Do you know that too much phone time can hurt your health? Using your phone too much can cause eye strain, trouble sleeping, and hinder focus. But how much phone time is safe? Experts say kids ages 5-17 should use their devices no more than two hours daily, except for homework.
But on average, children ages 8-18 spend 7.5 hours daily bouncing from TikTok, and Netflix, to YouTube. That's a lot! Don't worry - there's a solution! You can set screen time on apps to take control of your family's device usage. This article will show you how to do it so you can use your devices more healthily.
In this article
- Benefits of Setting Screen Time Limits on Apps
-
How To Limit App Time Usage on Different Devices
- Set Time Limits on Apps on iOS Devices
- Set Time Limits on Apps on Mac Devices
- Set Time Limits on Apps on Android Devicese
- Set Time Limits on Apps on Windows Devices
- Set Screen Time Limits on Apps Using Wondershare FamiSafe
- Additional Tips for Reducing Screen Time
Part 1. Benefits of Setting Screen Time Limits on Apps
It's not a surprise that people of all ages are spending more time than ever staring at screens. From connecting with friends to shopping, everything is now accessible online. But with the convenience of technology comes the risk of excessive screen time. So, it's essential to be mindful of your screen time and set time limits on apps. Doing so provides several benefits, including increased productivity, creativity, and social connections.
Now, let's delve into these advantages in more detail.
- Promotes Better Mental and Physical Health
Excessive screen time can lead to headaches, eye strain, and loneliness. But setting screen time app limits can improve sleep quality and reduce health risks. So take a break from your screen and give your mind and body the rest it deserves.
- Increases Productivity
Screen time app limits can help you be more productive. Set time limits on apps to avoid distractions and focus on completing tasks. For example, set screen time app limits on YouTube or TikTok to avoid wasting time on non-productive tasks.
- Encourages Physical Activity
Excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. Limiting screen time on apps encourages physical activities like sports, walking, or biking.
- Fosters Creativity
Too much screen time can limit imagination and creativity. But screen time app limits can also promote creativity. With less screen time, you can have more opportunities to explore your passions and hobbies. It can lead to more innovative thinking and better problem-solving skills.
- Improves Social Connections
Screen time app limits can be a lifesaver to your social life. Imagine all the fun you could have by playing outside, going for walks, and enjoying each other's company without the constant distraction of screens. Add time limits for apps to make time for face-to-face interactions with your loved ones.
If you set screen time on apps, you can help your family improve in these aspects. In the next section, you'll learn how to limit app time usage on different devices. Keep reading to learn more!
Part 2. How To Limit App Time Usage on Different Devices
Disconnecting from your devices can be a much-needed break, but it's not always a walk in the park. Fortunately, setting screen time limits on apps is a simple way to help manage your usage. Here are some ways to set screen time on apps across several devices.
1. Set Time Limits on Apps on iOS Devices
Did you know your iPhone or iPad has a built-in Screen Time app? It's like having a personal timekeeper that shows you how much time you spend on your device. You can even set screen time app limits and decide what content to restrict.
And if you have kids, you can watch their app usage and put time limits on apps too. It is available in iOS 13 and the latest. Follow these steps to set time limits on apps on your iOS devices.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Screen Time and select App Limits in the categories listed.
Step 2: Click Add Limit, and choose one or more app categories.
Step 3: Click Next in the upper right corner of the iPhone. Then, set the duration, and once done, click Add.
2. Set Time Limits on Apps on Mac Devices
The Screen Time feature is available not only on iOS devices but also on Mac computers. Just make sure it is running MacOS Catalina 10.15 and the latest. With Screen Time on Mac, you can control your device usage by setting time limits on apps and websites. Here's how to set screen time on apps for Mac devices.
Step 1: If using Family Sharing, log in to your Mac user account. Remember to use your Apple ID to sign in. Otherwise, log in to a family member's account.
Step 2: Go to Apple menu > System Settings or System Preferences, then select Screen Time.
Step 3: Toggle on App Limits, then click Add Limit to set a new app limit.
Step 4: Select the checkbox on apps, categories, or websites in the Create a new app limit dialog box.
Step 5: Set the duration in the Time field and click Done.
