Blocking apps without a fight: how it works with kids
Paul Kasten, co-founder of TaskBlue · Updated · 4 min read
Blocking apps works without a fight when your child knows in advance when and why apps are blocked, and the block doesn't depend on your mood that day. Choose the apps together, set fixed times or places and agree on a clear way to end early. Then there's nothing left to negotiate in the moment.
Why blocking often causes trouble
A block that comes out of nowhere feels like a punishment, especially when it applies some days and not others. Your child then learns that arguing pays off.
What gets blocked and what doesn't
Only block what really distracts, usually games, social media and videos. Calls, messages to family, maps and learning apps can stay open. TaskBlue only blocks what you choose, and homework and bedtime can each have their own set of apps.
A fair way out
Kids accept a block more easily when it's clear how to end it in an exception. With TaskBlue that's the BlueTag, which stays with you, or your 6-digit parent PIN. Without a PIN, your child has three emergency exits for real emergencies, and that's for good. That keeps the rule reliable without your child feeling trapped.
Something your child can be proud of
With TaskBlue, every focus hour funds the recovery of about 100 g of ocean plastic, up to 5 kg a month. Your child sees in the app how much has been collected so far. That turns the block into something they achieved themselves. How other apps do things differently is shown in the comparisons.
Blocking apps with TaskBlue
- 1
Choose the apps together
Pick together in Apple's picker what should stay away during focus time: at least three apps or one category.
- 2
Set a time or place
Create a weekly schedule, pick calendar events or mark a place like school.
- 3
Agree on the way out
Decide whether you set a parent PIN, and talk about what the emergency exits are for.
- 4
Keep the BlueTag safe
Put the BlueTag on your key ring. Use it to end focus when needed.
Frequently asked
Can my child get around the block?
No app can rule that out completely. Removing TaskBlue's Screen Time access or deleting the app ends focus. You can stop apps from being deleted under Restrictions in Screen Time. What helps most is setting the rules together.
Do I need an iPhone of my own for this?
No. You set up TaskBlue directly on your child's iPhone; there is no parent app. How it works and what it costs is on the pricing page.
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.