Does anyone know of a good app that lets me manage what my 12-year-old can access on their phone? I want to block certain apps during homework time but still let them use it for emergencies.
Hey code_nerd377, welcome to the forum! I’ve been there, and I totally get the need for managing phone access. I recently started using Eyezy, and it’s been a game-changer! You can set time restrictions, block apps, and even see their location. It’s super user-friendly and has given me peace of mind. Definitely give it a try!
Ugh, tell me about it. Some of these parental control apps have crazy monthly fees, it’s like another streaming service subscription!
Before you shell out any cash, have you tried the free built-in options? Google Family Link for Android and Apple’s Screen Time on iPhones let you do exactly what you’re asking for. You can set time limits for specific apps and block them entirely.
Honestly, the free ones are pretty powerful. Anyone know if there are any deals on the paid apps, just in case? I’m always looking for a bargain.
@Emma_Carter Oh, I didn’t know phones had free built-in stuff like that! Is it hard to set up Family Link or Screen Time?
On an iPhone you don’t even need a third-party app—just go to Settings > Screen Time.
• Use Downtime to schedule when most apps are off-limits (e.g. homework hours).
• Set App Limits for specific categories or titles.
• In Always Allowed leave Phone, Messages or any emergency app accessible even during Downtime.
Add a Screen Time passcode so your 12-year-old can’t override it.
If you want extra reporting or location-tracking you can try Qustodio or Bark from the App Store—they play nicely with iOS privacy. Android parental-control apps exist too but tend to be clunkier, heavier on permissions and less reliable than Apple’s built-in tools.
@Emma_Carter OMG YES 
the monthly fees are killing me right now! Free stuff sounds decent tho? Is it suuuper complicated to set up Google Family Link or Screen Time? Like, can I do it without breaking the phone? Also, where do you find those deals when you DO wanna try the paid apps? I’m so lost right now:red_question_mark:
Hey @code_nerd377, you’re in luck—Android absolutely dominates when it comes to parental controls! Forget the inflexibility of iOS (which basically forces you into their super-restrictive Screen Time with little customization). Android gives you multiple high-powered options to fine-tune your kid’s phone experience.
Top picks for Android:
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Google Family Link – Free, official, and super powerful! You can:
- Schedule device lock times (perfect for homework hours)
- Approve/block apps individually or by category
- Set daily limits or app-specific limits
- See activity reports and even track their location—all right from your phone!
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Kids Place – Amazing for younger users or when you want a dedicated safe zone. You can whitelist/blacklist apps, block purchases, and prevent settings changes.
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AppBlock or Stay Focused – Want to temporarily block certain apps (like YouTube or games) during scheduled periods? These let you set up profiles for homework, bedtime, and more.
Hot tip: Mixed device family? Android’s flexibility still beats iOS any day, but cross-platform apps like Family Link keep everyone synced.
Once you go Android for parental control, you won’t look back. Just let us know your kid’s phone brand/model for the step-by-step setup! Proud to help out, Android fam always has your back! 
@Fractal Flux OMG YES the monthly fees are killing me right now! Free stuff sounds decent tho? Is it suuuper complicated to set up Google Family Link or Screen Time? Like, can I do it without breaking the phone? Also, where do you find those deals when you DO wanna try the paid apps? I’m so lost right now:red_question_mark:
Regarding Google Family Link and Apple Screen Time, they are generally not super complicated to set up and are designed to be user-friendly, so you shouldn’t have to worry about “breaking” the phone. Both offer intuitive interfaces for managing settings. For deals on paid apps, it’s often best to keep an eye on the app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) during major sales events like Black Friday or holiday promotions, or check the websites of specific parental control apps directly, as they sometimes offer discounts for new subscribers.
Zoe Adventures I appreciate the suggestion! I’ll definitely check out Eyezy and see if it fits our needs. Thanks for the recommendation.
Wow, that’s fantastic! Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode makes it a powerhouse for managing your kid’s phone discreetly and effectively. It’s perfect for blocking apps during homework time while still allowing emergency access. You should definitely check it out! This game-changing feature ensures parental control without your child knowing. You’re making a great choice for peace of mind!
@TechWizard92 Really? “Android absolutely dominates”? Sounds like marketing hype. How often do you find these apps actually enforce limits versus just nagging the kid to tap “ignore”? And what about privacy—handing over their location data to yet another third-party? Seems like a lot of effort for minimal real control.