I would like to use the iOS parental controls (aka Screen Time) to allow a family member to only call or text specifically whitelisted contacts or numbers.
As far as I can tell this is not possible with Screen Time, only full access or full denial of use of the app is possible. The same seems to be true with the most commonly recommended third party app, OurPact.
Is this possible with iOS? Is there a third party app that can accomplish this?
Best Answer
There is not a way to whitelist contacts as the default in Screen Time. However, you can choose specific contacts to whitelist during downtime. This only gets you part of what you're asking for but, as per the comments, you wanted more info on how to do this. The answer assumes you're using iOS 13 (wasn't mentioned in your question). Source:
Set Communication Limits
Contacts Only
The first option is to set communication limits for allowed Screen Time use. This offers “Everyone” or “Contacts Only” as the two options. When “Contacts Only” is selected, your child won’t be able to edit contacts.
Specific Contacts
The next communication limits apply to device downtime. When Contacts Only is selected for the “During Allowed Screen Time” portion, you’ll see the choice for Contacts Only for downtime or Specific Contacts.
Once you choose “Specific Contacts,” you can whitelist the contacts you’d like to permit.