Guide · Ages 16 to 17
Almost adults: ages 16 to 17
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.
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What this age looks like online
Within a couple of years they'll manage their own phone completely. The goal now is practice, with a safety net.
Heavy restrictions tend to push teens to work around them. Light, agreed rules keep the conversation open.
Where to focus
- Only the essentialsKeep what protects sleep and safety, like bedtime on school nights and location sharing if the family wants it. Relax the rest.
- Let them see everythingWalk through what eGuard shows you. Nothing on their side is hidden, and they should know that.
- Plan the handoverAgree a date or milestone when protections switch off, and when they'll manage their own phone.
A starting point for a 16-year-old
When you add a child this age, eGuard suggests the Balanced profile (moderate limits for independent kids). These are its settings. You review them before anything is sent, and can change any of them later.
| Protection | Suggested setting |
|---|---|
| Screen Time | 4h 30m school days, 5h 30m weekends |
| Bedtime | 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM |
| App Restrictions | Apps rated 16+ and under |
| App Approval | Approval required |
| Content Restrictions | Rated 16+ and under |
| Web Filtering | Filtered, 42 sites blocked |
| Downloads | Parent approval |
| Location | Sharing |
| Notification Controls | Quiet during bedtime |
| Uninstall Protection | On |
When to loosen the rules
- Switch bedtime to school nights only.
- Turn off App approval and rely on age ratings.
- Agree a date to remove the device from eGuard together.
Set up eGuard for your teen
eGuard suggests these settings for you. Free for one child.