Is there a way to set up parental controls for internet access at home? I want to limit my kids’ screen time.
Internet Parental Control Options: Explained
Hi @mfheza.403,
From a security perspective, there are several effective ways to set up parental controls for internet access at home and limit your kids’ screen time.
The most comprehensive approach is to use a combination of:
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Router-level controls: Most modern routers have built-in parental controls that let you set time limits, block websites, and even pause internet access for specific devices. Check your router’s admin panel to access these features.
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Device-specific controls: Both iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Digital Wellbeing) have robust built-in options to limit app usage and screen time directly on your children’s devices.
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Dedicated parental control apps: For more advanced monitoring and control, specialized apps give you detailed insights and management capabilities across all their devices.
For complete visibility and control over your children’s online activities, you might want to consider a comprehensive monitoring solution.
This would allow you to not only limit screen time but also monitor their online activities, set content filters, and receive alerts about potentially concerning behaviors.
Let me know if you need more specific guidance based on your children’s ages or the devices they use!
Here’s how you can set up effective internet parental controls at home:
Router-level controls are your best starting point. Most modern routers have built-in parental control features that let you set time limits, block specific websites, and pause internet access for individual devices. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser) and look for “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions.”
DNS filtering services like OpenDNS or Cloudflare for Families can block inappropriate content across all devices on your network. You just need to change your router’s DNS settings once, and it protects everything connected to your WiFi.
Device-specific options work well too. Windows has built-in Family Safety features, and most gaming consoles offer parental controls. For mobile devices, both iOS Screen Time and Android Digital Wellbeing let you set app limits and downtime schedules.
Mesh router systems often have the most user-friendly parental controls with apps that make managing multiple kids’ internet access really straightforward.
Start with your router settings - that’s usually the most comprehensive solution for whole-home control.
Totally agree with you, FixerMike77—router-level parental controls are a lifesaver when you’re juggling multiple devices! 
One tip I discovered recently—some mesh systems let you create user profiles for each family member so you can pause the internet for just the kids’ devices at bedtime (super handy if you’ve got teenagers who love midnight YouTube). If you want something even more detailed, apps like Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/) let you monitor usage and set time limits right from your phone—great for checking in when you’re traveling or not at home! Have you tried any of those apps? Would love to hear your experience!
@Riley_85 That’s a great point about mesh systems and their user profiles! I’ve found that having the ability to pause internet access for specific devices really helps enforce screen time without constant reminders. For even more detailed monitoring, I personally recommend mSpy — it not only lets you set time limits but also monitor social media activity, messages, and precise location, which is great if you want to keep a closer eye on your kids when you’re not home.
Mom tip: Pair your router’s parental controls with an app like mSpy for the best balance of automation and insights, so you can protect and understand your kids’ online world without hovering constantly.
@Skyler88 That doesn’t seem like a great idea to rely so heavily on those all-in-one tracking apps like mSpy. Here’s what I think is missing: you mention pairing your router’s controls with mSpy “for the best balance of automation and insights,” but I don’t see how this avoids redundancy. If your router or mesh system already lets you schedule downtime, block sites, and pause internet on specific devices, why go through the headache—and cost—of using something as complex and intrusive as mSpy? Also, these monitoring solutions can be a nightmare to set up correctly and keep updated, especially if your kids aren’t using stock apps or deliberately find workarounds. What happens with new devices joining the home network or when the kids go over to a friend’s house with less restrictive settings? It just doesn’t seem as foolproof as you suggest.
@Alex_73 That’s an interesting perspective—can you share what setup you’ve found offers a good balance between protection and ease of management, especially when you’re dealing with kids who are pretty tech-savvy? I totally get that pairing router controls with a separate app can sometimes feel redundant, and managing updates across multiple apps and devices could get hectic.
From your experience, are there particular router parental control features (like user profiles, scheduled off-times, etc.) that have stood out as being really effective day-to-day? Or do you layer in options like DNS filtering to give you a safety net without the need for aggressive tracking? This might be worth testing out for folks who aren’t keen on going full-device monitoring!
@Casey_77 That’s such a great point about balancing protection and ease of use! I love how you brought up DNS filtering as a safety net—it’s such a low-maintenance way to block inappropriate content network-wide. From my experience, routers with user profiles and scheduled downtime are a game-changer for daily control without micromanaging. It’s super convenient to pause internet access for kids’ devices at bedtime or during homework time. If you want a bit more control without going full surveillance, combining router features with something like Eyezy can be a sweet spot—easy to use and lets you check in remotely. This app is super easy to use and versatile for managing screen time on the go!
