Screen Time seems flawed - App restrictions set to 9+ but unable to allow exceptions for specific apps that have their own parental controls

I have set up Screen Time restrictions on my child's device. I would like to set the App Store to only show apps suitable for ages 9 and up. (Settings -> Screen Time -> Child's Name -> Content & Privacy Restrictions -> Content Restrictions -> Apps -> 9+)


However, this means apps like Netflix and Youtube Music also disappear, as they are both rated as 12+. I want to make exceptions for apps like these. They have their own parental controls, so they shouldn't be rated 12+ in that sense.


The issue is I have to manually set the Age to 12+ when we want to use YouTube Music or Netflix, and sometimes forget to switch it back to 9+. This kind of defeats the purpose of having the age restriction set up in the first place.


What I've Tried:

Settings -> Screen Time -> Child's Name -> Content & Privacy Restrictions -> Allowed Apps

The "Allowed Apps" feature only shows Apple's built-in apps.


Settings -> Screen Time -> Child's Name -> Always Allowed

I've also tried adding both YouTube Music and Netflix to the "Always Allowed" list, even though it's not the right section (This area means Music and Netflix would bypass any downtime schedules). Regardless, I can confirm it doesn't affect the App Store restrictions.


Is there a way to maintain the 9+ restriction while allowing exceptions for specific apps?


Thanks for your help!


iPad Pro

Posted on Sep 11, 2023 06:56 AM

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Sep 12, 2023 02:59 AM in response to skase

skase wrote:

However, this means apps like Netflix and Youtube Music also disappear, as they are both rated as 12+. I want to make exceptions for apps like these. They have their own parental controls, so they shouldn't be rated 12+ in that sense.

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Screen Time seems flawed - App restrictions set to 9+ but unable to allow exceptions for specific apps that have their own parental controls

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