Apple has introduced a range of new parental control features in iOS 27 designed to help families manage children’s online experiences more effectively. According to online safety educator Wayne Denner, these updates put parental controls back in the spotlight and give parents more practical ways to support safe and balanced device use.
One of the most notable additions is Ask to Browse, which allows parents to approve new websites before their child can access them in Safari. Parents can also set daily time allowances across categories such as games, entertainment and social media, with age-based recommendations available as a starting point.
The update introduces greater flexibility through pause and extend controls, making it easier to temporarily pause device use during family time or grant a little extra screen time without changing existing settings. Parents can also enable contact approval, requiring permission before children connect with new contacts through Messages, FaceTime or Phone.
Apple has strengthened its Communication Safety features, expanding protection beyond nudity to include violent and graphic content shared through images, videos and even live FaceTime calls. Device setup has also been simplified, allowing parents to start with a limited selection of essential apps and gradually introduce additional apps as appropriate.
To take advantage of these features, all devices in a Family Sharing group must be updated to the latest software, and children should be using an appropriately configured Child Account.
While these tools provide valuable support, they are not a substitute for ongoing conversations about online life. The most effective approach combines technology with regular discussion, helping children develop the skills, judgement and resilience they need to navigate the digital world safely. As with all parental controls, these features work best when families explore and understand them together.
See you at the Fun Run!
Have a great weekend.
Brian Taylor
Vice Principal, Technology for Learning