How to restrict access to specific apps on a child’s phone during school hours?

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to cultivate healthy digital habits for our children. As parents and guardians, we must ensure our children are using technology responsibly and striking a balance between their online and offline lives. During school hours, excessive screen time can lead to distractions, poor academic performance, and potential negative impacts on their well-being. This is why establishing healthy digital habits is so crucial, and restricting access to certain apps during school time can help create a more productive and enriching environment for learning.

Understanding App-Blocking Features on Smartphones

You can use built-in features, third-party apps, or parental control software to block apps on your child’s phone during school hours. Here’s a breakdown of the options for Android and iOS:

Android:

• Digital Wellbeing: This built-in feature on Android 9 and above allows you to set daily time limits for specific apps, including the ability to schedule app blocks during certain hours. For example, you could restrict access to social media apps like Instagram and TikTok between 8 am and 4 pm, during school hours.
• App Lock: Some Android devices have built-in app locking features, allowing you to password-protect individual apps. While not directly for scheduling, this can prevent access to certain apps during school hours.
• Third-party Apps: Several apps, such as AppBlock and Freedom, offer more advanced scheduling and blocking options, allowing you to create custom schedules and block specific apps or categories of apps.
• Parental Control Apps: Apps like Google Family Link and Microsoft Family Safety provide comprehensive parental controls, including app blocking. You can use them to set time limits, schedule app restrictions, and monitor your child’s online activity.

iOS:

• Screen Time: iOS’s built-in Screen Time feature allows you to set daily time limits for specific apps, schedule app blocks (Downtime), and limit app categories. For instance, you can set Downtime from 8 am to 4 pm, blocking access to games and social media apps during school hours.
• App Limits: Screen Time allows you to set daily limits for specific app categories. This can help restrict access to games or social media for a certain amount of time, effectively preventing excessive usage during school hours.
• Third-party Apps: Some third-party apps, like OurPact and FamilyTime, can provide more granular control over app usage, offering features like customizable schedules and real-time monitoring of app activity.
• Parental Control Software: Consider a more robust solution like mSpy, which offers comprehensive parental controls, including the ability to block apps, monitor app usage, and restrict internet access.

The best approach depends on your child’s age, maturity level, and the specific apps you want to restrict. You can experiment with different methods to find what works best for your family.

Step-by-Step Guide: Implementing App Restrictions

You can set up app restrictions on your child’s phone to help them focus on their studies during school hours. This can be done using the built-in settings on both Android and iOS devices. You can also utilize parental control apps for more advanced features.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to implement app restrictions on your child’s phone:

Android

1. Access Digital Wellbeing Settings: Open the Settings app on your child’s Android phone. Tap on Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

2. Create a Schedule: Select App Timer. Tap on the plus icon to create a new schedule. Set a name for your schedule and select the days and times you want the restrictions to apply. For example, you might name your schedule ‘School Hours’ and set it to run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

3. Select Apps: Choose the apps you want to restrict access to during the school hours you have set. You can use the search bar to find apps quickly.

4. Set Usage Limits: You can set time limits for individual apps or use the App Blocking feature to completely block apps during the schedule you have created.

5. Confirm Settings: Review your settings and tap Save to apply the restrictions.

iOS

1. Access Screen Time: Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone. Tap on Screen Time.

2. Create a Schedule: Select Downtime. Tap on the plus icon to create a new schedule. Set a name for your schedule and select the days and times you want the restrictions to apply. For example, you might name your schedule ‘School Hours’ and set it to run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

3. Select Apps: You can select apps that are blocked during downtime. You can add exceptions, such as educational apps, if desired.

4. Confirm Settings: Review your settings and tap Done to apply the restrictions.

Parental Control Software

Parental control apps can provide additional features and control over your child’s phone usage.

• Free Parental Control Apps:
• Google Family Link: Offers app blocking, screen time limits, and location tracking.
• Qustodio: Provides comprehensive parental controls, including app blocking, website filtering, and call monitoring.
• Bark: Focuses on monitoring social media and text messages for potential cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

Paid Parental Control Apps

• mSpy: Offers advanced monitoring capabilities, including app blocking, social media tracking, and keylogging. This app requires a subscription.
• FlexiSpy: Provides a wider range of monitoring features, such as call recording, GPS tracking, and access to phone data.

Note: Always communicate with your child about the restrictions you are setting and why they are in place. It’s important to maintain open dialogue and explain the importance of balancing digital usage with academic commitments.

Alternative Strategies for Encouraging Focus

While blocking apps can be effective, it’s crucial to address the underlying need for focus and create a supportive environment for your child. Here are some alternative strategies:

• Designate a Study Space: Create a dedicated area for studying free from distractions. This could be a desk in their room, a quiet corner in the house, or even a local library.
• Set Clear Expectations: Discuss with your child the importance of focusing during school hours and the potential consequences of excessive screen time. Set clear expectations for phone usage during study time.
• Encourage Healthy Tech Breaks: Schedule short breaks for your child to step away from screens and engage in other activities like physical exercise, reading, or spending time with family.
• Open Communication: Talk openly with your child about their feelings towards screen time limits. Emphasize that you understand their desire to use their phone but that it’s important to prioritize schoolwork and other activities.
• Positive Relationship: Build a positive relationship with your child around screen time. Avoid using threats or punishments, and instead focus on fostering mutual trust and understanding.

By restricting access to distracting apps during school hours, you’re creating a focused environment that promotes learning and academic success. This strategy can help your child develop better concentration skills, improve their time management abilities, and enhance their overall learning experience. Remember, it’s about finding a balance between technology and education. The goal is not to eliminate technology completely but to use it responsibly and effectively. The strategies discussed in this blog post are just a starting point. Adapt them to your family’s unique needs and dynamics, and be open to your child’s input. By working together and communicating openly, you can create a healthy digital environment that fosters learning, growth, and responsible technology use.