Buried Apple feature turns an iPhone into the perfect kids' dumb phone (wired.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how to turn an iPhone into a 'dumb phone' for kids by using Apple's Assistive Access feature, which allows parents to restrict access to certain apps and features. This feature is designed for people with cognitive disabilities, but can also be used to create a kid-friendly interface. The author found this feature to be a better solution than Apple's standard Screen Time restrictions. By using Assistive Access, parents can limit their child's access to the internet, social media, and other apps, while still allowing them to make calls, send messages, and use maps.

Main themes

• Parental control
• Kid-friendly technology
• Assistive Access feature
• Screen time restrictions
• Child development
• Technology addiction

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that restricting screen time and access to certain apps is ineffective and can lead to children finding workarounds, and that a more nuanced approach to teaching children about responsible technology use is needed.
• Others argue that setting clear boundaries and consequences for violating those boundaries is an effective way to teach children about responsible technology use.
• There is a debate about the appropriate age at which children should be given access to smartphones and the internet, with some arguing that it should be later and others arguing that it should be earlier.
• Some commenters share their personal experiences with restricting their children's access to technology and finding that it has been effective in teaching them about responsible use.
• Others suggest that a more effective approach might be to educate children about the potential risks and benefits of technology and to encourage them to develop their own self-control and critical thinking skills.
• There is also a discussion about the potential risks of over-restricting children's access to technology, including the potential for them to seek out less safe alternatives or to miss out on important educational and social opportunities.