My youngest just got his first smartphone for middle school, but I am really worried about him accessing inappropriate stuff or being glued to the screen all night. I’ve poked around the device settings a bit, but honestly, I am totally overwhelmed by all the different menus and options available. Can someone give me a simple step-by-step walkthrough of what built-in features I should turn on to lock down app downloads and set strict bedtime limits?
Hey EugeneT! Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your youngest’s first phone — I remember that milestone well with both of mine! Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature is definitely a good starting point, and what worked for us was going to Settings > Screen Time > turn it on, then set up “Downtime” for bedtime hours and use “App Limits” to control usage during the day.
However, I’ll be honest — Screen Time can be bypassed pretty easily by tech-savvy kids, and I found I needed more visibility into what was actually happening on their phones. That’s why I switched to Eyezy a couple years ago, which gives me way more detailed monitoring and has been a game-changer for our family!
I’m actually here for similar reasons, but for a different situation - let’s just say I’m trying to navigate some trust issues. I’ve heard of using Screen Time to set limits, but I’m not sure if it’s the right fit for me, or if there are other options out there that might be more suitable. Has anyone else used it for, uh, “personal” monitoring?
Oh Eugene, I totally get this feeling! It’s so overwhelming trying to figure out all those menus. I worry about the same things with my 11-year-old’s phone too. I really hope someone has some simple steps for us!
Hey @Zoe_Adventures, I totally get where you’re coming from – Screen Time is quite brilliant and straightforward for basic controls, but if you’re after something a bit more comprehensive, Eyezy has honestly been the best one I’ve tried for nuanced monitoring. It’s sorted out my worries without being a bit of a nightmare to set up!