How to actually enforce a screen-time schedule (not just set one)

The seven things

Step 1: A parent and child reading a book about phone safety together at the kitchen table

Step 1 of 7

Understand the why

There are loads of age-appropriate guides about why you are controlling the use of a smartphone. Some links are at the bottom. When your child understands why you're doing this, it helps them get on board.

Step 2: A parent and daughter setting up the phone together

Step 2 of 7

Agree it together, set the profiles together

A rule your child helped make is harder to resent.

Step 3: A phone protected by the Brickify shield, next to a separate PIN keypad

Step 3 of 7

Never reuse your phone's unlock code as the Screen Time or Brickify PIN

Step 4: The Brickify shield in front of crossed-out browser windows and a crossed-out shopping bag

Step 4 of 7

Close the side doors

Block every browser, not just Safari. Block the App Store/Google Play store.

Step 5: A finger reaching for a delete button on a phone protected by the Brickify shield, with a cross showing deletion is blocked

Step 5 of 7

Stop the deletion

On iPhone, set a Screen Time passcode and set "Deleting Apps" to Don't Allow. On Android, use Device Owner mode. The onboarding guide helps you set this up.

Step 6: An alert bell on a switched-off phone, sending a notification to a parent's phone

Step 6 of 7

Turn on alerts

So a removed or offline phone tells you, rather than leaving you guessing.

Step 7: A parent and teenager chatting over mugs at a table

Step 7 of 7

Review regularly

Some families can do this monthly, some weekly. Release an app when it's earned. That's the "grows with them" part.

The seven steps as a short presentation.

Brickify won't filter websites inside an app you've allowed, and nothing survives a factory reset, although you get an email when a phone stops checking in, which is what a reset would trigger. So please understand the limitations. But with these seven things and a collaborative approach this can be a positive step for your family!

Useful links

NSPCC: Supporting children's wellbeing online (for you)
Practical, UK advice on balancing screen time with offline life, talking openly without judgement, and modelling the habits you want to see.
Childline: How to feel good on social media (for your child to read)
Written for young people: how to notice when scrolling has become automatic, why apps are designed to keep pulling you back, and simple ways to take a break.
The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price (Puffin, 2026, ages 9 to 12)
An illustrated book for children about getting more fun, freedom and confidence from life away from screens. Good to read together.