What apps should be allowed during study time

In this digital age, students have to make use of digital tools to help with homework or soon. However, on smartphones, there are learning tools as well as distracting apps that turn the study session into social media scrolling or gaming breaks. That’s why we’re writing this guide specifically for parents/guradians of kids aged 6-18 who make use of screen devices for schoolwork or online learning.

In this guide, we’ll specifically talk about which apps you should allow your kids to use during study time or which not. We’ll also share tips to help you set healthy digital boundaries based on your kids’ age and needs.

Quick answer: What apps should be allowed during study time?

Using Internet-enabled devices, especially during study time, is really distracting if not properly managed. However, instead of blocking everything, parents have to think wisely because not every digital tool is distracting. Below is a quick glance at some apps that you should try to keep accessible all the time and also those that require limited access!

Learning-essential apps (always allowed)

Screen devices that seem to be a recreational source also come with essential learning apps specially designed for students. For instance;

• Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams: Through these, students can attend virtual classes, receive assignments, and communicate with teachers.
• School Learning Management Systems (LMS): These are specifically created by schools to allow students to access their course materials, submit homework, and track their academic progress.
• Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Quizlet: Such apps, on the other hand, act like an online home tutor because they support learning via interactive lessons or quizzes.
• Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Notion, and note-taking apps: Likewise, using these applications, students can write assignments, take notes, and even collaborate in real-time with project fellows.
• Calculator, dictionary, and translation apps: As the name suggests, these apps help with calculations, vocabulary & language learning without interrupting study sessions.

The above-mentioned tools support direct learning & skill development; that’s why you should make them 24/7 accessible for your kids.

Controlled-use apps (limited access)

In contrast, you’ll also come across some digital tools that, in addition to offering learning content, also have a high potential to distract students. Instead of complete blockage, allow kids to use these in reasonable limits, so there would be no loss to their learning. For instance;

• YouTube: Though it provides access to educational tutorials, it also has entertainment videos & shorts. That’s why for younger kids it’s best to allow them to watch only approved channels and playlists.
• Web browsers: Using web browsers like Chrome, Safari, etc students can get valuable information regarding their projects. At the same time, it’s also possible that they might get exposed to inappropriate websites while searching. Always keep the SafeSearch mode on to filter out the irrelevant search results.
• Messaging apps: While studying, kids also need to communicate with class fellows or teachers to gelp help with projects. But you should limit the use of messaging apps to school-related conversations during study time using Focus mode.

Which apps should usually be blocked during study time?

Which you must think of blocking or temporarily pausing, especially during study time. Once kids are done wth their homework, parents can restore access according to the predefined family screen time rules. Here is an overview of such distracting apps!

• Gaming apps: Since mobile video games always attract kids as a result, kids keep playing, ignoring how much time has passed.
• Social media and short-video apps: Furthermore, social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, & Instagram, because of their endless scrolling or personalized recommendations, make it difficult for kids to return to studies.
• Streaming, music, and entertainment apps: Kids are fond of watching TV shows/favorite movies or listening to music. Thereby, any notification from streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, etc. may instantly divert their attention while studying.
• Shopping, chat, and unnecessary notification-heavy apps: It’s worth noting that mostly online shopping or gaming communities send promotional alerts & messages. Blocking such apps during studying helps mute notifications, thereby creating a quiet learning environment.

Why do these apps distract students?

Learning requires constant attention and working memory, so you memorize things in your brain. However, entertainment apps have a totally opposite scenario because of changing content every 30 seconds or sooner. When students constantly switch between homework & entertainment apps, the brain is forced to change tasks. This indeed increases mental fatigue and makes it harder for students to focus on learning.

According to a January 2025 research on: Impact of interruptions being published in ResearchGate by Dr Louise J Goddard EdD. It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully regain deep focus even after a single interruption. That’s why, by limiting entertaining resources during study time, students can maintain deep focus and improve their knowledge retention ability.

How to decide whether an app is study-friendly?

Not all educational-looking apps can support kids’ learning because at first they might offer educational material. The very next time, kids come across some ads or unwanted gaming recommendations. Before allowing any app during study time parents should strictly evaluate whether it’s somewhat to really help kids with homework.

• Check whether the app has a clear educational purpose: First of all, you should confirm with the kids or the school whether the app is genuinely required for online classes or homework. If the answer is yes, then it’s suitable to install it on your kids’ devices.
• Look for built-in distractions: Next, you should make sure that the app doesn’t include any ads or recommendations that can divert kids’ attention from the original task.
• Consider whether the app encourages multitasking: Check whether the app encourages multitasking because kids switching between study and chatting isn’t suitable during study sessions.

How age changes the app rules?

Keep in mind that kids’ learning needs and self-control change as kids grow, requiring parents to adjust the app rules during study time. Below is the breakdown of app rules based on kids’ age for better understanding!

Ages 6–8:

Younger kids indeed require close supervision, so allow them to access only a small number of parent-approved or school -allowed apps. For instance, encourage them to use only educational games, reading apps & classroom platforms. Along with this, completely restrict them from using social media, entertainment, or unnecessary web browsing, especially during study time.

Ages 9–12:

At this age, kids’ educational needs also change, so allow them to use additional learning resources like research tools, note-taking apps & educational websites. However, still limit their distracting apps to keep them focused on their studies.

Ages 13–18:

Teenagers, on the other hand, are able to manage a wide range of online resources or assignment research tools. When it comes to social media or entertainment stuff, instead of adding strict restrictions, guide them towards balanced and responsible usage. This flexibility in rules first makes them feel you trust them, and with time, they develop self-discipline that’s what you wish for.

How can parents set better study-time rules?

Now let’s have a look at some practical strategies helping parents to set clear, consistent study rules while still giving access to tools genuinely needed.

• Create a written app list: First of all, you should take a paper and clearly mention which apps kids can always access while studying. Likewise, add a category of apps that kids can use only with limits & also those not allowed during study time. This indeed removes any kind of confusion and helps kids understand what’s really expected.
• Set study schedules and break times: Furthermore, make clear rules about when study time begins/ends along with short breaks. However, breaks don’t mean they can use social media or games; instead, it would be kind of drinking water or having snacks.  For the practical implementation of app rules during study time, parents can try using the FlashGet Kids parental control app. Using this, parents can set which apps kids can use during study time and for how much time. If kids try to bypass the limits, parents receive an instant alert.
• Review exceptions when necessary: It’s more likely that your kids may get assignments that indeed require the usage of additional online tools for research. In this situation, you should temporarily remove restrictions and allow access after all its cost of kids learning.
• Keep the rules visible and update them regularly: It’s very crucial to always write the rules somewhere where they are easily visible to everyone. Plus, parents should keep a check on the set rules every month and update them according to kids’ changing needs & habits.

Conclusion

In summary, managing the usage of digital tools during kids’ study time requires close attention. As a parent, you should make sure that kids use the right apps for the right purpose.

For instance, you can give full access to educational apps, while communication apps should be restricted for school use only. Likewise, it’s best to block recreational sources until kids complete their homework. This wise supervision indeed helps you create a focused learning environment for your kids. However, it’s only achievable when you take kids in trust by clearly explaining why imposing such rules is essential.

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