Jun 27, 2010  Time limits on certain sites only e.g Facebook. MSN I would like to put a time limit on certain sites only so that my children are able to access the sites like facebook, msn, yahoo chat lines for only a few hours a day but still have access to other sites during that time as they might use them for their school homework. In the new greater or equal to iOS5 software small change in settings are needed for Time Limit. On the icons screen, open the settings app and tap notifications. Tap Time Limit in the list, then on the screen change the Alert Style to Alerts. Turn off Deleting Apps in Settings General Restrictions to stop app deletion by your child.

Like that Black Mirror episode, smartphones have become an integral part of our life. We hardly go anywhere without our smartphones and depend so much on these smart devices, it is part of our DNA now. A survival skill which we are passing on to the next generation. This is why even a 2-year old wants to learn how smartphones work. I mean, think about it. In fact, researchers found a direct correlation between screen time, time spent in front of a digital screen, with the overall well-being of the person. I believe it is our fault.

This is why, we have tested some of the best iOS apps to limit screen time and monitor your kids’ activities so you know what they are watching, for how long, and limit their usages so they can get some actual sunlight.

Also Read:How to Set Parental Controls on Popular Video Streaming Sites

Best Apps to Limit Screen Time – iOS

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1. Screen Time

Screen Time was released by Apple with the release of iOS 12 and comes pre-installed on all iPhones and iPads. There is no dedicated icon but you can find Screen Time option in Settings. You can set Downtime which is the time slot when your chosen set of apps like games and social media apps will be unavailable. You can choose days and time here.

App Limits is where you will choose which apps your kids can use or not during Downtime or otherwise. Some apps can be set to always Allowed which means they are always available, even during the Downtime period. For example, phone, SMS, and maps.

The steps to set a specific app limit is a bit confusing though. You need to go to Settings > Screen Time > Tap your phone’s name at the top > select the app from the list you want to limit then tap “Limit” at the bottom and you can set a specific time for that app.

Finally comes Content & Privacy Restrictions where you can control whether kids can install, uninstall, and buy apps from the App Store. Once enabled, Screen Time will ask for a passcode (separate from iPhone passcode) to authenticate. I like the idea of restricting content that are adult and explicit in nature. This works across music, podcasts, video content, books, and apps that you download and watch/read from the App Store. Finally, there are reports that will tell you everything you need to know about your kid’s time spent on the iPhone/iPad.

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Screen Time is completely free and comes with no ads.

Pros:

• Free
• Reports
• Restrict apps, content,
• Set downtime by time, duration, and days

Cons:

• Reports of kids bypassing restrictions
• Can’t select individual apps

2. Parental Control App – Kidslox

While the native Screen Time feature is good, it has its flaws and smart kids have found ways to bypass the Screen Time limits set by worried parents. Kidslox solves this problem with their unique take on screen time. You can block individual apps separately here.

Apart from the parent and child modes, there is a 3rd option available in Kidslox which is Lockdown. It will lock all apps and even the device itself. You know, when your child misbehaves and you want to ground him/her (digitally). Under the Restrictions tab, you can expand categories to block/unblock apps individually.

Read: Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone and iPad

Like Screen Time, you can manage and block access to the App Store or parts thereof, restrict adult content, and set day wise limits based on hours.

There is a 14-day free trial which can be extended to 70 days by sharing their link on social media. In either case, you will have to subscribe to the $3.99/month plan eventually.

Pros:

• Detailed instructions on using app
• Set app-wise restrictions
• Reports
• Set downtime
• Lockdown mode

Cons:

• Subscription

Also Read:Best Sex Education Apps for Adults and Teens alike

3. ZenScreen

ZenScreen is another app to limit screen time on iOS powered smartphones. Like Kidslox, there are some additional steps involved like downloading and installing profiles which then creates a VPN. Easy, just follow the on-screen prompts. Once done, you can create schedules to determine and when and which apps can be accessed by your kiddo. One cool feature is Smart Breaks which forces short breaks between app usage. Below is their recommended structure for app usage category-wise.

