As parents, we're all familiar with the challenges of managing screen time with our children. With tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices designed to be addictive, setting and enforcing limits can be challenging. It can be tough to find a balance between allowing screen time for education or entertainment and ensuring it doesn’t interfere with other important activities like outdoor play, family time, or sleep. Clear boundaries, coupled with robust guardrails on the devices themselves, can be a good combination for success.
Once you decide your child is ready for their own device, or to use a shared family device independently, it is important to be aware of the features and services available to get these set up in an optimal way. Fortunately, both Apple and Android devices come equipped with a range of features and tools that can help parents set boundaries, monitor usage, and create a healthier relationship with technology for their kids. Read on for some practical tips on how to use these tools effectively to manage screen time.
1. Use Screen Time (iOS/iPadOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) for Monitoring and Limits
Both Apple and Android devices have built-in features to help you monitor and limit your child’s screen time. Here’s how to use them:
For iOS/iPadOS Devices (Screen Time):
- Set App Limits: You can set daily limits on specific apps or categories of apps (like Social Networking or Games) directly through the Screen Time feature in your device settings. This allows you to control how much time your child spends on their favorite apps.
- Downtime: This feature enables you to schedule a block of time when only certain apps and phone calls are allowed. For instance, you could set it to “Downtime” after 8 p.m. to encourage your child to focus on offline activities like reading or going to bed.
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: If you're worried about what your child is accessing, you can set restrictions on content, apps, and even online purchases. These restrictions can help you control age-appropriate content and safeguard them from inappropriate material.
For Android Devices (Digital Wellbeing):
- App Timers: Android devices offer the option to set daily limits for individual apps. Once the limit is reached, the app will be grayed out and temporarily unavailable until the next day.
- Focus Mode: This feature lets you silence distracting apps temporarily so your child can concentrate on a particular task, such as homework or reading.
- Bedtime Mode: Similar to Apple’s Downtime, Bedtime Mode helps limit screen use before bedtime. It reduces distractions by switching the screen to grayscale and limiting notifications after a set time.
2. Use Family Sharing Features to Manage and Monitor Screen Time
Both Apple and Android devices have family sharing options that allow you to link your child's device to yours, giving you the ability to monitor and control their usage remotely.
For iOS/iPadOS (Family Sharing):
- You can set up Family Sharing to manage your child's device. This allows you to approve or deny app downloads, set spending limits on the App Store, and view detailed reports of your child’s screen time. You can also set up "Ask to Buy" for purchases, ensuring you have control over their spending.
For Android (Google Family Link):
- Google’s Family Link app is an excellent tool for managing your child’s screen time across Android devices. With Family Link, you can set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and monitor their device location. You can also lock the device remotely, which can be helpful if you need to enforce time limits or just want to encourage them to take a break.
3. Paid Services for Comprehensive Screen Time Management
Paid services offer more in-depth monitoring, tracking, and reporting tools to ensure your child is using their device responsibly and safely. Here are some popular options:
Bark: Comprehensive Monitoring for Safety and Well-Being
Bark is one of the most popular paid services for monitoring children's online activity, and it works on both iOS and Android devices. It offers features designed to help parents monitor not just screen time but also content and interactions on social media, texting, and emails.
- Screen Time Management: Bark lets you set daily limits for screen time and schedule downtime.
- Content Monitoring: Bark actively monitors text messages, emails, and over 30 social media platforms for potentially harmful content (e.g. cyberbullying, inappropriate language, or signs of depression or anxiety). It sends alerts to parents if it detects concerning activity.
- Activity Reports: Parents receive regular reports on their child’s device activity, giving a clear picture of how much time they’re spending on different apps or websites.
- Web Filtering: Bark includes web filtering features, allowing you to block inappropriate content across browsers and apps.
- Pricing: Bark offers a monthly or annual subscription, typically starting around $14/month for up to 1 device (with discounts for longer-term plans).
Why Bark? Bark is especially useful for parents who are concerned about their children’s online safety, including issues like cyberbullying or exposure to inappropriate content. It’s an excellent choice for pre-teens and teens who are starting to use social media and messaging apps.
Qustodio: Robust Parental Control Features
Qustodio is another comprehensive paid service that focuses on both screen time management and content monitoring. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a range of features to help parents monitor their child’s device usage.
- Screen Time Controls: Set time limits for individual apps and total daily screen time. You can also schedule device-free times (like after 8 p.m.).
