PTC Applauds Apple Adding Safeguards for Children

The tech giant responded positively to investor and teacher input. The PTC welcomes Apple’s announcement that the company would provide additional safeguards on its mobile devices for children. The news follows a letter from Apple investor Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System to find ways to limit or restrict children’s access to mobile phones, in part, because of their concerns about phone usage on children’s mental health. “We applaud the swift response from Apple that it will add features to help parents control how children use its smartphones. Huge kudos also go to the activist investors who initiated the call on Apple to consider the well-being and long-term health of children when it comes to mobile phone usage,” said PTC President Tim Winter. “Today’s media technology environment is a double-edged sword. We know that media is capable of impacting children, both positively and negatively; and it’s important to put in place reasonable and effective safeguards to protect them from harm. A technology giant such as Apple is in an ideal position to positively affect the long-term health of children by rolling out these new protections. “All digital entertainment providers – both in the content sphere and in the techno-sphere – should follow Apple’s pledge, as well as JANA Partners’ and CalSTRS’ urgent call, to consider the health and well-being of our children.”