macOSYou might want specific processes available on the Mac at all the time for your child, regardless of other restrictions. This can include communication with certain people or apps. To set always allowed content:
How to set content and privacy using Screen Time for macOSFinally, you can restrict content and privacy using Screen Time.
Any questions?Do you have any questions about setting up and customizing parental controls or enabling remote access to parental controls on a different computer? Let us know in the comments and we'll help you out. Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes. |