How to limit video calls on a kid’s phone on weekends?

You want to make sure your kids are safe and healthy while using their phones. This includes being mindful of how they use video calls, especially on weekends.

Video calls are a great way for kids to stay connected with friends and family. However, they can also be a source of distraction and potential misuse. Too much time spent on video calls can impact sleep, homework, and even real-world social interactions.

By limiting video calls on weekends, you can help your child develop healthy screen time habits and encourage them to engage in other activities, like playing outside, reading, or spending time with family.

Using Built-in Phone Features

You can use the built-in features of your child’s phone to limit video calls on weekends. These features allow you to control app usage, screen time, and other aspects of your child’s phone activity. Here’s how to set these limits:

iPhone:

Screen Time: Use the ‘Screen Time’ feature on your iPhone to set daily limits for specific apps. This way, you can limit the amount of time your child can spend on video call apps, such as FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype, on weekends.
App Limits: Set app limits for video call apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. This will restrict your child’s usage of these apps on weekends.

Android:

Digital Wellbeing: Android phones have a ‘Digital Wellbeing’ feature that allows you to set app usage limits and screen time limits. You can use this feature to limit video call apps on weekends.
App Limits: Some Android devices allow you to set app limits directly. You can use this feature to restrict your child’s usage of specific video call apps, like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, on weekends.

Steps to Set Limits:

Open your child’s phone’s settings.
Locate the ‘Screen Time’ (iPhone) or ‘Digital Wellbeing’ (Android) section.
Select the ‘App Limits’ or ‘Usage Limits’ option.
Choose the video call app you want to limit.
Set the time limit for the app on weekends. You can choose to set limits for specific days or for the whole weekend.
Save your changes.

Remember to monitor your child’s phone usage regularly and adjust the limits as needed. You can also use these features to set overall screen time limits for your child’s phone, not just for video call apps.

Exploring Parental Control Apps

Parental control apps can be useful tools for managing your child’s screen time, including limiting video calls on weekends. Here’s a look at some popular options and how they work:

Google Family Link:

Advantages: Easy to use, free, integrated with other Google services like YouTube Kids.
Disadvantages: Limited customization options for weekend restrictions. You can set screen time limits, but not specific time blocks or app-based restrictions. You can create a schedule that blocks apps after a certain time, but this schedule applies to all days of the week, not just weekends.
Example: You can set a bedtime for your child’s phone, which will block all apps after a specific time. This setting applies every day, not just on weekends. If you want to block video calls on weekends specifically, you would need to manually disable the video call app.

Qustodio:

Advantages: Comprehensive features, including app blocking, website filtering, and time limits for individual apps. You can customize weekend restrictions.
Disadvantages: Paid app, can be complex to set up.
Example: You can create a custom schedule that blocks video calls on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. You can also set limits on the total amount of time your child can spend on video calls during the weekend.

Bark:

Advantages: Focuses on safety and well-being, monitoring for cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and risky online behavior.
Disadvantages: Primarily a monitoring app, not a strict blocking app. You can set limits on app usage, but may not be able to completely block video calls on weekends.
Example: You can receive alerts if your child is spending an excessive amount of time on video calls, but you may need to manually disable the video calling app to restrict usage on weekends.

In addition to these free apps, you may consider a paid app like mSpy or FlexiSpy for more advanced control and monitoring features.

Alternative Weekend Activities

Instead of video calls, encourage your kids to engage in alternative weekend activities that promote real-world interactions and foster their development. Here are some ideas:

Outdoor Activities: Go for a hike, visit a park, play frisbee, or ride bikes. Fresh air and exercise are beneficial for both physical and mental health.
Board Games: Gather the family for a game night with classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or card games. These activities encourage strategic thinking, problem-solving, and social interaction.
Creative Projects: Engage in art projects, build a fort, or try a new recipe together. Creative endeavors promote imagination, self-expression, and bonding.
Offline Time with Family and Friends: Spend quality time with loved ones by having a picnic, attending a community event, or simply catching up over a meal. These interactions foster strong relationships and create lasting memories.

Balancing screen time with real-world interactions is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your kids to explore different activities that bring joy and fulfillment beyond the digital realm.

Remember, open communication is key! Explain to your kids why you’re setting limits on weekend video calls, emphasizing the importance of balance and offline activities.

Be prepared for their resistance and have alternative ways to connect with friends ready, such as in-person hangouts, group chats, or phone calls.

Ultimately, these strategies are a starting point, so adapt them based on your child’s unique needs and preferences. Consistency and open dialogue will ensure a positive and healthy relationship with technology.