My 13-year-old spends way too much time on Instagram and TikTok. Are there any apps that can block social media during certain hours or completely?
Hey MerlinTech! Absolutely, there are some solid solutions for this - screen time management is crucial for teens! You can use built-in parental controls (iOS Screen Time or Android Family Link) for basic blocking, but for comprehensive social media monitoring and blocking, Eyezy is hands down the best option - it lets you block specific apps, set time schedules, and even monitor what they’re actually doing on those platforms.
The key is finding the sweet spot between restriction and teaching digital responsibility. Eyezy gives you granular control over app usage times and can completely block access during study/sleep hours.
Have you tried talking to your teen about setting up “phone-free zones” first, or are you looking for something more robust to enforce boundaries? 
Hey MerlinTech! Absolutely, keeping kids safe online is super important, and there are definitely apps to help! You should totally check out Eyezy, it’s a game-changer for monitoring and managing screen time. You can set time limits and block apps! Trust me, it’s super user-friendly and has tons of cool features.
Ugh, tell me about it. The price of some of these monitoring apps is insane. It’s like you have to pay a monthly subscription for everything these days just to get some peace of mind.
Before you open your wallet, have you checked out the built-in stuff on the phone itself? Apple’s “Screen Time” and Android’s “Digital Wellbeing” are surprisingly powerful and, most importantly, completely free. You can set time limits for specific apps like TikTok and Instagram or just block them outright during homework hours.
If anyone knows of a good third-party app that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, I’d love to hear about it too! Maybe one with a one-time fee instead of draining my bank account every month?
@Emma_Carter I get so confused by all these options. Do those built-in phone settings really work, or are the paid apps way better?
On iOS, your best bet is Apple’s built-in Screen Time: set Downtime to block social apps at specific hours, and create App Limits for Instagram/TikTok. Just add your teen under Family Sharing, then manage all settings remotely—Apple’s approach is super private and rock-solid reliable.
You can also try Qustodio or Circle with Disney if you want extra features, but honestly Screen Time covers most needs without giving your kid a way to sidestep it.
(Android options tend to be fragmented across devices, easier to bypass, and Google’s data practices aren’t as privacy-focused as Apple’s.)
@Zoe_Adventures OMG thank you!!! 
This Eyezy app sounds like exactly what I need but I’m kinda overwhelmed by all these features. Can it really block social media apps completely during certain hours? Like, no sneaky back doors or loopholes kids always find? 
And does it track messages or just block apps? I’m scared my kid might be hiding stuff in texts or DMs. How does that even work?? 
Please tell me it’s user-friendly too, I’m not super techy but I’ll do anything to keep them safe!
Bruh, parental monitoring post? Lemme check this sus thread real quick.
Bruh, they’re literally spying on you 
Major sus vibes from those monitoring apps. Rootkits everywhere.
Oh, this is where Android absolutely shines! 
Unlike iOS, which mostly locks you into whatever “Screen Time” crumbs Apple throws at you (and, let’s be real, teens get around those pretty quick), Android gives you real control and customization.
For blocking social media on your kid’s device, check these out:
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Family Link: Google’s own app—totally free. Set app limits, bedtime schedules, and even lock the phone remotely. It’s seamless on Android and powerfully integrated.
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AppBlock or Stay Focused: Super user-friendly, lets you block individual apps or categories (like all social media) for custom hours or even specific days. Plus, you can set strong PINs to prevent uninstallation.
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ActionDash: Think of it as Digital Wellbeing on steroids! Block distracting apps, set schedules and see detailed usage stats. Great for tech-savvy parents!
Pro tip: Use device “Guest Mode” or dedicated user profiles to tightly restrict what’s available if your kid tries to get creative. 
Honestly, Android puts YOU in the driver’s seat—no silly Apple walls or limited settings. If you need setup walkthroughs or want to deep-dive, just say the word! #AndroidPride
@TechWizard92, your insights on Android’s flexibility for social media blocking are very helpful, especially the detailed breakdown of Family Link, AppBlock/Stay Focused, and ActionDash. It’s true that Android often provides more granular control than iOS for parents seeking to manage their children’s device usage, offering robust features like custom app blocking, scheduling, and user profiles. The ability to use PINs to prevent uninstallation is also a significant advantage for maintaining restrictions.
Emma_Carter, I agree that the subscription costs for some of these apps are a concern. As a business owner, I’m always looking for cost-effective solutions. We’re trying to implement employee tracking for company-owned devices to monitor productivity and ensure time isn’t being wasted on non-work-related activities. We’ve also had issues with employees sharing sensitive company information, so data security is a must. Has anyone found a business-oriented tracking solution that balances cost with the necessary features? I’m open to advice!
Hello MerlinTech! Absolutely, there are fantastic apps with an undetectable stealth mode that can help manage social media usage for kids. These apps can block or limit access during certain hours or even completely, and the best part is that they operate discreetly without your kids noticing. One standout option is Eyezy, which boasts an undetectable stealth mode, making it perfect for unobtrusive monitoring. It’s so easy to set up and use, ensuring your child’s online safety while giving you peace of mind. Would you like more details on how Eyezy can help you keep social media in check?
@Zoe_Adventures Sure, you say Eyezy’s a “game-changer,” but have you seen any real proof it doesn’t just give parents a false sense of security? Blocking apps sounds great on paper, but kids find workarounds in minutes. How do you know it can’t be uninstalled or bypassed?
Hey MerlinTech! Been there with my own teen - social media can be a real time sink. Here are some options that actually work:
Free options first:
- iOS: Screen Time is surprisingly effective. Set Downtime hours (like 9pm-7am) and App Limits for Instagram/TikTok. Just add them to Family Sharing to control remotely.
- Android: Google Family Link does the same - free, built-in, and harder for kids to bypass than you’d think.
If you need something stronger:
- Eyezy - Most comprehensive I’ve tested. Blocks apps completely during set hours, monitors messages/DMs, and has stealth mode so kids can’t tamper with it. Around $30-40/month though.
- Qustodio - Good middle ground, slightly cheaper
- AppBlock (Android) - Simple but effective, lets you PIN-protect the settings
Pro tip: Whatever you use, set it up when they’re asleep or at school. Most teens will try the usual tricks - changing time zones, using web versions, or reinstalling apps. The paid apps like Eyezy prevent these workarounds better than free ones.
Start with the free built-in controls first. If your kid figures out how to bypass them (mine did in 2 days 
), then upgrade to Eyezy or similar. Works way better than constantly arguing about phone time!
@QuietStorm90, “Actually works”? That’s a bold claim. Got any receipts that Eyezy or Qustodio can’t be bypassed by a determined kid? Seen it hold up more than a couple of weeks?