How to block certain apps on a child’s phone during school hours?
In today’s digital world, it’s crucial to prioritize your child’s digital well-being, especially during school hours. Excessive screen time and distractions from certain apps can negatively impact their academic performance, attention span, and overall development. Setting boundaries and fostering healthy digital habits can help them succeed academically and develop essential skills like self-discipline and time management.
App Blocking Features on Android and iOS
Both Android and iOS operating systems offer built-in features to help you manage your child’s app usage, including blocking specific apps during school hours. Let’s explore these features in detail:
Android:
- Digital Wellbeing: This feature provides an overview of your child’s app usage and allows you to set daily limits for individual apps. You can also schedule ‘Downtime’ periods where specific apps are blocked, ideal for school hours.
- Open the Settings app on your child’s Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Tap on App Timer and select the apps you want to restrict. You can set a daily limit or use the ‘Schedule‘ option to block the app during specific hours.
- Alternatively, tap on ‘Downtime‘ to set a period when certain apps are unavailable. Choose the apps you want to block during downtime.
- App Lock: This feature allows you to lock specific apps with a PIN or password, preventing your child from accessing them. However, this feature does not offer time-based blocking like Digital Wellbeing.
- Open the Settings app on your child’s Android device.
- Tap on Security & privacy and then App lock.
- Select the apps you want to lock and set a PIN or password.
iOS:
- Screen Time: This feature allows you to set daily limits for app usage and schedule ‘Downtime’ periods for specific apps.
- Open the Settings app on your child’s iOS device.
- Tap on Screen Time.
- Tap on ‘App Limits‘ and then ‘Add Limit‘ to select the app categories you want to restrict. You can then set a daily limit for those apps.
- Tap on ‘Downtime‘ and select the time frame when you want certain apps to be unavailable. You can customize which apps are allowed during downtime.
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: This feature allows you to block specific websites, apps, and content based on age ratings.
- Open the Settings app on your child’s iOS device.
- Tap on Screen Time, then ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions‘.
- Turn on ‘Content & Privacy Restrictions‘ and set a passcode to protect the settings.
- You can then select ‘Allowed Apps‘ and choose the apps you want to restrict.
Tips:
- Use a strong passcode for screen time settings to prevent your child from overriding the restrictions.
- Regularly review your child’s app usage and adjust the limits or downtime periods as needed.
- Communicate with your child about the app blocking features and explain why they are in place.
Troubleshooting:
- If the app blocking features are not working as expected, ensure that the settings are correctly configured and that the device has a stable internet connection.
- Check if your child has downloaded any third-party apps that might interfere with the built-in features. Consider removing any suspicious apps.
In addition to these built-in features, you can also consider using dedicated parental control apps like mSpy or FlexiSpy for more comprehensive control. These apps offer advanced features such as app blocking, website filtering, location tracking, and monitoring of social media activity.
Third-Party Parental Control Apps
You can also utilize third-party parental control apps to block certain apps on your child’s phone during school hours. These apps offer comprehensive features that go beyond basic app blocking, providing a more robust solution for managing your child’s phone usage.
Here are some popular and reliable apps for Android and iOS devices:
| App Name | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Family Link | App blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, website filtering | Free, easy to use, integrated with Google accounts | Limited features compared to paid apps, not as customizable |
| OurPact | App blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, website filtering, bedtime mode | Flexible scheduling options, customizable rules, multiple child profiles | Requires separate app for child’s device, subscription-based |
| Qustodio | App blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, website filtering, content filtering, call and SMS monitoring | Detailed reports and analytics, extensive customization, multi-device support | More complex interface, subscription-based, may require root access for some features |
| Norton Family Premier | App blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, website filtering, social media monitoring, content filtering | Strong security features, comprehensive parental controls, multi-device support | Expensive, may be overkill for some parents |
| mSpy | App blocking, screen time limits, location tracking, website filtering, social media monitoring, call and SMS monitoring, keystroke logging | Highly advanced features, real-time monitoring, remote control options | Expensive, potentially invasive, ethical concerns |
Remember to carefully review each app’s features, privacy policies, and pricing before making a decision. Choose an app that best meets your needs and aligns with your parenting style. Regularly review and adjust the settings as your child grows and their needs change.
Alternative Methods for App Blocking
While dedicated app blocking apps are effective, other methods can also be helpful in limiting your child’s phone usage during school hours. Here are a few alternatives you might consider:
- Use the Device’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ Mode: Most smartphones have a built-in ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. You can schedule this mode to activate during school hours, blocking notifications and calls from distracting apps. This is a simple and convenient way to create a quiet zone for your child.
- Advantages: Easy to set up and use, no additional apps required.
- Disadvantages: Doesn’t completely block access to apps, only notifications, and doesn’t work for all apps.
- Create Separate User Profiles: Some phones allow you to create multiple user profiles. You can create a ‘School’ profile with limited app access and a ‘Personal’ profile with full access for after school. This offers a more controlled environment for school time.
- Advantages: Provides a distinct separation between school and personal time.
- Disadvantages: Not all devices support this feature, can be more complex to set up.
- Set Up a Dedicated School Phone: For older kids, consider a dedicated phone specifically for school use. This could be an older, less expensive phone with limited apps and features. This eliminates the need for complex app blocking solutions.
- Advantages: Simple and straightforward, doesn’t require restrictions on the primary phone.
- Disadvantages: Requires additional cost and effort, may be less desirable for teens.
Tips for Successful App Blocking
Remember, app blocking is just one part of a larger conversation about responsible technology use. Open communication with your child about these restrictions is crucial. Explain why you are setting these limits, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their education and well-being during school hours. Be realistic in your expectations, understanding that some apps may be necessary for schoolwork or communication. Use these methods in a balanced and supportive way, fostering healthy digital habits and encouraging responsible online behavior.
By setting clear expectations, communicating openly, and using these tools thoughtfully, you can create a safe and productive digital environment for your child.