Apple regularly updates its iOS software and many iPhones will have ‘automatic updates’ selected meaning, provided the phone has enough storage and charge, it will install the updated software automatically. With a recent update (iOS 17.2), an iOS app called ‘Journal’ was installed, with the goal of providing a space for users to reflect privately on their day in order to “practise gratitude and improve your well-being”. However, the fact that it comes with the option to lock the journal using Touch or Face ID means that children with iPhones could potentially lock photos, videos and content within the app with parents locked out. Currently there are no built-in Journal parental controls so we would recommend removing the app from your child’s phone if it has been automatically downloaded.
