Choosing an app to limit and monitor screen time

The average American spends some 5.4 hours per day on their smartphone, some of which include an average of 144 minutes per day spent on social media sites. America’s children fare even worse. Children aged 8 to 18 spend more than 7 hours per day looking at screens. The American Heart Association has linked excessive screen use to an increased risk of harmful health conditions, like cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Developers have sought to promote responsible use of the internet and social media through apps designed to limit screen time. These screen time management apps work by permitting the user to set specific time limits for the use of certain programs. Some apps go even further, completing blocking a user’s phone, tablet or computer for a predetermined length of time. Moreover, apps designed for limiting screen time for kids allow parents to set limits but also block inappropriate content.

With so many choices out there, how should one go about choosing the best app to monitor screen time?

What features to look for in apps to limit screen time?

Applications for limiting screen time have been around for several years. Consequently, there are a whole host of apps to choose from, each with their own unique set of features. For many users, the choice may come down to a simple preference of one app over another. However, there are several essential features that a user should consider prior to selecting an app.

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The platform that the app runs on

There are apps for nearly every platform. Some work solely on a user’s smartphone. Others work to limit screen time on laptops and desktops. Still, some apps work across multiple platforms, giving the user an integrated solution to track his or her total daily screen usage. Look for an app that will work best based on the different platforms that you use.

The apps and sites that are the most distracting

Many of us know which apps and websites we spend most of our time on. For those that don’t, some screen time management apps go as far as breaking down a user’s time – helping to identify problem areas. Some apps can limit access to specific applications and websites. For other users that simply want to limit screen usage in general, there are apps that limit global usage.

Paid versus free

Screen time management apps come in both free and paid versions. The most common paid versions feature a monthly subscription fee. While many of these paid apps offer a robust set of features, there are plenty of effective free choices on the market to choose from.

Scheduling, goal setting and rewards

Some apps go even further, providing comprehensive time management solutions. Such features may include scheduling, to-do lists, rewards such as bonus screen time for completed tasks, as well as setting both short and long-term goals. These features are great for those that seek to integrate their time management apps fully.

Limiting screen time for kids

Parents are not only concerned about the negative health benefits that too much screen time can have on their children. Internet safety is also of paramount importance. For this reason, many apps allow parents to both limit and monitor their child’s internet use. Such apps often feature an online dashboard from which parents can set time limits and filter out inappropriate content. Moreover, many apps offer instant notifications of online searches, newly installed apps and alerts when inappropriate content is viewed.

Another fundamental function of these screen time tracker apps for children is reward systems. Parents can reward children with more screen time when they have completed their chores or homework. Thus, children can form more positive associations between obligations and screen time. Look for an app that, at a minimum, provides both screen time management and content filtering functions.

Make the right choice

When choosing the best app to monitor screen time, consider which features are important to you and what online behaviors you wish to change. The right app can dramatically improve both your personal and professional life and ensure that your children are using the internet safely.