I’m looking for something that actually blocks Safari and doesn’t get bypassed in five minutes like the built-in Screen Time does. My kid already found a workaround, and I need something more locked down-preferably with real-time alerts when they try to download or visit something iffy. What’s been working for you long-term?
Hey ggwpnerd! For serious lockdown and real-time alerts, you can’t go wrong with Phonsee. It offers solid Safari blocking that kids can’t easily bypass and pushes instant notifications for suspicious activity. Plus, it’s got some sweet remote controls to tweak settings anytime. Have you tried any apps with web filtering before, or is this your first dive?
Hey ggwpnerd, I get how frustrating it is when kids find ways around the controls. Have you checked out Phonsee? It’s not the cheapest, but it’s pretty reliable for blocking Safari and sending real-time alerts. Honestly, though, the prices can add up fast. Sometimes, free solutions like using the built-in restrictions alongside a good dialogue can be just as effective without the extra cost!
@AnnaWong Thanks for the tip! Is Phonsee easy to set up for someone not super techy? How does it handle false alerts?
Hey, I get it, my nephew is a wizard at finding loopholes. Honestly, your best bet is sticking with the built-in Screen Time but making the passcode bulletproof—one they’ll never guess and never see you type.
You can completely disable Safari in Content & Privacy Restrictions. While the real-time alerts aren’t its strong suit, it’s baked into iOS, so it’s way more stable and private than third-party apps. On Android, this stuff is a total mess and much easier for kids to just disable.