This functionality is specifically aimed at children that have outgrown YouTube Kids, but are still too young to use YouTube by themselves (in the US, only people 13 or older can legally use the platform unsupervised). This type of supervised account automatically blocks certain content and ad categories, and parents get to see their kid’s viewing history and set screen timers through Family Link. Android tablets used to have a special “restricted” mode, which allowed parents to control which apps and services their kids could use. This was later replaced (on both tablets and phones) by Family Link, giving parents more capabilities and even allowing them to control their kid’s devices remotely.
Why Locking Your Phone is Important
As a parent, you may have experienced the frustration of your toddler accidentally making phone calls, sending messages, or deleting important apps. To prevent these mishaps and keep your device safe, it’s crucial to find ways to lock your phone on a specific app when handing it over to your little one.
This service is ad-supported but, rather than being a nuisance, these only appear infrequently and can easily be closed. There is a slight catch in that it can’t password-protect individual files, only apps. On the plus side, you can also lock functionality, such as USB permissions and Bluetooth access.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Net Nanny also offers a dedicated filter to block coronavirus sites and searches to help kids who might feel anxious. Net Nanny is compatible with Android and iOS, as well as Windows, Mac and Fire. The software costs $55 per year to cover PC, Mac and mobile for a five-device family. Net Nanny also offers a $40 annual plan to cover one Mac desktop and a 20-device protection package for $90 per year. School systems are formulating reopening plans amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and families are reshaping their summer schedules to adhere to safety regulations. Parents balancing working from home with caring for school-age kids need ways to keep their brood entertained.
Have you ever wanted to show a picture to your friend but were worried they would see something you don’t want them to see? Well, nosy friends are just like kids —- they can’t be trusted with sensitive information. A screen lock could be a solution in situations where you need to show something on your device to strangers such as customs officers, store managers, and health care professionals. You should lock your screen for kids for numerous reasons, For example, your child may become bored of a YouTube video you let them watch and start browsing through your phone.
Using Built-in Parental Controls
Many smartphones come with built-in parental control features that allow you to restrict access to certain apps or functions. This is a convenient way to lock your phone on an app for your toddler without having to download any additional software. Simply go to your device’s settings and enable the appropriate restrictions.
Of course, you can choose to allow very few contacts and apps into this list. Sometimes, that might simply be the Phone and Messages apps, with only parents and close family members as allowed contacts. One of the most powerful tools in your parental control arsenal is the App Limits feature. This option lets you choose how long your kid has access to each app on their iPhone per day. You can choose to give them one hour of Instagram a day, two hours of FaceTime a day, 30 minutes of games a day, etc. When they reach their limit, they won’t be able to use that app until the following day, unless you grant them additional access (more on that in a minute).
Third-party Apps for Locking Your Phone
After that, you can use the Screen Time settings on your phone to keep tabs on what your kids are doing and, if need be, remotely adjust the controls. When you select a child’s profile, you’ll see the various limits you set, along with a real-time report on how the child is spending screen time. More comprehensive parental controls for Android can be managed with the broader Family Link service that covers everything about a Google account—see here for details on how to set it up. The main place to find parental controls on Android, whether for your main user account or one you’ve set up for your kids, is in the Google Play Store app. Open the main app menu, tap Settings, then Parental controls, and switch them on.
If your phone doesn’t have built-in parental controls or if you’re looking for more advanced features, there are several third-party apps available that can help you lock your phone on a specific app. These apps often offer additional security measures such as password protection and time limits, giving you more control over your child’s screen time.
Thankfully, both iOS and Android operating systems offer ways to lock your screen onto one app so kids can use devices while also staying safe. In this article, we’ll teach you how to set up screen locking for iPhone and Android. The limits you can set here are more comprehensive than they are on Android. It’s possible to block access to Siri and FaceTime, prevent apps from being installed or deleted, and build a list of approved websites. Don’t worry about having to undo everything when you get your device back either—turn the toggle switch off and it’ll deactivate any restrictions or limits you’ve set up.
Setting up a Guest Mode
Another effective way to lock your phone on an app for your toddler is to set up a guest mode or child profile on your device. This allows you to create a separate user account with restricted access to certain apps and features, ensuring that your child can only use approved applications when using your phone.
Conclusion
By utilizing built-in parental controls, downloading third-party apps, or setting up a guest mode on your phone, you can easily lock your device on a specific app for your toddler. These methods not only protect your phone from accidental damage but also ensure that your child can safely enjoy age-appropriate content without any unwanted surprises.
