We are constantly glued to our screens, whether we’re scrolling through social media, checking our email, or playing games. While there’s nothing wrong with using your phone, it can be easy to get lost in the digital world and forget about the real one.
If you find yourself needing to take a break from your screen, or want to limit your screen time for other reasons, there are some great apps out there that can help you do just that.
In this blog post, we will explore five of the best free apps to limit screen time on Android devices. From setting daily limits to blocking specific apps, these apps will help you take control of your screen time and make the most of your time offline.
What is screen time?
Screen time is the amount of time a person spends looking at a screen during a given day.
Screen time can be divided into two categories: active screen time and passive screen time.
Active screen time is the time spent actively using a device, while passive screen time is the time spent watching TV or movies, browsing the internet, or using social media.
The average American spends about 10 hours a day looking at screens, according to a report from Common Sense Media. Of this, about 5 hours are spent on active use of devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.
The other 5 hours are spent passively viewing content on television and other screens.
While there is no definitive answer as to how much screen time is too much, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time to no more than 2 hours per day for children and adolescents.
For adults, the AAP recommends limiting screen time to no more than 1 hour per day.
There are many ways to limit screen time. One way is to set limits on the amount of time you or your child can spend on devices each day.
Another way is to create designated “screen-free” zones in your home, such as bedrooms or the kitchen table.
Finally, you can use apps or software that limit access to certain websites or content during certain times of the day.
The 5 best free apps to limit screen time
If you are looking for ways to cut down on the amount of time your children spend glued to their screens, there are a number of great apps available that can help. Here are 5 of the best free apps to limit screen time on Android:
1. Screen Time Parental Control
With this app, you can set limits on how much time your kids can spend on their devices each day, as well as bedtimes during which they are not allowed to use them. You can also set up a “lockout” period during which they cannot access any apps or games.
2. Kids Place – Parental Control
This app lets you control what apps and games your children have access to, as well as setting screen time limits. You can also block In-App purchases and prevent your kids from making changes to your device’s settings.
3. MMGuardian Parental Control App
MMGuardian gives you the ability to set daily limits on screen time, as well as blocking calls and texts at certain times of the day. You can also remotely lock your child’s device if necessary.
4. Norton Family Premier Parental Control App
Norton Family allows you to see what sites your children are visiting online, as well as setting time limits for different types of activities such as browsing the web, playing games, or using social media. You can also receive alerts if your child tries to access
How to set up the apps
Assuming you already have the screen time limiting apps downloaded on your Android device, here are the steps on how to set them up:
1. Open the app and create an account. This is usually a simple process that only requires an email address and password.
2. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to add family members or other people whose screen time you’d like to monitor.
3. After adding people, you can set limits on how much time they can spend on their devices each day. Some apps also let you schedule “unplugged” periods where all devices must be turned off for a certain amount of time.
4. That’s it! You can now see how much time each person is spending on their devices and make changes as needed.
What are the benefits of limiting screen time?
There are several benefits to limiting screen time, including:
- improved sleep quality
- increased focus and concentration
- more time for physical activity
- improved mental well-being
How to make the most of your limited screen time
If you find yourself glued to your phone, you’re not alone. In fact, the average person spends over four hours on their phone every day! If you’re looking to cut back on your screen time, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure you’re using your time wisely. If you’re spending hours scrolling through social media or watching videos, try to limit yourself to just a few minutes a day.
Instead, use that time to do something productive, like reading or writing.
Second, take advantage of screen-limiting apps. There are a number of great apps out there that will help you limit your screen time. Some of our favorites include Quality Time and Offtime.
Finally, remember that moderation is key. It’s ok to occasionally indulge in some extra screen time, as long as it doesn’t become a habit.
If you find yourself struggling to stick to your goals, reach out to a friend or family member for support.
There you have it, the 5 best free apps to limit screen time on Android.
We all know how addictive our devices can be, so hopefully, these apps will help you take back control of your time.
If you have any other suggestions for great apps to help manage screen time, let us know in the comments below!
Conclusion
We all know that smartphone screens can be incredibly addicting and that too much screen time can have negative consequences. In this article, I’ve put together a list of the best free apps to help you limit your screen time. Whether you need an app to set daily limits or to block certain types of content, these apps will help you get control over your smartphone use and improve your overall health. Thanks for reading!
