In today’s digital world, managing screen time is one of the most critical responsibilities parents face. With phones, tablets, computers, and TVs all competing for kids’ attention, it’s easy for screen time to get out of control—sometimes without parents even realizing it. Fortunately, there are tools and strategies to help you keep an eye on your child’s digital habits and ensure they’re spending their time in healthy, balanced ways.

Why Limiting Screen Time Matters

In today’s tech-saturated world, screens are part of everyday life—but too much of a good thing can quickly become harmful. Excessive screen time during childhood has been linked to a range of developmental concerns, especially in early years when the brain is rapidly growing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children ages 2 to 5 should be limited to just one hour per day of high-quality screen programming. However, a 2022 CDC report found that kids aged 8 to 10 average about six hours of recreational screen use daily, not including time spent on screens for schoolwork. This imbalance can take a toll on their health and development.

Research shows that heavy screen use can negatively impact sleep, physical activity, and attention spans. Blue light from screens disrupts melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Sedentary behavior associated with screen use is also a major contributor to childhood obesity, while constant digital stimulation can shorten attention spans and reduce impulse control. Emotionally, children exposed to excessive screen time are at greater risk for issues like anxiety and depression—particularly when social media is involved.

By limiting screen time, parents create more opportunities for healthier habits to take root. Kids who spend less time in front of screens tend to sleep better, move more, and engage more fully in creative and social play. These interactions are essential for building empathy, resilience, and communication skills. Ultimately, managing screen use isn’t about restriction—it’s about balance. With the right boundaries in place, technology can be a valuable tool without becoming a barrier to your child’s well-being.

6 Ways to Check Your Kids’ Screen Time

Whether your child uses a smartphone, tablet, or computer, there are several tools available to help you track their screen time. From built-in features on Apple and Android devices to advanced third-party apps, these options allow you to monitor usage, set limits, and encourage healthy digital habits. Below are six effective methods, each with step-by-step instructions and highlights of key features.

1. Apple Screen Time (iPhone & iPad)

Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature gives you detailed insights into how much time your child spends on their device—and on which apps. It’s designed to help parents create structure and promote mindful screen use.

How to check:

Open Settings on your child’s iPhone or iPad.
Tap Screen Time.
Review data on daily and weekly usage, app categories, and even how many times the device was picked up.

Parental controls:

Set Downtime to block access during certain hours (like bedtime).
Use App Limits to restrict how long certain apps can be used.
Apply Communication Limits to manage who your child can talk to during allowed and downtime hours.
For remote management, enable Family Sharing so you can view and control your child’s settings from your own device.

2. Google Digital Wellbeing (Android Devices)

Most Android devices include Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls, which helps you see how your child uses their phone or tablet and allows you to set restrictions.

How to check:

Go to Settings on your child’s Android device.
Select Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
Tap the dashboard to view screen time broken down by app and usage category.

Parental controls:

Set daily app timers to limit access to specific apps.
Create Bedtime Mode to silence notifications and reduce screen brightness in the evening.
Link the device to your own through Google Family Link, which gives you supervision capabilities from your phone, including locking the device or setting content filters.

3. Windows Computer (Microsoft Family Safety)

For children who spend time on Windows computers, Microsoft Family Safety allows you to keep tabs on screen usage, online activity, and even location if they have a linked mobile device.

How to check:

Visit family.microsoft.com and sign in with your parent account.
Create a child account or link an existing one.
Access detailed reports on how much time your child spends on the computer, which apps they use, and which websites they visit.

Bonus tools:

Set daily time limits for specific apps or games.
Block or allow certain websites.
Receive weekly activity summaries directly to your inbox.

4. Mac Computers (macOS Screen Time)

Just like on iOS devices, Apple provides Screen Time tools for Mac users. These are especially useful if your child uses a MacBook for homework or entertainment.

How to check:

Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > Screen Time.
Choose your child’s user account (if they have one set up).
View reports on app usage, website visits, and total time spent.

Parental tools:

Set app-specific limits and usage windows.
Restrict access to explicit content.
Combine Mac and iOS monitoring if your child uses both types of devices.

5. Third-Party Apps for Monitoring Screen Time

If you need more control or want to manage multiple kids across different platforms, third-party parental control apps offer cross-device tracking, content filtering, and behavior alerts. Here are four of the most popular and effective tools:

Qustodio

Tracks screen time, app activity, and website visits in real time.
Allows you to set limits, block apps, and filter content.
Offers geolocation features to track your child’s whereabouts.
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Chromebooks.

b. Bark

Goes beyond screen time tracking by monitoring text messages, emails, and 30+ platforms (like Snapchat and TikTok) for signs of cyberbullying, depression, or inappropriate content.
Sends parents real-time alerts when concerning activity is detected.
Ideal for parents of older children and teens with social media access.

