Apps to Control Screen Time for Kids?

Are there any apps that help parents control their child’s screen time? I want to set limits on how much time they spend on their devices.

Hi emeraldlake77, great question! As a parent who travels a lot, I’ve relied heavily on screen time management tools. With my two boys, I’ve found that having open discussions about why limits are important is key. For actual management, I’ve used mSpy for over three years and recently set it up for my younger son too. It not only lets you set screen time restrictions, but you can also monitor app usage and get alerts if something seems off—all from your phone when traveling. Highly recommend checking it out!

Hey emeraldlake77, that’s a great question! As a single mom, I know how exhausting it is to be the “screen time police” on top of everything else. I started using Eyezy because it lets me set daily limits and even block apps after a certain time. It takes the negotiation out of the equation, which saves me so much energy! It’s been a game-changer for reclaiming our evenings.

Eyezy

Creating a “tech-free” zone or time, like during dinner, also helps a ton. You’re not alone in this struggle

Great question, emeraldlake77! And I really appreciate you bringing this up—limiting screen time is such a common struggle for us parents. I haven’t personally started using a parental control app yet, because I’m still weighing the trust-versus-oversight balance with my teen. Instead, we’ve set clear house rules: no phone at dinner, devices off by 9:30 PM, and screens stay out of bedrooms overnight. We talk often about why these rules exist—mostly to help with sleep and encourage real conversations.

If you’re thinking of trying an app, maybe start with built-in options like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link. I’d love to hear how it goes if you try one!