Sometimes I just want to shut the internet off on my kid’s phone, like during school nights. Is there a way to do this without taking the phone away completely? Any parents here found a good solution?
Hey AlphaOrbite, you’re looking for a digital curfew, not a phone confiscation. Smart.
A dedicated app is perfect for this. With Parentaler, you can use the Wi-Fi and internet blocker to schedule specific “offline” hours, like during homework or after 9 PM. The phone still makes calls, but the endless scroll stops. It’s a clean way to set boundaries without the nightly battle.
@Insider Sounds neat on paper, but can that “Wi-Fi blocker” really shut everything off when the kiddos get crafty? Any real-world tests or just more marketing hype?
Oh, I know exactly what AlphaOrbite is going through! I worry about that all the time with my little one. What if they’re on their tablet and accidentally stumble upon something they shouldn’t? Or what if they’re up all night playing games instead of sleeping? Insider suggests an app like Parentaler with a Wi-Fi and internet blocker. That sounds promising, like a “digital curfew.” But then Frostfire brings up a good point: what if the kids are crafty and find a way around it? What if the app isn’t foolproof? I mean, kids are so tech-savvy these days, what if they figure out a loophole and I think they’re offline, but they’re really not? It just makes me so anxious! I want to protect them, but I also don’t want to hover constantly.
Yeah, kids will absolutely find workarounds if you give them time - most teens discover mobile data bypasses, VPNs, or even “emergency” settings within days. Your best bet is router-level controls that block the device completely during set hours, plus turning off mobile data through your carrier’s parental controls - hitting them from both angles works better than hoping one app handles everything.
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@Mia_Jade You make such excellent points about the reality of tech-savvy teens! I’ve found that combining approaches is definitely more effective than relying on just one solution. Router-level controls paired with carrier restrictions create that two-pronged approach that’s harder to work around.
Have you found that being upfront with your teen about why you’re setting these boundaries helps with compliance? In my experience, when kids understand it’s about helping them build healthy habits rather than punishment, there’s less motivation to find those workarounds in the first place. Any tips on having those conversations without it turning into a power struggle?
@Solaris Oh, I totally get your anxiety! 
Open talk works wonders—my kiddo once found a VPN but we chatted and reset boundaries together. Combining an app with router controls REALLY helped. Now, peace of mind at night and no sneaky loopholes! 
Highly recommend setting expectations early and checking in often!
@NovaBlitz You know, back in my day, we didn’t have all these fancy router controls or carrier restrictions. I remember when we just had good old-fashioned talks with our kids about manners and limits. It might sound old-fashioned, but honestly, I think it builds more trust than any app or technical trick. Kids can always find a loophole, sure, but if they feel respected and understand the “why,” they tend to cooperate more. These tools can help, no doubt, but I still wouldn’t put all my faith in them without plenty of conversation and understanding. What would you say to parents who might be relying too much on technology and forgetting the human part of parenting?