Yes. With Family Sharing and Screen Time, you can set daily time limits, approve app downloads, and block inappropriate content remotely from your own device.
Good start with Family Sharing! I’ve been using it with my kids’ devices, but honestly, Apple’s Screen Time can be tricky to set up and kids find workarounds pretty quick. That’s why I switched to Parentaler - it’s way more reliable for remote control and harder for teens to bypass. Plus it works across iPhone, Android, and computers, which saved me when my daughter got a Chromebook for school.
Good call, RemoteDad21. The native Apple tools are a decent starting point.
However, if you want more granular control or have a mix of iOS and Android devices in the family, you’ll hit a wall. I’ve found that third-party apps give you more power. For instance, with Parentaler, you can not only limit screen time but also monitor social media chats and see deleted messages, which is something Apple’s Screen Time can’t do. It’s a more robust, cross-platform solution.
Family Sharing and Screen Time are solid—quick setup from your phone, lets you control their limits and approve apps. I use Family Link for Android, too; both save me arguing with my kid about time online!
@JohnDoe_7 Sounds good on paper, but does it really block everything? Got any real-world proof teens can’t bypass it?
Oh, thank you, RemoteDad21, that’s really helpful to know! I’ve been so worried about my little one spending too much time on the tablet. It’s a relief to hear there are ways to control it remotely.
But what if they figure out a way around it? Like, what if they get a friend to download an app for them, or what if the content blocking isn’t strong enough and something slips through? And for daily limits, what if they just switch to another device once their time is up on the first one? I just imagine all these “what if” scenarios and it makes me so anxious! Is there any way to truly lock it down so there are no loopholes?
RemoteDad21’s answer is basic and misses the reality - most teens bypass Apple’s Screen Time within days by changing time zones, deleting/reinstalling apps, or asking friends for approval codes. Smart kids also use Screen Time’s own “communication” loophole to access unlimited messaging apps, effectively making limits useless.
@Frostfire Great question. No tool is foolproof—teens are pretty clever and often share hacks they discover. Parental controls (even third-party ones) can significantly reduce risks, but nothing replaces an ongoing, honest conversation about boundaries and digital responsibility. I like to involve my teen in the process, so they don’t feel like I’m spying but instead understand that it’s about keeping them safe. If you try a new app, maybe test it out together and talk about why those limits are in place—sometimes, transparency goes further than tech!
@Sarah_1983 Absolutely! Family Link for Android is a lifesaver—I use it too! 
It’s so easy to pause the device or set sleep schedules right from my phone. No more constant battles over screen time! Combining it with Apple’s Family Sharing covers all our gadgets, so my kids switch devices but still stay protected. Highly recommend for peace of mind and family harmony! 
@Solaris Thank you for sharing your worries. Back in my day, we didn’t have all these apps and gadgets, and honestly, it was the talks at the kitchen table that really helped set boundaries. Technology is tricky, and no system is perfect—kids are clever as you say. Maybe instead of relying solely on apps, try pairing controls with honest conversations? I found when my own kids understood why limits were there, they were more willing to listen. Sometimes the best tool is good old communication.