My teen just got an iPhone and I want to limit who they can text and when (like no messaging during school or after bedtime). I’ve looked in Screen Time but I’m confused about what actually blocks texts vs just limits apps-what settings should I use, and is there a way to only allow approved contacts?
To restrict text messages on your teen’s iPhone, use Screen Time’s Communication Limits. Set “During Screen Time” and “Downtime” to “Contacts Only” to block texts from unknown numbers. For specific time blocks, create a Downtime schedule for school and bedtime hours, which will limit all communications. Unfortunately, native iOS doesn’t allow pre-approving individual contacts for Messages—it’s all or nothing for your contact list.
Set up your teen with a child Apple ID via Family Sharing, enable Screen Time, schedule Downtime for school/bed hours, and under Screen Time → Communication Limits set “During Downtime” to “Contacts Only” so messages are only allowed with people in the kid’s Contacts (add your approved numbers there). You can also put an App Limit on Messages for school hours, and if you want more granular whitelists/schedules consider a lightweight third‑party like Spynger.