For example, a 10-minute break after playing games or surfing social media for 30 minutes straight. Like Screen Time, ZenScreen will track apps usage and create detailed reports so you know which apps are hot favorites and how much time was spent on it.

The free version will only let you control productive and entertainment time. Advanced features are locked under the premium plan that will cost you $4.99 monthly.

Pros:

• Choose apps individually
• Create schedules
• Set breaks

Cons:

• • Subscription

4. unGlue

unGlue is a unique app in the sense that not only does it allow you to control and monitor screen on any iOS device, but also doubles as an activity counter. Yup. You can count the total number of daily steps using unGlue which comes with a pedometer.

Not only can you set limits on apps and create useful schedules, but you can also set rules for Internet and when it is available. This will force kids to use apps offline which can be a good thing. Like for reading education ebooks? Another useful feature is the ability to rollover unused minutes to the next day. Kids can manage their own time in Time Bank. In fact, they can earn more screen time during household chores set up by you. Like taking out trash or cleaning utensils.

Monthly subscription begins at $4.99 and the free version is pretty limited.

Pros:

• Rollover unused time
• Set Internet on/off
• Create schedules
• Restrict apps
• Step counter
• Reports

Cons:

• Subscription

Also Read:Best Math Learning Apps for Android and iOS

5. SaferKid

What about text message? Arguably, I don’t see a lot of teens using text messages in the age of WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord, however, it is nice to see that SaferKid is trying to address the problem of ‘sexting’ and ‘bullying’ by offering a way to monitor text messages. You can view messages sent and received, calls made and received, and check web browsing history.

Another feature I like is their personal reviews on over 200,000 apps that are available on the App Store. While there are n number of apps to download, SaferKid has reviewed the most popular ones from each category to help parents determine which ones should be allowed. Other than that, you can monitor screen time, block apps, and adult content from within the app.

Plans begin at $14.99/month.

Pros:

• Restrict apps, content
• Set schedule downtime
• Apps reviewed by team
• Track calls, text messages, web history

Cons:

• Subscription

6. Space

Knowing what to do is important, however, sometimes, that’s not enough. Knowing how to do it is actually more important. You want to curb your screen time but setting locks is not a permanent solution. With this thought in mind, Space has created a companion 8 day course that aims to help you break the screen addiction for good. The course is good however only as long as you follow it.

You will begin with setting goals which will further unlock achievements. There is a progress tab where you can view reports. Space is actually a self-help app for kids who are capable of introspecting their own behavioral patterns.

Pros:

• 8 day course
• Set goals
• Self-instropect

Cons:

• No way to lock apps
• No way to restrict content

7. Google Family Link

Google’s Family Link is the perfect answer to Apple’s Screen Time, or is it the other way around? Like Screen Time, you can lock apps, set schedules during which certain apps will be accessible, and block content that you think is inappropriate for your kiddo.

Family Link has a helpful list of apps, compiled and recommended by teachers, that you can allow access to without further ado. There are Play Store restrictions which prevent kids from downloading apps or making in-app purchases. One nifty feature is the ability to track your kids, by tracking their phone’s location on your own device. Gives you peace of mind.

Pros:

• Free
• Track apps and content
• Set restrictions on app and content
• Limit Play Store activity
• Create schedules
• Track your kids

Cons:

• None

8. Moment

Moment is one of the most feature-rich apps to limit screen time on iOS devices. Not only can you set timers and schedules to restrict app and content activity, but you can also learn how to break the habits by following the Coach feature. You can use Moment as a self-control app or install it on your kid’s phone to track his/her usage.

There are some caveats, for better or worse, that I will let you decide. Your kid can start Dinner Time which will then lock your own smartphone and you can’t control it. Only they can unlock it. Because Moment is a family-oriented app, everyone can view each other’s screen time on their phone. Plans begin at $4.99.

Pros:

• Set app restrictions
• Set content restrictions
• In-depth coach
• View reports
• Set timers and schedules
• Screen-free time for everyone

Cons:

• Kids can lock too
• Subscription

Limit Screen Time on iOS

There are a number of apps that you can use to track, restrict, and improve screen time usage for your family and kids in the App Store.

