We're here to help.
Roots isn't a traditional parental control app - we don't offer remote monitoring, forced restrictions, or top-down controls where a parent manages a child's device from their own phone.
Instead, Roots is built around personal ownership and reflection. We've found that real, lasting change happens when someone chooses to take control of their own habits - not when controls are imposed on them.
That said, many parents use Roots successfully with their teens. Here's how.
Our approach: lead by example
One of the most powerful things a parent can do is use Roots themselves.
Teens are far more likely to engage with something they see working for the people around them. If your teen is open to it, invite them to try Roots - and use it together as a family.
Roots makes it easy to look back on screen time, celebrate wins, and have honest conversations about what's working. It's less about control, and more about building trust and long-term habits - together.
Setting up Roots on your teen's device
If your teen is on board, here's how to get them set up:
Download Roots from the App Store on their device
Create a Roots account
Follow the in-app setup flow to grant "Screen Time" access
Set up blocks together - include them in the process so they feel ownership over the limits
Blocking apps and websites
Once Roots is set up, you can block specific apps, app categories, or websites:
Go to Roots > Blocking > + (Create new block)
Choose the apps or websites to block
Set the schedule - either a recurring "Downtime" block (great for weeknights or weekends) or "App Limits" for, say, limited social media usage
Set a difficulty level
Making the blocks harder to bypass
"Lock Editing"
When enabled on a block, any attempt to edit or delete that block triggers a 12-hour unlock timer
This prevents impulsive changes in the moment
To enable it: when creating or editing a block, toggle "Lock Editing" ON before saving
"Monk Mode"
A stricter difficulty setting that prevents editing, taking extra unblocks, or logging out while a block is active
To set it: when creating a block, select "Monk Mode" under difficulty
"App Uninstall Protection"
Prevents apps from being permanently deleted from the device while active
To enable: go to Roots > Blocking > Blocking Settings (top right) > Uninstall Protection and toggle it ON
Locking "Screen Time" settings on iOS
For an extra layer of protection, you can set a "Screen Time" passcode directly in iOS. This prevents Roots' permissions from being toggled off without a code:
Open Settings on the device
Tap Screen Time
Tap Lock Screen Time Settings
Enter a 4-digit passcode - ideally one the teen doesn't know
For maximum protection, use your own Apple Account credentials for the recovery step, so only you can reset it.
Learn more: How do I stop disabling "Screen Time Access"?
Blocking adult content
To enable content filtering:
Go to Roots > Blocking > Blocking Settings (top right) > Block Adult Content and toggle it ON
This blocks adult websites across all browsers. On iOS 18 or earlier, private browsing in Safari will also be disabled. If you'd like to keep it enabled, update to iOS 26 or later.
Getting Roots Premium for your teen too
If you're on a Roots Premium annual subscription, you can share premium access with your teen (or other family members) at no extra cost. Each person creates their own individual Roots account, and we manually add premium access on our end.
Here's how to set it up:
Have your teen create their own Roots account
Send us their Roots-associated email address (found at Profile > Account Settings > tap your name > Account Details)
Include your own Roots-associated email address too
We'll add premium access for them on our end
Note: This is available for annual subscribers only. Please ask your teen to cancel any free trial they may have started to avoid duplicate charges.
A note on privacy
Each Roots account is completely private. There's no way to view another person's screen time data or usage from your own account - all data lives on each individual device. Roots is designed for personal reflection, not surveillance.
If you'd like to stay connected and accountable as a family, many families find success by:
Checking in on daily goals together
Taking part in "Challenges" together
Celebrating "Streaks" as a family
Need more help?
Get personal help from one of our founders here. We're happy to assist!