A new app that remotely shuts down devices can give parents more control when it comes to kids' screen time.
Called DinnerTime Parental Control, the free app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and can pause activity on a device when needed, Reuters reported. When a smartphone or tablet is on pause, all functions are blocked, including games and texts.
As costs have gone down, more households have bought smartphones and tablets, and use of these devices has tripled among children since 2011.
"The price of entry level smartphones and tablets have come down a lot, and as a result, more and more kids have their own individual devices," said Richard Sah, co-founder of DinnerTime, as quoted by Reuters.
DinnerTime, which is based in San Mateo, Calif., developed the app as a way to help keep the tradition of eating dinner as a family alive, Sah said.
"Dinner time brings families together for quality time and to have lots of different conversations," he told Reuters. "We want people to come together for engaging conversations, rather than be distracted by a tablet."
Parental Control links the child's device to the parent's smartphone through the parent's phone number. The customizable app allows parents to detail specific times that the device should be locked.
On the other hand, psychologist Kimberly Young, whose focus is Internet addiction, thinks parents should regulate their children's device use themselves instead of employing an app.
"I do not agree that any app is better than good old-fashioned parenting in terms of treating Internet addiction," Young told Reuters.
The psychologist noted that children as young as 3 years old sometimes use devices.
The larger issue is how young is too young," she said.
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