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Bedtime & Screen Time Rules

6 min read

The Three Levels of Time Control

ParentalEdge gives you three independent ways to control screen time:

  1. Device-wide daily limits — Total screen time per day
  2. Restricted time windows — Bedtime, school hours, etc.
  3. App-specific limits — Per-app time budgets

These work together. Your child might have 3 hours of daily screen time, but also a bedtime window where the device is locked regardless of remaining time.

Setting Up Daily Limits

Age-Based Defaults

When you select your child's age profile, daily limits are pre-configured:

Age Group Mobile Limit Computer Limit
Elementary (5-10) 3 hours 6 hours
Pre-Teen (11-15) 4 hours 8 hours
Teen (16-17) 6 hours 12 hours

Customizing Daily Limits

  1. Go to Rules → Time Rules
  2. Find "Daily Screen Time Limit"
  3. Adjust the hours (max 12 hours)
  4. Save

What counts toward the limit:

  • Active app usage
  • Web browsing
  • Video watching

What doesn't count:

  • Phone calls
  • Essential apps (messages, maps)
  • Background music

Setting Up Bedtime

Bedtime mode is the most important time rule. When active, the device shows a "Bedtime" screen and only essential apps work.

Age-Based Bedtime Defaults

Age Group Bedtime Start Bedtime End
Elementary (5-10) 10:00 PM 6:00 AM
Pre-Teen (11-15) 10:30 PM 5:00 AM
Teen (16-17) 11:00 PM 5:00 AM

Customizing Bedtime

  1. Go to Rules → Time Rules
  2. Find "Restricted Time Windows"
  3. Tap "Add Window" or edit existing
  4. Set start time, end time, and days
  5. Save

Pro tip: Set different bedtimes for weekdays vs weekends:

  • Weekdays: 9:30 PM - 6:00 AM
  • Weekends: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM

What Works During Bedtime

Even during bedtime, these essential apps always work:

  • Phone (calls)
  • Messages (SMS)
  • WhatsApp
  • Maps
  • Clock (for alarms)
  • Calculator

This ensures your child can:

  • Call you in an emergency
  • Respond to important messages
  • Use their alarm clock

Creating Custom Restricted Windows

Beyond bedtime, you can create additional restricted periods:

School Hours Example

Block recreational apps during school:

  1. Go to Rules → Time Rules → Restricted Windows
  2. Tap "Add Window"
  3. Name it "School Hours"
  4. Set time: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  5. Set days: Monday - Friday
  6. Save

During school hours, only essential and educational apps work.

Homework Time Example

Enforce focus during homework:

  1. Add a new restricted window
  2. Name it "Homework Time"
  3. Set time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  4. Set days: Monday - Friday

Tip: Allow educational apps during homework time by going to App Rules and marking them as "Always Allowed."

Time Extensions

Sometimes rules need to bend. ParentalEdge makes this easy:

How Extensions Work

  1. Your child hits their limit or a restricted window starts
  2. They tap "Request More Time"
  3. You get a notification
  4. You can grant 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, or 2 hours

Granting Extensions

From the parent app:

  1. See the request notification
  2. Tap to open
  3. Choose extension duration
  4. Your child's device unlocks immediately

You can also proactively extend time:

  1. Go to your child's device in the dashboard
  2. Tap "Extend Time"
  3. Choose duration

Pro Tips

Be consistent with bedtime. Changing bedtime frequently undermines the rule. Kids adapt better to consistent limits.

Start generous, then tighten. It's easier to reduce screen time gradually than to start strict and face rebellion.

Use the Activity insights. Check when your child actually uses their device. You might discover they don't need as much time as they have.

Weekend flexibility matters. Slightly later bedtimes and longer limits on weekends feel fair to kids.

Common Questions

Can my child change the clock to bypass bedtime?

No. ParentalEdge uses server time, not device time. Changing the device clock doesn't affect restrictions.

What if there's a power outage or emergency?

Essential apps always work. Your child can always call or message you.

How do I temporarily disable all restrictions?

Tap your child's device and select "Unlock Device". This pauses all restrictions until you re-enable them.

My child says they need more time for homework.

Check the Activity tab to see how they're actually using their time. If homework apps show low usage, the request might not be genuine.

Series Complete! You've learned the three pillars of ParentalEdge:

Need help with a specific situation? Check our FAQ or explore more guides in the Blog.