For most users, Screen Time that comes pre-installed is good enough. If you have Android devices too in the house, better go with Google Family Link because Apple’s ecosystem is restrictive that way.

If you are looking for coaching and some motivation, Moments is a great app to set screen time limits for the entire family instead of just for your kids.

unGlue also doubles as an activity monitor which is why you are restricting screen time, so your kids will spend more time outside playing.

Alternatively, you can also try changing your passcode. It’ll help break the habit of unlocking your iPhone and give you a moment to think, whether you really want to unlock your phone or not. You can also try and delete apps like Instagram or YouTube which are talking too much of your time.

Limiting any list to ten is difficult − especially when it lists indispensable websites about your trusted Mac. But even though this Mac website list isn’t comprehensive, it does include some pretty useful websites that every Mac user should get to know.

Apple Insider

As with many other comprehensive sites devoted to the Cupertino crowd (including some in this list), you’ll find lots of news, forums, and reviews concerning all things Apple. But Apple Insider also wants to solicit your help. You’re invited to submit rumors and information to the site − and may even do so anonymously.

Cult of Mac

This well-regarded daily news site is also on top of the latest out of Apple-land, with forums on the Mac that cover vintage computers to the latest models. Cult of Mac will also happily accept a news tip from you.

MacFixIt

When something has gone wrong and you’re seeking answers, check out MacFixIt, now part of CNET. This troubleshooting site tackles a gaggle of issues, with help from your Mac brethren. And because of the CNET acquisition, you no longer have to fork over $24.95 a year for a Pro version with tutorials, full access to more than a decade of content, and more.

MacRumors

Apple is one of the most secretive outfits on the planet. Seldom does the company spill the beans on new products in advance; the notable exception is features for the next iteration of OS X. That doesn’t prevent numerous Apple watchers from speculating on what might be coming out of Cupertino.

Besides, who doesn’t love a juicy rumor now and then? Is Apple merging with Nintendo? (Don’t count on it.) Is Apple going to add a subscription music plan to iTunes? (Don’t count on that either.) Head to MacRumors for the latest dirt, some of which might even turn out to be true.

MacSurfer

MacSurfer is a wonderful resource for the Apple news junkie. MacSurfer’s Headline News sports links to articles on all things Apple, including traditional media, websites, Apple itself, and bloggers. Links are segregated by Apple, OS X, General Interest, Hardware/Software, How-To/Reviews, Op/Ed, Press Releases, Computer Industry, and Finances.

Macworld

It’s all here at Macworld: news, how-tos, product reviews, discussion forums, and current and past articles from Macworld magazine. And one of the places that used to make this top-ten list as a stand-alone site is part of Macworld, too: Mac OS X Hints.

Other World Computing

Need more RAM for your computer? Or an extra hard drive, perhaps? Maybe even an add-on that would let you watch TV on your Mac? Other World Computing (OWC) has been specializing in sales of Mac accessories since the first Bush administration. The online retailer has earned a stellar reputation for prompt delivery and reliability.

This list was supposed to mention only ten sites, but if you promise not to tell, other online retailers worth checking out include MacMall and Small Dog Electronics.

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The Unofficial Apple Weblog

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW, for short) is an enthusiast’s blog that lets people comment on Apple articles and reviews.

Mac App To Limit Time On Certain Web Sites List

VersionTracker

VersionTracker is a repository for downloadable shareware, freeware, and updates to Mac software. Click a name to discover more about what a program does and to eyeball ratings and feedback. It, too, is now part of the CNET empire, specifically the Mac Software area of Download.com.

Apple.com

Apple may seem like an obvious place to go. Heck, you probably already landed there just by opening Safari the first time. And you may not love the full blitz of Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad advertising and promotions, even if you already drank Apple’s Kool-Aid. But presumably most of you already have sweet feelings for the company’s products.

This website is full of helpful resources, especially for, but not limited to, newbies. You can download software updates and manuals, view video tutorials, post questions in discussion forums, read press releases, and consult the knowledge base. Mostly, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of goodwill for the company responsible for the computer that most of you fancy so much.