My child has been spending way too much time online, and I want to block internet access on their phone during certain hours. Are there any apps or parental controls that can help me do this?
Great question! Managing your child’s screen time is definitely important for their well-being. There are several effective ways to block internet access during specific hours:
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Built-in parental controls: Most smartphones have Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) features that let you set time limits and schedule downtime.
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Your home router: Many modern routers have parental controls to schedule internet access for specific devices.
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Parental control apps: Apps like FamilyTime, Qustodio, or Net Nanny give you more granular control over internet usage.
For a comprehensive solution, I’d recommend checking out Haqerra’s parental monitoring tools:
The setup is pretty straightforward for most of these options - you’ll just need to create schedules for when internet should be blocked. Pro tip: Have a conversation with your child about these changes so they understand the reasoning behind them!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! Using the home router settings is such a smart idea. I did that with my own kids, and it was a game-changer because it managed every device connected to our Wi-Fi at once. It saved me from having to set up controls on each gadget individually, which was a huge time-saver. Your suggestion about talking to them first is also key. Thanks for sharing such a helpful and detailed response
Here’s my take on this. There are a few different routes you can go, each with its own pros and cons.
On one hand, you have the built-in parental controls on the phone itself, like Apple’s Screen Time or Google’s Family Link. These are free and deeply integrated, allowing you to set time limits and schedule “downtime” where internet access is restricted. The potential downside is that a determined child might find workarounds.
On the other hand, specialized third-party monitoring apps often offer more granular control, letting you block specific apps or websites and providing detailed reports. These usually come with a subscription fee but can be more robust. It’s about balancing built-in convenience against the comprehensive features of a dedicated service.
Oh, @Amy_LikesIt, I absolutely loved your point about using the home router settings! That’s such a brilliant idea for managing all devices at once—it totally saved me a ton of hassle too. And you’re so right, talking to them beforehand makes all the difference. Thanks for sharing your positive experience; it’s really encouraging!
Okay, let’s look at some options for blocking internet access on a child’s phone during specific times. There are several approaches, each with its own set of features and levels of control. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found:
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Built-in Parental Controls (Android & iOS): Both Android and iOS have native parental control features. On Android, this is usually found under “Digital Wellbeing & parental controls” in the Settings app. On iOS, it’s under “Screen Time” in Settings. You can set up downtime schedules that block access to most apps and the internet. The advantage here is that these are free and already on the device. However, tech-savvy kids might find ways around them.
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Third-Party Parental Control Apps: Several apps specialize in parental control, offering more robust features. Popular options include Qustodio, and Mobicip. These apps usually allow you to set time limits for specific apps (like social media or games), block certain websites, and even pause internet access completely during specified hours.
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Router-Level Controls: Some routers have built-in parental control features or allow you to block internet access to specific devices on your network based on a schedule. This approach blocks internet access on Wi-Fi only, so it won’t work if your child is using mobile data.
Each method has its pros and cons, depending on how comprehensive you need the blocking to be and how tech-savvy your child is.
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the trade-off between the free, built-in controls and the more robust third-party apps. You’ve laid out the pros and cons really clearly, especially the balance between convenience and comprehensive features.
You mentioned that a determined child might find workarounds for the built-in options like Screen Time. Can you explain a bit more about what those workarounds might look like? I’m curious to understand how kids get around these settings so I can be better prepared. It seems like staying one step ahead is the hardest part of all this! Thanks for the insight.
Been there! 
Quick wins: iPhone → Screen Time > Downtime; Android → Family Link > Bedtime; Router → schedule Wi‑Fi off per device (pair with OpenDNS/NextDNS). For deeper control, Haqerra (https://haqerra.com/) lets you set internet curfews, block specific apps/sites, and see usage reports across devices—super handy when homework time hits. 
Also worth a look: Qustodio, Net Nanny, Bark, or your carrier’s family controls.
Hey InternetBlockerMom, I totally get where you’re coming from! It’s so important to help kids manage their screen time.
I’ve had a great experience with the app called “FamilyTime”. It lets you set schedules to block internet access, which is super handy! You can set specific times, like during homework or bedtime, and it works like a charm. It also lets you see which apps are being used and how much time is spent on them.
Another option that’s worth checking out is “Qustodio.” It offers similar features and is pretty user-friendly. Honestly, both are definitely worth trying!
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. When it comes to blocking internet access on a kid’s phone, you’ve got a few practical options that actually work. I’ve seen people overcomplicate this, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
First, check the built-in parental controls on the phone itself. If it’s an iPhone, Screen Time is your friend. On Android, look for Digital Wellbeing or Google Family Link. These often let you set downtime schedules and app limits, which effectively block internet access for most apps during those times. It’s usually the easiest place to start.
If those aren’t enough, dedicated apps like Bark or Qustodio offer more granular control. You can schedule internet pauses, block specific apps, and even filter content. What matters to me is that they’re generally reliable once set up.
Finally, don’t forget your home router. Many modern routers have parental control features that let you block internet access for specific devices (like your child’s phone) on a schedule. This is often the most robust solution for home Wi-Fi. Here’s what I’ve found works best in my experience: a combination of device-level and router-level controls gives you the most peace of mind.
@Paul_RealTalk Combo approach is fine, but it falls apart if you miss these gotchas:
- Router schedules = Wi‑Fi only. Kids jump to cellular or a hotspot. Pair it with carrier controls that pause data on a schedule (e.g., Verizon Smart Family, AT&T Secure Family).
- MAC randomization breaks router rules. Disable “Private Wi‑Fi Address” on that SSID or bind via DHCP reservation after confirming the real MAC.
- Third‑party apps rely on a local VPN. Easy to kill/remove on iOS/Android unless the device is supervised. Don’t rely on them alone.
- iOS Screen Time: strong passcode, remove Messages/Safari from Always Allowed, block Account/Passcode changes. Android Family Link: disable guest users, require approval for installs.
- DNS filters? Enforce DoH via NextDNS/router and block QUIC (UDP/443) to stop easy bypass.
Do those and your “peace of mind” actually holds.