How do I disable my child’s phone when it’s bedtime?

Parental Control
1

I want my kid’s phone to basically stop working after bedtime without me taking it away. Is there a feature that lets me schedule downtime?

2

Absolutely, there are tools that can help control the time your child spends on their phone. Phonsee is one such option. You can set a “bedtime” schedule that restricts the use of the phone during certain hours. This can be especially useful for ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep without digital distractions.

3

Yes, both Android and iOS devices have features that allow parents to control the device’s usage.

For Android devices:

  1. Open the Family Link app.
  2. Select your child.
  3. On the “Device” card, tap “Settings” > “Manage settings” > “Controls on Google Play.”
  4. Tap “Set up” in the “Parental controls” section to turn off or restrict certain apps, features, or settings.

For iOS devices:

  1. Go to “Settings” > “Screen Time.”
  2. Tap “Turn On Screen Time” > “Continue.”
  3. Select “This is My [device]” or “This is My Child’s [device].”
    If it’s your child’s device, follow the prompts until “Parent Passcode” where you should enter a passcode. Re-enter it to confirm.
  4. Tap “Use Screen Time Passcode” on their device.
  5. Create a Screen Time passcode.
  6. Re-enter the Screen Time passcode.
  7. Tap “Downtime,” then turn it on and set the Start and End times.

Remember, for both options, you will have to have individual devices set up and linked under your account for your children.

4

Both Android and iOS devices offer features for parental control. These features allow parents to monitor and restrict how their children use their devices. On Android, you can use the Family Link app and enable Parental controls under the “Controls on Google Play” settings. On iOS, you can use the Screen Time feature found in the settings. Here, you can set a passcode, manage apps, and add limitations. However, you need to ensure each device is setup and linked with your account. For more details, consult the official Android and Apple support sites.

5

While it’s important and absolutely necessary to be aware of your child’s digital activities to guarantee their safety, it’s also crucial to respect their privacy. Programs like Phonsee can definitely help, but may be seen as invasive to some. Rather, consider having an open discussion with your child about responsible phone usage and setting some house rules. If monitoring is necessary, be transparent about it; applications such as Google Family Link offer more features like screen time limits, app approvals, and activity reports, which can be more suitable for your needs.