How to Limit Screen Time on a Child's Phone

Set a baseline

• Check current use for several typical days.
• Identify the apps and times causing the problem.
• Protect sleep, school, meals and family time first.
• Keep access to calling and essential services.

Apply platform controls

Use Screen Time on iPhone or Family Link on supervised Android devices. Start with a realistic daily limit and bedtime rather than blocking everything at once.

Make exceptions visible

• Schoolwork
• Travel
• Health apps
• Family communication
• One-off events agreed in advance

Review behaviour, not only minutes

A long video call with family is not the same as compulsive scrolling. Review content, mood, sleep and repeated attempts to bypass controls. Adjust rules with the child as they mature.

Measure whether the rule helps

Review sleep, homework, conflict and attempts to bypass limits. If the limit increases secrecy without improving wellbeing, change the routine and conversation rather than simply making the block stricter.

Turn a rule into a predictable routine

Screen-time tools work better when limits match family rules the child already understands. Define which activities are restricted, when exceptions apply and how requests will be reviewed.

• Separate bedtime, school time, entertainment and communication needs.
• Keep emergency and agreed family contacts available.
• Test the limit on the child’s actual device and account.
• Review weekly reports for patterns rather than treating one high-use day as failure.

Avoid changing limits in secret or using them as an unpredictable punishment. A child who understands the rule is less likely to seek unsafe workarounds.