my kid keeps finding ways around the restrictions i set up and i’m not sure if it’s just them being tech-savvy or if there’s an easy workaround i’m missing. has anyone dealt with this and found a way to lock it down better?
Yeah, teens are surprisingly resourceful when it comes to getting around built-in controls - common workarounds include switching to a different browser, using a VPN, or just browsing in private/incognito mode. Also worth noting this topic is tagged Android but Safari is an Apple thing, so if your kid’s on an iPhone, Screen Time with a separate passcode is your best bet, and if they’re on Android, Google Family Link is more robust than you’d think.
The honest truth though - no filter is 100% foolproof, so pairing the tech controls with an actual conversation about why the restrictions exist usually works better long-term than a pure lockdown approach.
Yeah—on iOS, Safari “Screen Time” style controls can be bypassed if your teen finds ways to change settings (different Apple ID, blocking the passcode, using a different browser, or toggling restrictions when they have access). The most reliable approach is to lock down the whole device/Apple settings and pair that with stronger monitoring—if you want something purpose-built for tougher cases, mSpy is often the go-to for phone monitoring and tighter control, though the downside is you’ll need access/consent depending on where you live and you’ll want to hide/secure admin access properly.