Choosing a screen time app for your child’s PC: 8 things to check

There are many ways to limit screen time on a PC, from the tools built into Windows and macOS to dedicated apps. Whatever you choose, run it through this checklist. We have written it so you can use it on any product, ours included.

1. Does your child see the time left?

A visible countdown is the single biggest reason a limit feels fair. Look for a timer in the corner of the screen that gets clearer towards the end, and reminders before time runs out. The idea is no surprises. See how to end game time without the fight.

2. Can you change time from your phone?

You will want to add five minutes while you are in the kitchen, not walk upstairs to the computer. Check that you can start, extend and cancel time remotely, and that you get a notification when a request comes in.

3. Can your child ask for more time?

A request button gives your child a legitimate way to ask instead of argue. You should be able to say yes, give part of it, or say no, and switch the feature off per child.

4. Are there schedules and daily limits?

Look for separate limits for weekdays and weekends, and a time after which nothing new can start. You should also be able to give extra time on purpose without rewriting the rules.

5. What happens when time is up?

Some tools cover the screen, some cut the internet, some log the child out. Pick what suits your family and check that it lifts again by itself or when you say so. Cutting the internet needs support from your router; a tool that covers the screen works on any home network.

6. Does it handle several children and computers?

Check that each child has their own limit, and that you can see every computer’s status on one screen rather than juggling several apps.

7. How hard is it to bypass?

No software is unbeatable on a computer where the child is an administrator. Use a standard account for your child, and look for tools that need an administrator’s password to install or remove and a parent code to change settings.

8. What does it do with your family’s data?

Read the privacy policy. Find out what is collected, where it is stored, whether you can delete your account and all history, and whether the program on your child’s computer stores anything about your account. Prefer tools that collect as little as possible.

How Five More Minutes does on this list

Five More Minutes is built around these points: a countdown in the game, time given from your phone, requests from your child, weekday and weekend limits, covering the screen or cutting the internet, several children and computers, a parent code, and an account you can delete. The program on the child’s computer stores only a key it created itself, which you can revoke at any time. Because the plugin interface is open, smart-home tools can connect through the marketplace.