Apple is rolling out a new set of child safety features aimed at giving parents greater control over how their children interact with digital devices, as governments worldwide intensify efforts to limit minors’ access to social media platforms.

The updates, announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, introduce enhanced tools that allow parents to better manage screen time, app usage, content access, and communication settings on iPhones and iPads.

The move comes as technology companies face mounting scrutiny over the impact of social media on young users. Mental health experts have increasingly linked excessive exposure to platforms with risks such as cyberbullying, body image issues, and even self-harm. In response, Apple is positioning its ecosystem as a safer, more controlled environment for families.

The company already offers dedicated accounts for users under 18—mandatory for children under 13—and the latest enhancements aim to build on that foundation. According to Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health and fitness, the goal is to help families create age-appropriate digital boundaries while encouraging healthier online habits.

Starting with software updates expected this fall, parents will gain more precise tools to decide which apps their children can access, what websites they can visit, and who they can communicate with—all from a centralized system.

Apple’s announcement aligns with a broader global trend toward stricter regulation. Australia recently became the first democracy to require major platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snap to remove users under 16, and similar measures are being considered or implemented in countries including Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe.

In the United States, recent jury rulings against certain social media companies have further fueled debate over the potential harms these platforms pose to younger audiences.

As pressure mounts on the tech industry, Apple’s latest move signals a proactive approach—offering parents more tools to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape while reinforcing its broader emphasis on user safety and well-being.