{
  "id": 11888540,
  "title": "The MacBook Neo has a ton of child and teen safety tools: How to set them up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/the-macbook-neo-has-a-ton-of-child-and-teen-safety-tools-how-to-set",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-04T09:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/tech/how-to-set-up-macbook-neo-child-safety-tools-screen-time"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's budget MacBook Neo is gaining popularity among children and early education programs. It boasts affordability, durability, and a compact size perfect for backpacks. With the release of macOS 26, Apple has added several child safety features to the laptop. This article will guide you through setting up these tools on your MacBook Neo.\n\nFirst, create a Child Account for your child. This is mandatory for users under 13 and optional for those 13-18. To set this up, go to System Settings, click on your name in the sidebar, and select Family. From there, choose Create Child Account and provide your child's name, birthday, and consent to the terms and conditions.\n\nNext, enable Ask to Buy. This feature requires parental approval for app downloads or purchases. To turn it on, go to System Settings > Family > [child's name] > Apps & Websites > Restrictions > Ask to Buy and select Require Purchase Approval.\n\nThirdly, activate Find My. This built-in service helps locate lost devices. When creating your child's account, you'll be asked if you want to turn it on. If not, you can enable it later by toggling Location Services in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, then going to iCloud > See All > Find My Mac.\n\nFourthly, set Screen Time limits. This tool allows you to control when and how long your child can use their MacBook Neo. To do this, go to System Settings > Screen Time and toggle on Schedule. You can set specific days and time windows, and optionally, create a passcode to prevent changes.\n\nLastly, set Time Allowances for apps and games. This lets you limit the duration and frequency of specific app usage. Navigate to System Settings > Screen Time > App Limits and select the apps or categories you want to restrict.",
  "summary": "MacOS includes a bunch of child safety features, including screen time limits. Here's how to set up parental controls on the MacBook Neo.",
  "key_points": [
    "Create Child Account for users under 13, optional for 13-18",
    "Enable Ask to Buy for parental approval on app purchases",
    "Activate Find My for device tracking and location services"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}