“Did I really just spend 2 hours watching reels?”
“I can’t believe I went to that website again. What’s wrong with me?”
“It’s not a big deal if I look at that...right?”
The smart phone is probably one of the greatest tech innovations of all time. It allows us to connect with others more than ever before, and gives us instant access to valuable information. However, they also open up a bottomless black hole of content – and not all of it is good for us to consume.
However, we aren’t destined to be victims to our feeds and For You pages. It’s possible to set boundaries with technology so we can filter out the content that isn’t helpful for us.
How to set wise tech boundaries
The book of Proverbs uses the metaphor of “crossing the street” to describe someone who doesn’t take care to keep themselves out of harm’s way. In Proverbs 7:7-8, we see the example of a young man who crossed the street, knowing he’d walk right by the house of a woman he should really be avoiding.
If you struggle to keep away from content on your phone that you know you should be avoiding without any safeguards in place – whether it’s sexually explicit, fear-mongering disguised as “news,” or crude comedians telling inappropriate jokes – you're “crossing the street” yourself.
Luckily, you don’t have to throw your phone into the nearest body of water. There are steps you can take today to set healthier boundaries with technology that will protect your heart and mind.
Set screen time limits on your phone
We all wish we had enough self-discipline to put our phones down after a certain hour, but sometimes we need a more concrete barrier. Both iOS (Apple) and Android devices have settings you can enable to password-lock certain apps for stretches of time. Here’s how:
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
You can set a personal time limit on different apps with these steps:
- Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Screen Time: Tap "Screen Time" and ensure it's enabled. If it’s your first time, you might need to set it up.
- App Limits: Tap "App Limits," then "Add Limit."
- Select Apps: Choose the category or specific app(s) you want to limit.
- Set Time: Set the daily time limit for the selected app(s).
- Customize Days (Optional): You can customize the time limits for different days of the week if needed.
- Add: Tap "Add" to save the limit.
You can also schedule “downtime” where you will only be able to access apps you designate:
- Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app
- Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Screen Time: Tap "Screen Time" and ensure it's enabled. If it’s your first time, you might need to set it up.
- Downtime: Tap, “Downtime,” then toggle “Scheduled.”
- Set time: Set the daily time of day you want apps to be disabled.
At the very bottom of your Screen Time page, there’s an option to Lock Screen Time Settings with a password:
- Screen Time Passcode: In the "Screen Time" menu, scroll down and tap "Use Screen Time Passcode."
- Create Passcode: Enter a 4-digit passcode – or have someone you know and trust set it so only they know. This is required to change or disable Screen Time settings and time limits.
- Confirm Passcode: Re-enter the passcode to confirm.
- Recovery (Optional): Set up an Apple ID for recovery in case you forget the passcode.
Android
You can set a personal time limit on different apps with these steps:
- Open Digital Wellbeing: Go to "Settings" and find "Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls."
- Dashboard: Tap on "Dashboard" or "Your Digital Wellbeing tools."
- Set App Timer: Find the app you want to limit, then tap the hourglass icon next to it.
- Set Time: Choose the daily time limit and tap "OK."
- Notification: Once the time limit is reached, the app will be paused for the rest of the day.
You can also set up password protections for screentime settings with the Google Family Link app.
Utilize apps for additional filters and accountability
There are lots of third-party apps that offer additional features like web filtering, accountability reports, and app blocking with passcode protection – all things that will help you avoid the stuff you don’t want to see. Here are some apps we recommend:
Bark
Why we love it:
- Monitors text messages, emails, and over 30 apps for harmful content.
- Customizable screen time limits and web filtering.
Passcode protection:
- Parents can set up and manage restrictions with a passcode.
Accountability features:
- Sends alerts to parents or guardians if concerning content is detected.
Download Bark
Covenant Eyes
Why we love it:
- Monitors online activity and provides screen accountability.
- Blocks explicit content and provides accountability reports.
Passcode protection:
- Settings can be locked to prevent unauthorized changes.
Accountability features:
- Sends regular reports to selected accountability partners.
Download Covenant Eyes
Qustodio
Why we love it:
- Web filtering, app blocking, and screen time management.
- Tracks social media activity and sends alerts for suspicious behavior.
Passcode protection:
- Parents can set a passcode to prevent changes to settings.
Download Qustodio
Find an accountability partner
Like Proverbs 27:17 puts it, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” The real key to setting boundaries with technology and sticking to them is getting someone else involved.
Who are the people you trust the most? Maybe it’s a spouse, a parent, or a friend who encourages you in your faith. Invite that person into your journey and ask them to help keep you accountable. Whether they’re the keeper of your passcodes, the ones receiving notifications from accountability apps, or simply checking in and asking how you’re doing, having a partner alongside you significantly boosts your chance of success.
More helpful resources
If you’re looking for more information on setting healthy tech boundaries, take a look at these articles:
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