Unglue is a new tool that allows parents to set controls on children’s use of devices. The idea is that parents set limits on social media and entertainment sites and apps, while allowing free use of others. This doesn’t disable the device, but particular apps. Parents can save settings for individual days, for all weekdays, and for all weekends. These settings include:
- hours during which internet use is allowed
- entertainment time
Children also have control. They can:
- track their device use
- check their schedules
- earn more time with chores
- roll over unused minutes to another day
Unglue is currently free to download. You first install it on a tablet, to manage other mobile devices. To manage gaming consoles and other home devices, you have to set up Unglue on a desktop computer, or purchase a special peripheral from the company. For views of the app as seen by parents or children, see here.
My Impressions
I think that Unglue could be a great addition to your family’s digital tools. As always, I encourage discussion with children to set reasonable limits. I like that Unglue lets you differentiate between different uses of the device, and makes the settings clear to children so that they can exercise some agency as well. To me, this moves the conversation beyond screen time, to how do we use and engage with devices in our life, and what do we value as part of our life. What do you want your children and your family to be doing when not using digital entertainment? I suggest that you have that conversation as a family.
If you’ve tried Unglue, I’d love to know more. Please leave a comment.
Other reviews
Also posted on the ISP ES Blog