How to Stop Children Changing Screen Time Settings

Use Apple’s Screen Time passcode and Family Sharing correctly so a child cannot casually change the limits you have set.

Keep controls proportionate

Use controls to support clear family boundaries, not as a substitute for conversation, supervision or judgement.

Use a separate Screen Time passcode

Apple provides a dedicated Screen Time passcode so changing Screen Time settings can require parental approval. Do not reuse a code the child already knows.

Manage the child from the parent device

If the child is in Family Sharing, Apple advises the family organiser to set the child’s Screen Time passcode from the organiser’s own device. This keeps the administration side separate from the child device.

Restrict important changes

Content & Privacy Restrictions can prevent changes to account settings, passcodes, privacy settings and other device features. Only lock the areas you actually need, because excessive restrictions can interfere with normal use.

If settings keep changing

Check that the child is attached to the correct Family Sharing account, all devices are updated and the Screen Time passcode is active. If protection appears inconsistent, test one setting at a time rather than repeatedly adding more controls.

Practical checklist

Use a unique Screen Time passcode
Set it from the parent device
Review Content & Privacy Restrictions
Keep devices updated
Test a known restriction
Check the correct child account