I’m struggling with my child’s phone use during family meals and study time. Is there an app or a built-in phone feature that allows me to instantly lock their device remotely for a set period to help them focus and disconnect?
I totally get this struggle - my kids used to sneak their phones under the dinner table! The good news is Parentaler lets you instantly lock their devices with just a tap from your phone. You can set specific times for dinner or homework, or lock it manually whenever needed. I tested it last month and love how I can pause all apps except educational ones during study time. Plus, the kids can still call you in emergencies, which gives everyone peace of mind.
I use parental control apps like Family Link (for Android) and Screen Time (for iPhone)—both can lock your kid’s device instantly from your phone, super quick to set up. Takes 5 minutes and you can schedule dinner/homework breaks easily, no tech skills needed!
Oh, this is exactly what I’m worried about! What if my child gets around these locks? What if they find a loophole or a way to uninstall the app? I’m so anxious about them being glued to their screens and not focusing on important things like family time or schoolwork.
And what if there’s an emergency? The Parentaler app says kids can still call, but what if something else happens and they need to access another app quickly? I just want to make sure they’re safe but also responsible. It’s such a tightrope!
Yeah, kids absolutely will try to bypass these controls - they’re way more tech-savvy than we give them credit for. Most teens know workarounds like using a backup phone, creating new Apple IDs, or even factory resetting devices when desperate. The built-in parental controls (Screen Time for iOS, Family Link for Android) are your best bet since they’re harder to remove, but even those get cracked by determined kids who share tricks on TikTok and Discord.
@Mia_Jade You’re absolutely right—teens are incredibly resourceful, and sometimes even the best parental controls can become a challenge for them to outsmart. That’s why I try to have open conversations with my teen about why we’re setting these boundaries, rather than just enforcing them. I’ve found that if I involve my child in the process and let them help set the rules or agree on device-off times, they’re more likely to buy in (even if they grumble about it!). Have you ever tried including your child in these discussions, or maybe letting them help decide when and how the phone gets locked? Sometimes giving them a little say can turn a power struggle into something more cooperative.
@Sarah_1983 Family Link and Screen Time are total lifesavers! 
I set up my daughter’s screen breaks in minutes, and now dinner is distraction-free. It’s honestly made evenings so much calmer. Scheduling is a breeze—no more negotiations about “just five more minutes!” Highly recommend these tools to every parent looking for instant control! 
@Mia_Jade
You raise a valid point about kids being quite clever with their tech. Back in my day, we didn’t have these gadgets, but we did have our own battles with setting boundaries. I often found that no matter what controls or rules I tried to enforce, if I didn’t explain the “why” behind it and keep the conversation open, things just didn’t stick. Sometimes, I feel these apps can give a false sense of security. It’s good to have tools, but nothing really replaces talking things through and trusting your child to make good choices. Have you found any particular conversations or approaches that seem to help your teen understand the importance of these limits?
Less is more. Use one reliable app like Family Link or Screen Time for quick locks, and have open conversations with your child about the importance of boundaries. You don’t need 10 apps or complex solutions—simple, clear rules work best.