Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits

Parent Resources

A parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time.

Phones and tablets are a big part of school, friendships, and fun—but without boundaries, screen time can quietly crowd out sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. The good news: you don’t have to “fight the phone.” Both Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) include built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, schedule downtime, approve app downloads, and see how your child is spending time on their device.

Below are simple, step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick.

Before You Start (for any device)

Have a quick family conversation first. Explain that screen limits aren’t a punishment—they’re a tool to support sleep, school, and mental health.
Decide on your boundaries. Examples:

- Weeknights vs. weekends
- No screens during homework
- No social media after a certain time
- Device-free meals and bedtime

Set a parent-only passcode/PIN. This prevents kids from changing settings.
Make sure your child has their own account.

- Apple: Child Apple ID (recommended)
- Google: Child Google account through Family Link (recommended)

Parent Tip: If your child requests “one more minute,” you can allow it—but keep it occasional so limits stay meaningful.

iPhone & iPad (iOS): Step-by-Step Using Screen Time

Step 1: Turn on Screen Time

Open Settings
Tap Screen Time
Tap Turn On Screen Time
Tap This is My Child’s iPhone/iPad

Step 2: Set a Screen Time Passcode (so settings can’t be changed)

In Settings → Screen Time
Tap Use Screen Time Passcode
Create a 4-digit passcode (different from your child’s device passcode if possible)

Step 3: Set Downtime (screen-free hours)

Downtime limits most apps during certain hours (like bedtime).

Settings → Screen Time → Downtime
Toggle Downtime ON
Choose Every Day or Customize Days
Set a Start and End time

- Example: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Step 4: Set App Limits (daily time limits by category or app)

Settings → Screen Time → App Limits
Tap Add Limit
Choose categories (Social, Games, Entertainment) or specific apps
Tap Next
Set a daily time limit (ex: 1 hour/day)
Tap Add

Step 5: Set Communication Limits (optional but helpful)

Settings → Screen Time → Communication Limits
Choose who your child can communicate with:

- During Screen Time
- During Downtime

Step 6: Limit Content & Purchases (block mature content and prevent surprise charges)

Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions
Turn Content & Privacy Restrictions ON
Set:

- iTunes & App Store Purchases → Don’t Allow / Require Password
- Allowed Apps (toggle off anything you want restricted)
- Content Restrictions (age-appropriate music, movies, websites)

Step 7: Monitor Screen Time Reports

Settings → Screen Time
Review the report:

- Daily and weekly totals
- Most-used apps
- Number of pickups/notifications

Android Devices: Step-by-Step Using Google Family Link (recommended)

Android settings can look different depending on the brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.). Google Family Link is the most consistent option across Android devices.

Step 1: Install Family Link

On the parent’s phone:

Open the Google Play Store
Search Google Family Link
Install Family Link for parents

On the child’s device:

Install Family Link for children/teens (if prompted) or follow the setup instructions in the app

Step 2: Create or Add Your Child’s Google Account

Open Family Link (parent app)
Tap Add child
Follow prompts to:

- Create a child Google account or
- Add an existing account

Connect the child device by following on-screen steps

Step 3: Set Daily Screen Time Limits

In Family Link, select your child
Tap Controls
Tap Daily limit
Set the number of hours/minutes allowed per day
Adjust for weekends if desired

Step 4: Set a Bedtime Schedule (Downtime)

Select your child in Family Link
Tap Controls
Tap Bedtime
Set sleep hours (example: 9:00 PM–7:00 AM)

Step 5: Set App Limits (time limits by app)

Select your child
Tap Controls
Tap App limits
Choose an app (YouTube, TikTok, games, etc.)
Set a time limit or Block the app

Step 6: Approve/Block Downloads and Purchases

Select your child
Tap Controls
Tap Google Play
Set approval requirements for:

- Apps & games
- Movies
- Books
- In-app purchases

Step 7: Use “Lock Now” When You Need the Device Off

This is great for homework time, dinner, or if a limit turns into an argument.

Select your child in Family Link
Tap Lock now

Step 8: Monitor Activity

Select your child
View:

- Total screen time
- Most-used apps
- App activity trends

Quick Family Success Tips

That make controls actually work.

Start small. Big sudden limits often lead to pushback. Tighten gradually over 2–3 weeks.
Tie screen time to routines. Example: “Homework first, then screens.”
Create “tech-free zones.” Bedrooms at night, dinner table, and during family conversations.
Model it. Kids notice when parents set limits for themselves too.
Check in weekly. Ask: “What’s working? What’s not?” Then adjust limits together.

If your family needs extra support building routines, staying motivated, or finding after-school activities that reduce screen time naturally,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is here to help.

A Note for Parents:

Parental controls are a tool—not a substitute for communication. The goal isn’t to control kids; it’s to help them learn self-control, balance, and healthy habits they’ll carry into adulthood.