- Location Tracking: Qustodio provides real-time GPS tracking, so you can see where your child is at any given moment.
- Activity Reports: View detailed reports on your child’s activity, including which apps are used, websites visited, and how much time was spent on each.
- Social Media Monitoring: Qustodio can monitor your child’s social media activity on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, alerting you to any suspicious behavior.
- Panic Button: In case of an emergency, your child can press a panic button that will immediately alert you and provide their location.
- Pricing: Qustodio has various plans starting from about $5/month for basic features up to $13/month for the full version with more devices and features.
Why Qustodio? Qustodio is an ideal choice for parents who want a broad range of parental control features, including location tracking, app monitoring, and detailed activity reports. It's great for families with younger children or those who want to monitor not just screen time but also what content their kids are interacting with.
Norton Family: Online Safety and Web Monitoring
Norton Family is a great tool for parents who are concerned about the safety of their children’s online activities. Known for its security services, Norton also offers a comprehensive parental control suite.
- Web Supervision: Norton Family monitors the websites your child visits and can block inappropriate content. It also lets you see the search terms your child is entering.
- Screen Time Management: Set time limits on device usage and schedule screen-free times.
- Location Tracking: Monitor your child’s location in real-time.
- Activity Reports: Get detailed reports on which websites your child visits and how much time they spend on each.
- Social Media Monitoring: Monitor activity on social media and receive alerts if your child shares inappropriate content or contacts.
- Pricing: Norton Family costs around $50/year for up to 5 devices.
Why Norton Family? If your priority is ensuring that your child has a safe online experience, Norton Family is a strong option. It combines robust web filtering with easy-to-read reports and the ability to track your child’s location.
4. Create a Screen Time Schedule Together
Rather than simply enforcing rules, involve your child in creating a schedule for their screen time. This collaborative approach can help them feel more in control and encourage compliance. Here are some ways to do this:
- Set Specific Times for Screen Use: Instead of allowing unlimited access, set designated times for educational apps, games, and entertainment. For example, they might be allowed 30 minutes of game time after completing homework or chores.
- Include Screen-Free Time: Balance screen time with non-screen activities like outdoor play, family meals, or creative hobbies. You can use the built-in features mentioned above to schedule regular "downtime" that encourages other activities.
- Encourage Active Screen Time: If your child enjoys gaming, try to shift their focus to games that require physical movement (think dance games or fitness apps) or educational apps that spark creativity or problem-solving.
5. Model Healthy Tech Habits
Children learn by example, so it’s important for parents to model healthy screen time habits themselves. Set the tone for how devices should be used by following these simple practices:
- Be mindful of your own screen time: Show your child how to use devices responsibly by managing your own usage. For example, try designating certain times of the day as screen-free zones (like during meals or before bedtime).
- Use devices for learning, not just entertainment: Show your child how screens can be tools for education, creativity, and productivity. Encourage activities like reading e-books, drawing on creative apps, or exploring educational videos.
- Practice screen-free activities together: Make time for board games, outdoor activities, or arts and crafts that don’t involve screens. These activities can foster deeper connections and help establish a healthy balance.
6. Establish Tech-Free Zones in the Home
Another strategy to manage screen time is to create tech-free zones in your home. This encourages kids to engage in non-screen activities and fosters healthier habits. Consider these ideas:
- The Bedroom: Avoid allowing devices in your child’s bedroom, especially before bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt their sleep patterns.
- The Dining Table: Make family meals a tech-free time to foster conversation and connection. This can also be a great opportunity to talk about the day and encourage mindfulness around food.
- The Living Room or Play Area: Create spaces in your home where screens are off-limits, such as a designated reading nook or game room, where kids can focus on activities that don't involve screens.
7. Have Conversations About Screen Time
It’s essential to have open and ongoing conversations with your children about screen time. Explain why limits are in place and help them understand the benefits of balancing screen time with other activities. Encourage your child to talk about how screen time makes them feel and whether they’re noticing any negative effects, such as feeling tired, distracted, or moody after too much time on a device.
Conclusion
Managing screen time with your children doesn't have to be a constant battle. By using the tools available on iPads, iPhones, and Android devices, you can set healthy boundaries, monitor usage, and encourage a balanced approach to technology. Remember, the key is finding a balance that works for your family and prioritising open communication and healthy habits. With these strategies in place, you can help your kids develop a positive relationship with technology once they’re ready.