There is no denying that smartphones are an incredibly powerful tool for performing many everyday tasks. In Europe, whether with a work or leisure orientation, almost everyone has oneincluding in many c ases the smallest in the house.
This can have its negative point because there are many dangers that exist on the Internet that they can be exposed to, although the addiction to the use of the device by adolescents can also pose a great danger. It is therefore generally recommended apply some type of parental controls or blocking to prevent children from accessing what they shouldn’t on their mobile.
In addition to parental controls, it is also possible to install other applications with functions to restrict the use of the device. One of the most interesting that currently exists is Balance Phone, which in addition to being a launcher is the ideal tool for your children to avoid mobile addiction.
Minimal launcher
The idea of Balance Phone is make the device as minimalist as possible, not only in terms of design, but also in terms of functionality. This implies that the application restricts access to certain types of applications, such as social networks, games, streaming services or betting applications, which means that these, even if installed, do not are not even displayed on the main screen, thus preventing them from being opened. .
In fact, the entire aesthetic of the application is quite simple, since, once configured as the system’s default launcher, it consists only of a list with the name of each application which are installed and accessible. The services allowed by this launcher are messaging, productivity, mobility, music and entertainment, food delivery or health applications. In principle, virtually all types of applications that do not match the description are not permitted.
The fact that it does not allow you to access it from its main screen makes finding them more complicated, although if it is found and you try to open it, a notice will appear stating that said application is not compatible with the application and it will not allow you to open it, which can be very relevant if used as a parental control.
The idea of the application is that the cell phone is only used for one purpose, and not to pass the time, because in addition to being a waste of time, it can also generate dependence among the little ones . With this launcher, only will take the cell phone for a specific task
Control addiction
Minors’ dependence on smartphones is a problem that can have harmful consequences on their health. 80% of young people between 12 and 18 years old make intensive use of this device, and it is something that must be closely monitored and moderated to avoid not only dependence, but also abuse of the little ones. And this can generate early psychological problems due to the overstimulation caused by these devices, causing a constant state of alert due to notifications and which can lead to nomophobia., an irrational fear of not having the phone with you.
Psychologists recommend using specialized tools for this, such as parental control platforms. Android and Apple phones have tools created for this purpose and through which parents can know and limit what their children do with the device. The question of limiting the mobile activity of minors has already been the subject of debate in certain Autonomous Communities in the area of educational centers.
Many voices within this sector advocate not banning its transport in schools, since some children, due to different needs, may need to contact their parents. However, this is not incompatible with prohibit use during school hours and ensure that the youngest do not use them during lessons, either with special lockers or with anti-use bags. These measures are already being taken by some centers and their regulation at the state level is pending.
Some Autonomous Communities have decided to take the initiative of this type of regulation. The Ministry of Training Development and Vocational Training of the Government of Andalusia decided to publish a decree last March in which the use of smartphones was prohibited during breaks, extracurricular activities, transport to excursions and others spaces of educational centers leaving room for educational use. purposes. Castilla la Mancha has been a pioneer, since it has prohibited its use in classrooms since 2014. Other regions such as Galicia or the Community of Madrid also prohibit its general use, while there are communities in which it is left to the discretion of the students. the schools themselves.