3. Set Time Limits on Apps on Android Devices
If you want to take control of your phone usage and avoid getting lost in endless scrolling, keep reading. Android 10 and up offers a built-in feature called Digital Well-being. It lets you see a daily overview of your phone usage and app activity. Digital Well-being also allows you to set screen time on apps. Learn how to use this feature in the steps below.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Digital Well-being and parental controls on your Android phone.
Step 2: Tap the colored chart.
Step 3: Tap either the time bar graph legend or the Set timer next to the app, depending on your Android device.
Step 4: Tap the App timer, set the time and day limit for the app, and click Done to save.
Tip:
Take control of your child's account on their Android device by using the Family Link feature.
4. Set Time Limits on Apps on Windows Devices
Consider creating a family group with Microsoft Family Safety. With this software on your Windows devices, you can easily set screen time on apps and devices. You can even restrict access to specific games or apps. Discover how Microsoft Family Safety can help your family put time limits on apps.
Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Family Safety app on your desktop.
Step 2: Select the family member you want to set screen time on apps for.
Step 3: Click Screen time in the left navigation pane.
Step 4: Scroll down and toggle on Use one schedule on all devices under the Devices tab bar.
Step 5: Click a day in the Device limits section.
Step 6: Do the following in the Edit time limit dialogue box.
- Click the dropdown list and select the checkbox for each day.
- Move the slider to set a time limit for apps and devices.
- Click + Add a schedule to put these restrictions in the morning or evening.
Step 7: Click Done to save and apply the changes.
Part 3. Set Screen Time Limits on Apps Using Wondershare FamiSafe
Looking for an easy way to manage your child's screen time and app usage? Look no further than Wondershare FamiSafe! With its intuitive interface, you can easily set screen time on apps to help your child balance their digital and offline activities. You can also set screen time restrictions around specific places like home, school, or other locations.
But the best part? The latest version of FamiSafe's iOS-Screen Time Limit feature is now effective immediately. Once set, your child can control the start and pause by themselves, and you can set the timer by day and week. For iOS16, FamiSafe has added the countdown feature on the children's end, making it even easier to manage their screen time.
It is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Chromebook. You can enjoy a 3-day free trial, with monthly subscription plans starting at $9.99. Check out the Wondershare FamiSafe pricing page for more details.
Follow these steps to set screen time on apps and devices using FamiSafe.
Step 1: Install and launch FamiSafe on your device. Then, register to a Wondershare ID account and follow the in-app instructions to connect your kid's device.
Step 2: Select the connected device. Then, in the Set Rules section, tap Screen Time Rules.
Step 3: In the Rules Setting section, tap Screen Time Limit.
Step 4: Toggle on Enable Screen Time Limit in the Screen Time Limit section.
Step 5: Select the Everyday or Custom radio button. Then tap the Time limit to specify the duration and click Save.
Tip:
Tap App Limit in the Rules Setting section to specify the restrictions for selected applications.
- Web Filter & SafeSearch
- Screen Time Limit & Schedule
- Location Tracking & Driving Report
- App Blocker & App Activity Tracker
- YouTube History Monitor & Video Blocker
- Social Media Texts & Porn Images Alerts
- Works on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Chromebook
Part 4 . Additional Tips for Reducing Screen Time
While it may be challenging to limit using devices, there are practical tips that you can follow to reduce screen time. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Take breaks from screen time. Encourage your child to take breaks every hour or so when using devices for an extended period. It will help prevent eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
- Set boundaries. Set limits on when and where your family can use your devices. It could be no devices during mealtimes, before bedtime, or in the bedroom.
- Engage in other activities. Encourage your child to join in other activities such as sports, reading, arts, or spending time with family and friends.
- Monitor screen time. Use apps like FamiSafe to set screen time on apps and track your child's time spent on devices. It will help ensure they are spending a little time on screens.
Conclusion
Find a healthy balance between digital and non-digital activities for your family by setting screen time limits. It can lead to improved sleep quality, better focus, and well-being. Fortunately, it's easy to put time limits on apps with the various methods available on different devices.
Also, FamiSafe offers an optimized Screen Time Limit feature for hassle-free and effective monitoring of your child's device use. Don't wait any longer - set screen time on apps and devices today to help your family maintain a healthy lifestyle.