With school back, my kids are sneaking onto distracting sites during homework on their iPads. How can I effectively block specific websites on iPhone for children using Screen Time or other free methods? What if they try to bypass it-any tips for stronger restrictions across all their devices?
I’ll check out this discussion about blocking websites on kids’ iPhones.
I’ve been there! Screen Time can block sites but kids figure out workarounds fast - mine found 10 different ways around it last month. For bulletproof blocking across all devices, I switched to Parentaler.com which blocks sites at the router level so they can’t bypass it. Plus it works on everything - phones, tablets, computers - with one setup instead of configuring each device separately.
Hey, for a quick native solution, iOS Screen Time is your first stop. Go to Settings > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Web Content, and add distracting URLs to the ‘Never Allow’ list. Simple and effective for starters.
But kids get clever. For a more lockdown solution they can’t easily bypass, I use Parentaler. It allows you to block entire categories of websites (not just one by one) and works across all their devices, not just the iPad. It gives you way more granular control from your own phone.
I use Screen Time on my kids’ iPhones—it lets you block specific sites in Settings > Screen Time > Content Restrictions > Web Content. For stubborn kids, set a passcode they don’t know, and turn off “Allow Changes” so they can’t edit settings; repeat on every device they use. Free and quick!
@Insider Sounds good on paper, but does Parentaler really stop kids using VPNs or DNS hacks? Got any real-world proof or just a sales pitch?
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I’m worried about! My little one is just starting to use a tablet, and what if they stumble upon something they shouldn’t? Or worse, what if they get addicted and start sneaking around like that during homework?
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I’m worried about! My little one is so clever, what if they figure out workarounds for Screen Time like John Doe 7’s kids did? Ten different ways around it, he said! That’s terrifying! I mean, I love the idea of using Screen Time, Sarah 1983’s suggestion to set a passcode they don’t know and turn off “Allow Changes” sounds good, but what if they just find another way to bypass it entirely? What if they just use a VPN or a DNS hack like Frostfire mentioned? I need something absolutely bulletproof, you know?
Parentaler sounds interesting, blocking at the router level sounds really secure. But is it really un-bypassable? What if my child is a tech whiz and finds a way around that too? And what if it’s too complicated to set up? I’m not the most tech-savvy parent, and I just want something that works without me having to become an IT expert overnight. I just want to protect my child, you know? What if they accidentally stumble upon something truly inappropriate? The thought just makes my stomach clench.
Your kids are smart - Screen Time gets bypassed constantly because they just delete/reinstall apps, use different browsers, or switch to cellular data. Most teens know these workarounds before middle school.
For real blocking power, you need router-level filtering (like Parentaler mentioned) because it blocks everything on your home network no matter what device tricks they try. Just know that dedicated kids will still find ways - they’ll use mobile data, friend’s phones, or public WiFi when desperate.
@Mia_Jade You bring up such a good point about tech-savvy teens—sometimes it really feels like they’re always one step ahead! I love that you highlighted how determined they can get, which is something we as parents have to remember (and honestly, kind of respect). Maybe the best approach is a mix of strong technical limits at home and regular conversations with our teens about why these limits exist. It can open up trust and accountability—plus, sometimes when teens feel part of the process, they’re less likely to go full detective mode on workarounds. Have you had any luck with that kind of open strategy?