A couple of Apple’s large investors have recently urged the company to do more to stop smartphone addiction in children. Apple has now responded and has some plans to combat the problem.
The calls came from investors Jana Partners and the California teachers pension fund, these two investors hold more than $2 billion worth of Apple shares. Their concern is rooted in the growing body of research suggesting that excessive smartphone use can have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health. Issues such as reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety levels have been linked to prolonged screen time.
Apple’s Response to Investor Concerns
Apple has now confirmed to Bloomberg that they are working on new parental controls for their iPhone and iPad which are designed to address these issues. The company has a history of implementing features aimed at promoting user well-being, such as the Screen Time feature introduced in iOS 12, which allows users to monitor and limit their device usage.
“We have new features and enhancements planned for the future, to add functionality and make these tools even more robust,” the Apple spokeswoman added.
The company did not specify exactly what changes would be made to parental controls on the iPhone and iPad. At the moment, parents can control a number of things on the handsets. They can restrict app usage, access to websites and movies, and more. For example, parents can set time limits on specific apps or categories of apps, ensuring that children do not spend excessive amounts of time on social media or gaming apps.
Potential Enhancements to Parental Controls
While Apple has not disclosed the specifics of the upcoming changes, there are several potential enhancements that could be made to improve parental controls. One possibility is the introduction of more granular controls that allow parents to set different restrictions for different times of the day. For instance, educational apps could be allowed during homework hours, while entertainment apps could be restricted.
Another potential enhancement could be the integration of more detailed usage reports. These reports could provide parents with insights into their children’s app usage patterns, helping them to identify any problematic behaviors. Additionally, Apple could introduce features that encourage healthier device usage habits, such as reminders to take breaks or notifications when screen time limits are approaching.
It will be interesting to see exactly what Apple has planned for parental tools on their iOS devices. The company did not give any information on when these new tools would be introduced. However, given the urgency of the issue and the pressure from investors, it is likely that Apple will prioritize the development and rollout of these features.
In the broader context, Apple’s move to enhance parental controls aligns with a growing trend in the tech industry towards promoting digital well-being. Companies like Google and Facebook have also introduced features aimed at helping users manage their screen time and reduce digital distractions. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance the benefits of technology with the potential risks associated with excessive use.
Source Bloomberg
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