Apple and AAP release guide for building healthy digital habits

Apple and the American Academy of Pediatrics have released “Building Healthy Digital Habits: A Guide for Families.” Apple says the guide is intended to help families balance screen time with sleep, exercise, schoolwork and socialization.

The guide sets out six steps for parents and children. The first is to start a conversation about screen time and establish expectations together.

Accounts and safety settings

Apple recommends creating a Child Account with age-based safeguards and parental controls. It also advises families to set safety settings for websites and apps, including Ask to Buy and Ask to Browse, so they can review new apps and websites together.

Device schedules and communications

Another step is to schedule device use with Time Allowances and Schedules. The plan is intended to account for sleep, schoolwork, physical activity and time with family and friends.

Parents are also advised to decide who their child can communicate with. Apple says Communication Safety is enabled by default for all users under 18 and helps protect children from viewing or sharing sensitive content.

The final step is to continue the conversation and adjust the family’s plan as children grow. The guide follows Apple’s launch of new child safety features in iOS 27 and is available on the company’s website.