Operating systems

macOS

High risk

macOS is clean and dependable, but it can still become an unrestricted browser and app machine if the child's account is not limited. Screen Time is useful here, but only when the passcode is separate and the child's login is not allowed to install software freely.

Start here — 3 things to do today

  1. 1

    Turn on Screen Time with a separate passcode

    The passcode matters as much as the settings themselves.

  2. 2

    Enable Content & Privacy restrictions

    This is the fastest way to lock down web content and installs.

  3. 3

    Use a standard child account

    Do not give the child's login the ability to approve its own software.

Warning signs

Warning signs to know

App gating is weaker on older macOS setups

Medium

If the Mac is older or the child has broad permissions, software can be added more easily than parents expect.

Browser use is wide open without content restrictions

High

Safari and other browsers can become the main route to adult sites, self-harm forums, or unmoderated communities.

A standard user account is often skipped

High

If the child signs in as an administrator, Screen Time limits can lose much of their force.

Shared Apple services can blur adult and child use

Medium

A Mac tied too closely to a parent's Apple setup can expose personal data and make clean supervision harder.

Step-by-step guide

Complete step-by-step guide

Menu path: System Settings → Screen Time. On older Macs, also double-check whether app installs are gated the way you expect.

  1. 1

    Turn on Screen Time

    Open System Settings → Screen Time and select the child's account.

  2. 2

    Set a separate Screen Time passcode

    Use a code that is different from the Mac login password and known only to the parent.

  3. 3

    Add App Limits

    System Settings → Screen Time → App Limits. Cap browsers, games, and chat apps individually.

  4. 4

    Enable Communication Limits

    System Settings → Screen Time → Communication Safety or Communication Limits, depending on macOS version.

  5. 5

    Turn on Content & Privacy

    System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy. Restrict app installs, web content, and account changes.

  6. 6

    Schedule Downtime

    System Settings → Screen Time → Downtime and set a consistent evening lock.