OurPact

Known for its simple drag-and-drop scheduling interface.
Allows you to block internet access or individual apps instantly.
Features GPS location tracking and geofencing.
Great for visual learners and busy families.

Net Nanny

Offers robust content filtering using real-time AI to block harmful websites and content.
Monitors screen time across devices and allows for custom limits.
Best suited for families managing multiple children with varying screen time needs.

Why You Might Not Be Able to See Their Screen Time

Even with screen time monitoring tools in place, you might find that the data you're seeing is incomplete—or missing entirely. This doesn’t always mean your child is being sneaky; sometimes it's just a matter of setup, permissions, or device behavior. Below are some common reasons why your child’s screen time might not be showing up as expected.

Screen Time Isn’t Enabled

One of the most frequent issues is that screen time tracking simply hasn’t been turned on. On Apple and Android devices, these features need to be manually activated, and permissions must be granted for monitoring to work properly. If Family Sharing or parental controls weren’t set up during initial device configuration, screen time data won’t be collected or shared. Always double-check that tracking is enabled on each device your child uses.

Multiple Devices

If your child is using more than one device—like a phone, tablet, and laptop—it can be difficult to get a complete picture of their overall screen time. Each device may track usage separately, and unless they’re all linked to a centralized parental control system, the numbers won’t add up. This is especially common when kids switch between school and personal devices or borrow a sibling’s tablet. Monitoring tools need to be installed and synced on every device they use.

Separate or Guest Accounts

Children sometimes use guest profiles or create separate user accounts to avoid restrictions. For example, a school login on a Chromebook or a guest mode on an Android phone can sidestep monitoring tools tied to their primary profile. These alternate accounts don’t report back to your parental controls, leaving gaps in what you’re seeing. Make sure you know all the accounts tied to each device and check if guest access is enabled.

Tech Workarounds

Tech-savvy kids—especially tweens and teens—often learn ways to bypass parental monitoring. They may disable screen time tracking, uninstall apps, use incognito browsing, or reset settings. Some even research loopholes through online forums or YouTube videos. While no system is foolproof, keeping communication open and setting clear expectations can help reduce the need for secrecy.

Third-Party Apps Not Synced

Third-party parental control apps require a proper connection between parent and child devices to function correctly. If the installation isn’t completed fully or permissions are denied, the app won’t report screen time accurately. Network issues, updates, or battery-saving settings can also cause sync failures. Regularly check app settings and test syncing to ensure everything is working as expected.

5 Tips to Offset and Limit Screen Time

Monitoring screen time is just the beginning—helping your child build a healthy relationship with technology also means teaching balance and boundaries. These practical strategies can help reduce screen use in sustainable, family-friendly ways without relying on constant enforcement. Here are five approaches every parent can implement at home.

1. Set Clear and Consistent Daily Limits

Setting daily time limits gives kids structure and helps prevent overuse before it becomes a habit. Use built-in settings or parental control apps to set automatic time caps on specific apps or devices. Be clear about the rules, and explain why limits matter—children are more likely to respect boundaries when they understand the reasoning behind them. Try setting limits that evolve with their age and responsibilities.

2. Designate Screen-Free Zones in Your Home

Creating specific areas where screens aren’t allowed—like bedrooms, bathrooms, or the dinner table—can encourage better sleep, stronger family connections, and more mindful media use. These zones act as boundaries that reinforce the idea that screens don’t belong in every moment. Start small with a single screen-free space and gradually expand. Post simple reminders or rules to make expectations visible to everyone.

3. Replace Passive Screen Time with Engaging Alternatives

Rather than simply saying "no" to screen time, offer positive alternatives. Encourage activities like puzzles, arts and crafts, building toys, outdoor adventures, or family games. The more exciting and accessible these alternatives are, the less likely your child will default to digital entertainment. Try rotating new activities each week to keep things fresh and appealing.

4. Lead by Example with Your Own Screen Habits

Children mimic adult behavior, so one of the most powerful ways to influence their screen use is by modeling healthy digital habits yourself. Put your phone away during meals, engage in face-to-face conversations, and be intentional about your screen use. Show your child that technology can be used productively—whether it’s for reading, learning, or creating. This reinforces that screens aren’t just for distraction or entertainment.

5. Treat Technology as a Tool, Not a Babysitter

It’s tempting to hand over a tablet when you need a moment of quiet, but relying on screens for convenience can create dependency. Instead, try reserving screen time for educational content, creative apps, or co-viewing activities that you can discuss afterward. If you do need a break, offer non-digital options like audiobooks or independent playtime. Use tech as a support—not a substitute—for parenting.

Monitoring your child’s screen time isn’t about spying—it’s about guiding them toward healthy, balanced habits. By using the tools available on devices, supplementing with third-party apps, and reinforcing good habits at home, you can help your kids grow up confident, engaged, and tech-smart.

6 Ways to Check Your Kids' Screen Time in 2025

Why Limiting Screen Time Matters