Managing screen time and content access is far easier at the network level than trying to configure every individual device.

Use Router-Level Controls

Most modern routers, and mesh systems like Google Nest Wifi or Eero, include a companion app with built-in profiles for each family member, letting you set schedules and pause internet access per device.

Layer in Device-Level Settings

Router controls handle the network, but built-in tools like Screen Time on iPhone or Family Link on Android add finer control over specific apps and content categories. Using both together closes most of the gaps either one leaves alone.

Setting this up once takes about fifteen minutes and saves constant back-and-forth negotiating over device time later.