Apple Acknowledges Bug Impacting Screen Time Restrictions for Kids on iOS Devices
Apple has recently acknowledged a bug that is affecting Screen Time restrictions for kids using iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices. The bug specifically impacts the Downtime feature, which allows parents to remotely set hours when their children cannot use their devices.
An Apple spokesperson has stated that the company is fully aware of the issue and is actively working on updates to improve the situation. However, the spokesperson did not provide a specific timeline for when the bug will be resolved.
Parents across various online forums have reported experiencing problems with the bug. Some have noticed that their scheduled Screen Time restrictions have been reset to older settings, while others have found that the feature has been completely removed, giving their children unrestricted access to their devices. Frustrated by this, some users have resorted to changing their passcodes in hopes of preventing their children from bypassing the restrictions, yet it still requires multiple feature resets in a week.
One Apple discussion page alone has garnered approximately 2,300 people sharing similar experiences with the bug, illustrating the widespread nature of the issue.
What makes this bug even more concerning is that Apple previously claimed to have fixed it with the release of iOS 16.5 in May. However, subsequent releases and even the iOS 17 beta have still exhibited the bug, leading to further frustration and confusion among users.
Screen Time was originally introduced by Apple in 2018 as a tool for parents to monitor their children’s app usage and set limitations on their device activity. This feature has been widely appreciated, giving parents a sense of control over their children’s screen time.
While it is reassuring that Apple is actively working on a solution, the lack of a specific timeline for resolution is disheartening for affected users. Parents are hoping for a swift fix to ensure their children can continue to have healthy device usage habits monitored and regulated.
