TaskBlue or one sec: a nudge or a firm block?
one sec suits a child who wants to use apps more mindfully, where a gentle pause before opening is enough. TaskBlue suits you if certain apps should be gone completely at set times or at places like school. one sec can now also block strictly, and it too is set up on the child's iPhone.
As of: October 2026
What is one sec?
one sec is made by riedel.wtf apps S.L. in Barcelona, founded by Frederik Riedel, and runs on iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and in the major browsers. Before chosen apps open, it uses a Shortcuts automation to start a short breathing exercise. There are also fixed blocks on a schedule and a strict mode, and since May 2026 one sec's blog explains how parents can set up their child's iPhone with it. Family plans share Pro through Apple's Family Sharing.
Where one sec is strong
- Scientifically studied: in a PNAS study (2023) with 280 participants, the chosen apps were actually opened 57 percent less often after six weeks.
- A gentle brake instead of a ban, with fixed strict blocks on top when needed.
- Runs on iPhone, Android, Mac and in the major browsers, with a family plan and licences for schools.
Side by side
| Topic | TaskBlue | one sec |
|---|---|---|
| Child's device | iPhone with iOS 16 or later | iPhone, Android, Mac, browser extensions |
| What parents need | Neither an app nor an iPhone of their own. Setup happens on the child's iPhone. | No parent app; set up on the child's iPhone, lock the Screen Time settings with a parent passcode |
| How apps are blocked | Chosen apps disappear from the home screen. Categories and websites show Apple's block screen. | A breathing exercise before an app opens via Shortcuts, plus fixed blocks on a schedule |
| Automatic by place | Yes, at up to 20 places with a 100 to 500 m radius | Not stated |
| Schedules | Weekly schedule, chosen calendar events or by hand | Yes, by weekday and time; strict blocks with Pro |
| Ending early | With the BlueTag or the 6-digit parent PIN. Without a PIN, the child has three emergency exits. | After the breathing exercise the app opens; fixed blocks can be secured with Strict Block |
| What parents see | No location, no messages, no browsing history | Statistics on the device itself only; no parent view stated |
| Price | €49.99 for 12 months or €9.99 a month, BlueTag included | One app free; Pro €14.99 a year, family plan €24.99 a year (App Store) |
| Also | Every focus hour funds the recovery of about 100 g of ocean plastic. | Lifetime for €99.99 (App Store); licences for schools |
When one sec is the better fit
Your child wants to scroll more mindfully, and a short pause before opening is enough.
When TaskBlue is the better fit
Certain apps should be gone completely at school, and ending early is up to you.
Frequently asked
Can one sec block apps strictly on my child's iPhone?
Yes. one sec offers block schedules and, with Pro, a strict block mode (Strict Block). So that your child cannot simply switch the app off, one sec recommends also using the Shortcuts app lock and locking Screen Time with a parent passcode.
What does the difference feel like for my child?
With one sec your child still sees their apps and is briefly slowed down when opening them. With TaskBlue the chosen apps are gone from the home screen during focus and back afterwards. What that means day to day is explained in How TaskBlue works.
Sources
As of October 2026. All information without guarantee.
- one sec, one sec, 2026
- one sec FAQ, one sec, 2026
- How to block apps on your kid's iPhone, one sec, 2026
- Impressum, one sec, 2026
- Directing smartphone use through the self-nudge app one sec, Grüning, Riedel und Lorenz-Spreen, PNAS, 2023
- one sec im App Store (Deutschland), Apple App Store, 2026
Read on
Fewer distractions for your child. Less plastic in the sea.
A year costs €49.99 once, a month €9.99. The BlueTag comes with both plans.