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• When You Can’t Block Any More Apps, Do This Instead

Our tech-savvy children can manoeuvre around our attempts at blocking apps on their smartphones. So when we’ve run out of moves, here’s what you can do instead.

Been there, blocked that

“Ok, have you tried YouTube Kids?”

“Yes, and my son managed to disable it! I can’t believe it, he’s only 9!”

“Did you try blocking the entire YouTube app then?”

“I did! It worked for like 2 weeks, then he found out how to get around it! I just don’t get it.”

Parents, you’ve probably been through this situation yourself. You pull out a few parental controls and junior just knows how to skirt around them. As a parent, you try your best to protect your child from dangerous online content, keep him from getting addicted to his/her phone, safeguard him from online bullies. It all makes sense to you as a parent.

Here’s what you can do

You don’t want his phone to be the thief of his safety and happiness. But is the phone really stealing this away or is it all just in your head?

Technology is undoubtedly here to stay. For better or for worse, our young ones are all going to own a smart device of their own. As they grow older, their smartphone use will only increase. So while they’re young, it’s important to teach them the importance of establishing a responsible relationship with their devices. Technology is not the problem, it’s how we use it that is. You can consider doing these 3 things to limit his smart device use if blocking apps no longer works:

1. Consider no-device play times

Playing is a great way for children to relax and have fun at the same time. Show your children that there is more entertainment out there beyond their screens. Even though there are a ton of mobile games on the market, you can’t beat some good-ol-fashioned playtime interaction between two people. The laughter and the jokes that follow every game will make for some precious memories that your children will remember in time to come.

2. Bring them outdoors

The best things in life are free, right? Well, the outdoors abound with activities to do, sights to see, and best of all, it’s free! Bring them for a cycle along the beach, or go outdoors for a picnic. Hike with them and let them enjoy mother nature. The best part about the outdoors is that it’s also good for their eyes. Research has shown that spending a few hours outdoors every day helps to prevent the onset of myopia. So, what are you waiting for? Bring them out to soak up the sun!

3. Download parental management apps

When you can’t beat them at their own game, you join them. If your children are still looking at their screens for prolonged periods of time, consider using the plano app. The plano app reminds your child to take eye breaks every 30 minutes of using their phone. Every time they do so, they earn points and they can use these points to request items from the plano Shop.

The app also reminds your child to place their phones away from their eyes at a good distance. This is because excessive near work activity will increase your child’s progression of myopia. If things get out of hand, you can use the remote locking function too to easily lock your child’s phone from your own device*.

*This is subject to your device’s technical capabilities.