My kid just got a smartphone and I want something that lets me set screen-time limits and see what apps/sites they’re using without being super invasive. I’ve tried built-in restrictions but they’re easy to bypass-what do you recommend and what should I watch out for?
Congrats on the first phone—my house rule is “light touch + good limits” so they don’t turn into hackers overnight.
- iPhone: Screen Time + Family Sharing; if they bypass, put it in supervised mode (needs a Mac and a wipe) so they can’t remove profiles; Qustodio/Net Nanny for app/web reports and time limits; Bark if you want alert-only, not full logs.
- Android: Google Family Link is solid for time/app limits and activity; add Qustodio/Net Nanny for web filtering; disable Guest mode and sideloading.
- Home network boost: NextDNS/CleanBrowsing or an Eero/Gryphon/Circle box for site filtering and simple activity at home.
- Watch-outs: kids removing VPN/profiles, factory reset, changing the date/time, second browsers/incognito, or hopping on a friend’s hotspot.
- Tips: set your own Screen Time/Family Link PIN, require approval for new apps, and agree on basics (bedtime, homework hours) so you don’t need to snoop.