To think tech companies are deliberately avoiding easy parental controls for screen time/wifi?

[areyoubeingserious2]

For a few years now I've tried to find an easy way to manage my kids' online/screen time. Yes, I know that ideally kids should self-regulate - and my eldest is now - but it's easier said than done.

I'm really not very technologically advanced and am looking for something super easy e.g. to be able to switch off individual devices via an app (through the router for example). We have Sky Broadband. Before I got wind of the Sky Buddy - which seemed to have been set up as a parental control - Sky has discontinued it with no replacement.

There are very software programmes but many are expensive and, frankly nor fool proof or easy to set up.

Do you think tech companies, including broadband providers, are deliberately keeping this from us? Surely, in this day and age, it shouldn't be difficult to create. I really think our Gov should intervene too.

No, I don't think they are deliberately keeping it from you.

If you Google your make and model of router and the words instruction manual, you should find instructions to access the page where you can do things like kick individual devices, some also have options for automatic time limits etc.

The built in parental controls on Apple, Android, windows, xbox and Nintendo switch are also very good and easy to understand. I assume PlayStation too but I haven't used those.

I am also with sky. You can restrict content, but not the time a device is online with them. Internet Matters has a nice how to on restricting content. https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/broadband-mobile/sky-broadband/

I'm also not especially techie but Google and Microsoft family both work well. In the end, it comes down to a combination of technically blocking but also just standing your ground and parenting. I've physically removed devices or controllers in the past.

Apple iphone etc screen time restrictions I've tried - kids can get around it. On Sky we already have this but I'm looking for a way of remotely (ideally) turn off certain devices when I'm not at home. So in this instance not about blocking content but reducing time spend gaming etc.
I've also stood my ground and taken phones/keyboards etc off them but it would be just easier if there was an app for each router and with each device easily turned off by sliding from a 'on to off'.

I'm pretty sure that does exist but the exact process will depend on your router / broadband provider so maybe focus your research on that specifically and shop around.

Google family link lets you set time limits and turn off phones remotely

We use Google family link. Sets limits on device usage, downtime app usage. You also have to approve each app.

Google family link is great. I can lock my kids devices remotely and set time limits on usage so their devices are locked between certain hours. Apps have to be approved by the parent device as well and you can limit what apps they can see in the playstore based on their rating.

We have android phones and I use both Family Link and OurPact. Family Link is good, simple but with few features and not hard to bypass, Ourpact is much more complete, it lets you even to see screenshot of their devices when they use these, but you have to pay a subscription.
The best tip I learnt after banging my head on the wall many times, just be sure they cannot acces to the phone settings, it must be blocked to avoid bypassing the controls 🤓

Thanks all. Doesn't seem there is a free option then. The Google and Family Link it seems they have the option of turning it off once they're past 13.