The right rules for their age
What a 6-year-old needs from their tablet is very different from what a 16-year-old needs from their phone. Pick your child's age for suggested settings, what to focus on, and things to talk about.
- Ages 5 to 8
A first phone or tablet
Young children are just starting out. Keep the device simple, choose the apps together, and make screen time a predictable part of the day.
- Profile
- Protected
- Screen time
- 2h school days, 4h weekends
- Bedtime
- 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM
- Ages 9 to 12
Growing independence
Many children get their own phone at this age. Keep strong defaults, and start handing over small decisions so they learn to make them.
- Profile
- Protected
- Screen time
- 3h school days, 4h weekends
- Bedtime
- 9:30 PM – 6:00 AM
- Ages 13 to 15
Teen years
Teenagers need privacy and room to grow. eGuard suggests the Balanced profile here: firm on sleep and safety, looser on everything else.
- Profile
- Balanced
- Screen time
- 4h 30m school days, 5h 30m weekends
- Bedtime
- 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
- Ages 16 to 17
Almost adults
Older teens are getting ready to manage on their own. Use eGuard as a safety net, not a leash, and plan together how it winds down.
- Profile
- Balanced
- Screen time
- 4h 30m school days, 5h 30m weekends
- Bedtime
- 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Every child is different. These are starting points, and you can change any setting at any time.