Something to consider if your kids know your iPad or iPhone passcode

I had an email from a client this week that raised something that, I have to admit, I had not thought to cover when running recent 'Keeping kids safe on iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch' information sessions at schools.

This client asked me if I use my fingerprint to access a particular Password Keeper app on my iPhone.  She was concerned about whether she should do the same on her own device.

In her email, she said that her kids know her device passcode, and had even set up their own fingerprints on her device, so that they could easily unlock Mum's phone.

I know from my experiences with helping lots of mums and grandmums with their i-Devices that she is not alone in having kids that have guessed (or been given) the passcode for the parental device.  

But now, with the newer iPads and iPhones, there is the possibility that any child accessing your device could set themselves up with a fingerprint to access the device.  

Even if you decide to change your passcode to 'lock them out', the child would still be able to use their saved fingerprint to unlock the device.

Not sure I like that idea.  If I had kids accessing my device, I would be sure to remove any fingerprints that were not mine.  In fact, it would be a rule that, in using my device, they agree not to even try to save their own fingerprint to the device.

Does the fingerprint unlock more than just the iPad/iPhone?

Before the advent of fingerprint technology on i-Devices, a child who could unlock a parent's i-Device would then need to also know the separate passwords/passcodes that have been set up for any other password-protected apps and features on the device - for example, a Banking app, a Password Keeper app, iTunes downloads and more.

These days, however, it is possible to have your fingerprint unlock protected apps and approve iTunes downloads - a great help for those of us who hate entering different passwords in different places.  On my own iPhone and iPad, I have certainly enabled this fingerprint unlock feature on any applicable app, as well as for iTunes and App store purchases .

However, if my kids had my device's passcode, I would certainly not enable fingerprint access to any of these password-protected apps or to allow fingerprint approval of iTunes download.  

It's not that I don't trust them.  I would just rather protect sensitive information and only allow my bank accounts to being accessed by me.  And I don't want any accidental deletion of files and content that are important to me.

Do your kids know your device's passcode?  Do you allow fingerprint access to apps and approval of iTunes purchases on that device? 

​What advice would you give my client?                                                   

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Another interesting article about parenting kids with smartphones

This article appeared recently in The Age, and talks about the issue of whether or not you should monitor what your child does, uses and says on their mobile device.  

​How far should you go in trying to keep your child 'safe' on these devices?  

• Should you stalk your child's smartphone?        

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'Keeping your Children Safe on iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches' - Guide now available

iTandCoffee now has published copies of the 'Keeping your children safe on iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches' guide available at the iTandCoffee Shop in Glen Iris.

This easy-to-read guide tells you how to go about setting up parental controls on i-Devices, how to lock a child into a particular app when needed, discusses iTunes and iCloud accounts in families (and how to avoid a tangled iCloud mess),  iMessage and Facetime, looks at security, and includes some great tips about kids and Apps.

If you would like to purchase a copy for $15, contact iTandCoffee on 1300 885 420.  

​Or pop by the iTandCoffee Shop at 34 High St Glen Iris (but best to call first, to make sure the shop is attended.)

The guide can also be downloaded as a PDF from the iTandCoffee online store, at a cost of $9.90. 

See this guide in the iTandCoffee online store