How to lock your child's computer at bedtime
Updated:
Late-night gaming is the most common screen-time problem parents describe. The fix that works: the computer simply isn't available at night — every night, without a fight.
🎬 Video: Limits and sleep mode
Set sleep mode
- Install child-time on your child's computer.
- In the dashboard open Kids & limits and tap “😴 Sleep mode”.
- Set the hours when the computer can be used — for example 7:00 to 21:00. Outside them, the screen shows that the computer is resting and when it will be available again.
Why it holds
- Changing the clock doesn't help — the program checks the server's time.
- It comes back after removal from startup — a watchdog task restarts it.
- A standard Windows account for your child (not an administrator) closes most remaining loopholes.
When you need it right now
In the dashboard's Overview, “End time now” shows the time's-up screen immediately, and “Shut down PC” warns your child and shuts the computer down a minute later — from anywhere, on your phone.
More: Your kid is gaming all night — what to do.
Related guides: How to turn off your child's computer remotely · Screen time rules for winter break