Screen Time + Shelta

The complete protection combo

Apple's Screen Time and Shelta work together to give you complete control over your child's device. This guide will show you how to set up Screen Time in just a few minutes.

Why Use Both?

Screen Time is great for:

• Daily time limits (like "2 hours of TikTok")
• Tracking which apps they use most
• Downtime schedules
• Approving app downloads

Shelta is great for:

• Blocking apps completely
• Filtering adult websites
• Device restrictions (camera, AirDrop)
• Bedtime mode (restricts all but essential apps)

Together, they give your child freedom within boundaries you control.

Getting Started

You can set up Screen Time in two ways. We recommend Option 1 if your child is under 13 or if you want the easiest experience.

Option 1: Family Sharing (Recommended)

Control Screen Time from your own iPhone. You can see reports and change settings without touching your child's device.

See instructions

Option 2: On Their Device

Set up Screen Time directly on your child's iPhone or iPad. Good if you don't have an iPhone yourself.

See instructions

Option 1: Set Up with Family Sharing

Control everything from your own iPhone

1

Open Settings on YOUR iPhone

Tap the Settings app (the gray gear icon) on your own iPhone or iPad.

2

Tap your name at the top

This opens your Apple ID settings. You'll see your name and photo at the very top of the Settings screen.

3

Tap "Family Sharing"

If you don't have Family Sharing set up yet, tap "Set Up Family" and follow the prompts to add your child. You'll need their Apple ID or can create one for them.

Tip: If your child is under 13, you can create a special child Apple ID that gives you automatic control over their account.

4

Tap your child's name

Once your child is in your family, tap their name to see options for their account.

5

Tap "Screen Time"

This is where you control all the time limits and restrictions for their device. If Screen Time is off, tap "Turn On Screen Time".

6

Set a Screen Time Passcode

This is very important! Scroll down and tap "Lock Screen Time Settings". Choose a 4-digit code that your child won't guess. This prevents them from changing the settings.

Important: Don't use their birthday or "1234". Pick something only you will remember.

Option 2: Set Up on Their Device

If you don't have an iPhone or prefer to set it up directly

1

Open Settings on your child's device

On their iPhone or iPad, tap the Settings app (gray gear icon).

2

Tap "Screen Time"

Scroll down a bit and you'll see Screen Time with an hourglass icon.

3

Turn on Screen Time

If it's not already on, tap "Turn On Screen Time", then tap "This is My Child's iPhone".

4

Set a passcode

You'll be asked to create a Screen Time passcode. This is different from the device unlock code. Pick a 4-digit code that only you know.

Write it down! If you forget this passcode, it's very difficult to reset. Keep it somewhere safe.

Setting Daily Time Limits

Limit how long they can use certain apps

Once Screen Time is on, go to Screen Time and tap "App Limits". Then tap "Add Limit".

Choose what to limit:

Social limits TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and similar apps
Games limits all games on the device
Entertainment limits YouTube, Netflix, and streaming apps
Or pick specific apps by tapping their names

Our recommendation:

Start with 1 to 2 hours for Social apps and 1 hour for Games. You can always adjust later based on how things go. It's easier to give more time than to take it away!

Setting Up Downtime

Schedule times when most apps are off limits

In Screen Time settings, tap "Downtime". Turn it on and set a schedule.

During Downtime, only apps you choose as "Always Allowed" will work. Everything else shows a time limit screen. Perfect for bedtime or homework time!

Example schedule:

• Weeknights: 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Weekends: 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM

You can set different schedules for each day by tapping "Customize Days".

Always Allowed Apps

Choose which apps work even during Downtime

In Screen Time, tap "Always Allowed". Here you pick which apps can be used anytime, even during Downtime or after limits are reached.

We recommend always allowing:

• Phone so they can call you
• Messages so they can text you
• Maps in case they need directions
• Clock for alarms
• Any apps they need for school

Content Restrictions

Block inappropriate content in Screen Time

In Screen Time, tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions". Turn it on, then explore the options. Here are the key ones:

iTunes & App Store Purchases

Set to "Don't Allow" for Installing Apps. This means they need your approval (via Family Sharing) to download anything new.

Content Restrictions

Set age ratings for Music, Movies, TV, and Apps. For younger kids, we recommend "Clean" for music and age-appropriate ratings for media.

Web Content

Choose "Limit Adult Websites" to automatically block most inappropriate sites. Shelta adds extra protection on top of this!

How Screen Time + Shelta Work Together

Screen Time handles:

• Tracking total time spent in apps
• Daily limits (like "1 hour of TikTok")
• Downtime schedules
• Approving app downloads

Shelta handles:

• Completely blocking specific apps
• Advanced web filtering
• Device restrictions (camera, AirDrop, VPN)
• Bedtime mode (restricts device to essentials only)
• Preventing removal of protections

The best part? If one misses something, the other catches it. Together they create a safety net that keeps your child protected while still giving them age-appropriate freedom.

Need Help?

Screen Time can be tricky at first. If you get stuck, Apple has a great support article at support.apple.com. Or email us at support@shelta.app and we'll help you through it!

You're Doing Great!

Setting up these protections shows how much you care about your child's safety. Remember, it's okay to adjust settings as your child grows and earns more trust.

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