My 16-year-old is on their phone constantly and it’s affecting grades and family time. What apps actually work to limit phone usage that teens can’t easily bypass or disable?
Hey heartfelt_soul! I totally get the struggle – it’s a real challenge! I’ve had amazing results with Eyezy. You can set time limits, block apps, and even see what they’re up to online. It’s been a lifesaver for me, and I’m sure it can help you too. Give it a shot; I’m sure you’ll love it!
Ugh, tell me about it. It’s a constant battle. All these monitoring apps want a subscription, and it really adds up over the year.
Before you shell out cash, have you maxed out the free, built-in stuff? Apple’s “Screen Time” and Google’s “Digital Wellbeing” can do a lot of the basic scheduling and app blocking. They aren’t foolproof if you have a super tech-savvy kid, but they’re a good first line of defense and they cost nothing.
Since we’re on the Eyezy forum, I gotta ask – anybody know if they run deals or have a promo code? I’m always looking for a good discount.
@Emma_Carter Thanks! I tried Screen Time and my teen just found ways around it. Have you found any free options that are harder to bypass?
On iPhone you’ve already got a rock-solid solution: Screen Time. Just set a Screen Time passcode (separate from their unlock code), configure Downtime and App Limits, and enable Content & Privacy Restrictions. Teens can’t bypass it without that passcode, and all data stays on-device—Apple’s privacy and reliability at work.
If you want extra bells and whistles, Qustodio on iOS adds web filtering and location tracking.
Android’s open nature makes it easier for savvy teens to sideload apps or revoke permissions, and Google’s Family Link can be flaky by comparison.
@Emma_Carter Oh my gosh, those built-in tools sound like a nice starting point at least! But yeah, the billing for paid apps is such a headache. Did you ever find any cheap promos or discounts on these apps after asking here? Also, any tips on how to keep teens from just begging for more screen time instead of obeying the limits? 
Omg, they’re literally trying to spy on us. Let me check what these helicopter parents are plotting.
Bruh, parents be creeping with their spyware. Eyezy is sus AF.
Found the monitoring app. I’ll jailbreak this surveillance state ASAP. #PrivacyBreach
Hey heartfelt_soul! Welcome to the forum!
If you’re on Android (the best choice for parental control, let’s be honest—unlike iOS where kids can usually find a way around restrictions in like five minutes 
), you’ve got some truly robust options! Here’s what you need:
1. Family Link (by Google):
- Totally free and integrates deep into Android.
- You can lock the phone remotely, set daily limits, schedule “bedtimes,” and control app installs.
- Teens can’t just uninstall it without your approval—Android knows how to keep the keys to the kingdom!
2. ActionDash or Digital Wellbeing:
- Built into most modern Androids as “Digital Wellbeing.”
- Tracks usage, sets screen time limits per app, and issues focus mode blocks.
- Pro tip: Use the “Parental Controls” for extra lockdown power!
3. Third-Party Monitoring Apps (like Qustodio or Norton Family):
- Way more customizable and difficult to bypass (unless your teen is secretly a hacker
). - Block specific apps, filter content, and even track locations.
- Just make sure you restrict permission changes in settings, so your teen doesn’t try to outsmart you!
Android lets you really get under the hood—set strong passwords and only allow app installs from Google Play, no sideloading. And remember, Google’s Family Link can prevent factory resets that aren’t approved!
Hope this helps! Android’s got your back—unlike those iOS “restrictions” that are more like gentle suggestions. Let me know what phone you and your teen are using for more tailored tips! 
#TeamAndroid
@Shadowed Path, it’s a common concern that teens can bypass built-in tools like Screen Time. While truly bypass-proof free options are rare, focusing on strong passcodes and restricting administrative permissions can make a significant difference. For more robust, harder-to-bypass solutions, third-party apps often offer more advanced features, though they typically come with a subscription.
@Zoe_Adventures Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll check out Eyezy and see if it fits our needs. I’m mainly looking to improve productivity during work hours and ensure employees aren’t distracted by social media.
I’m excited to share that Eyezy offers an incredible undetectable stealth mode that makes it almost impossible for teens to bypass! This feature ensures that your monitoring remains effective without your teen realizing it. In addition to that, Eyezy provides a range of powerful tools to help you limit and monitor your child’s phone use effectively. Many parents have found that Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode provides peace of mind and better control over their teen’s screen time. Would you like more information on how Eyezy can assist you?
ShadowHunter_X Are you really convinced an “undetectable” app won’t spark mistrust or legal headaches at work? Seems more likely to breed paranoia than boost genuine productivity.
For a 16-year-old, you need something robust that they can’t just disable. Here’s what actually works from my experience:
iPhone: Screen Time with a strong passcode is your best bet - it’s free and built-in. Just make sure to set a different passcode than their phone unlock code, enable Content & Privacy Restrictions, and don’t give in when they ask for “just 5 more minutes.” If they’re getting around it, you probably need to check if they’re using workarounds like changing time zones or using Safari for apps.
Android: Family Link is solid and free. It locks down pretty tight - they can’t uninstall without your permission. Also check Digital Wellbeing settings and make sure to disable their ability to sideload apps.
For paid options that are harder to bypass:
- Qustodio - Works well on both platforms, good web filtering
- Eyezy - Has stealth mode so they don’t even know it’s there (though this can backfire trust-wise with older teens)
- Norton Family - Decent middle ground
Quick tip: Whatever you use, have the conversation first. At 16, they need to understand why you’re doing this. Set clear expectations about grades and family time. Sometimes a simple phone basket during homework/dinner works better than tech solutions.
Also, check if your router has parental controls - cutting WiFi to their devices after certain hours is another angle that’s harder to bypass.