Given that about 70% of families in your community aren't giving kids independent smartphone access yet, but 85% are using tablets in some capacity, you're probably already juggling multiple devices. And with kids averaging 4.2 hours of screen time daily, having centralized controls isn't just convenient—it's essential for maintaining any semblance of intentional digital parenting.

The tablet situation is particularly telling: 50% of families report unsupervised tablet use. That's... a lot. Family Sharing gives you visibility and controls even when you're not physically hovering over your kid's shoulder while they watch Bluey for the 47th time.

For the family organizer (probably you):

Creating a child Apple ID:

This is where it gets good. For kids under 13, you can create an Apple ID that's automatically part of your family group. You'll need to verify you're an adult (usually with a credit card), and then you control everything about their account until they turn 13.

Important: Once your kid turns 13, Apple will ask if they want to leave Family Sharing. Most kids stay because they realize leaving means paying for their own apps and subscriptions. Capitalism works in mysterious ways.

Purchase Sharing & Ask to Buy

Every time your kid tries to download something—even free apps—you can require approval. You'll get a notification, can review the app right there, and approve or deny. Learn more about whether you should use Ask to Buy for everything or just paid content.

The catch: this only works for App Store downloads. It doesn't control in-app purchases unless you separately disable those. Yes, they're different settings. Yes, this has led to many $300 Roblox bills.

Screen Time Management

You can set Screen Time limits, app limits, downtime schedules, and content restrictions—all remotely. Changed your mind about TikTok while you're at work? You can block it from your phone.

The reality check: kids are incredibly resourceful. They'll discover the "ignore limit" button, figure out time zone tricks, or just use a friend's device. Screen Time is a tool, not a foolproof solution.

Location Sharing

Find My shows where everyone's devices are. Helpful for "where did I leave my iPad?" Less helpful for "why is my kid's phone at the mall when they said they'd be at the library?" That's a whole different conversation.

Here's where it gets messy. You have three main options:

Option 1: Shared family Apple ID (ages 3-8ish) Everyone uses the same Apple ID on shared devices. Simple, but you'll get everyone's iMessages and photos syncing everywhere. Your kid does not need to see your dermatologist appointment texts.

Option 2: Child Apple ID with full parental controls (ages 8-13) The sweet spot for most families. They have their own ID, but you control everything. Works great until they want to text their friends and you realize you're managing yet another account.

Option 3: Teen Apple ID with Family Sharing (13+) They have independence, but you can still see their location and manage some settings. This is where you start negotiating rather than dictating.

About 25% of families in your community are using supervised smartphone access, which typically means they've gone with Option 2 or 3.

The "I'll just use my Apple ID on their device" trap Don't. You'll regret it when your work email starts pinging on their iPad during Fortnite matches, or when their game progress syncs to your phone.

Not setting up Ask to Buy immediately Do this before you hand over the device. Learning about a $99 purchase after the fact is not fun.

Forgetting to disable in-app purchases separately Ask to Buy doesn't always cover in-app purchases. Go to Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases → In-app Purchases → Don't Allow. Here's more about managing in-app purchases.

Not having a family conversation first Technology can enforce rules, but it can't create understanding. Talk about why you're setting these boundaries before your kid discovers them by hitting a restriction.

Family Sharing works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. But if your family also uses Android devices, Chromebooks, or gaming consoles, you'll need separate management systems for those. The 45% of families using laptops are probably dealing with this cross-platform reality.

Family Sharing is genuinely useful if you're in the Apple ecosystem. It's not perfect—kids will find workarounds, you'll forget your restrictions password, and you'll occasionally deny an app download you actually meant to approve—but it's better than the alternative of having zero visibility or control.

The key is treating it as one tool in your digital parenting toolkit, not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Technology changes, kids grow, and what works for a 7-year-old definitely won't work for a 13-year-old.

And remember: the goal isn't perfect control. It's creating enough structure that your kids can explore and learn while you maintain reasonable guardrails. Some families will be more restrictive, others more permissive—and that's okay. Every family's approach to screen time is different, and the "right" answer is the one that works for your values and your kids.