Numerous university studies show that compulsive social media use has a negative impact on children, teenagers and adults alike. That’s why today we’re recommending 10 apps that can help you avoid using social media on your phone.
A small change that can genuinely improve your mental health — and your children’s. Want to discover them? Keep reading!
Why limit social media use on your phone?
On average, young people aged 14 to 18 spend more than three hours a day on platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. And if those figures are already concerning, it gets even more alarming when we look at children aged 8 to 12, as nearly half of them use these apps regularly.
In other words, almost 20% of their waking hours are spent exclusively on social media — not counting other mobile tools. This means that before they even turn 30, they will have spent around five years of their lives dedicated solely to social platforms.
It’s clear that healthy development — not only cognitive but also in terms of managing free time — requires reducing this type of activity. And it’s not just an issue for the young: the average adult usually exceeds two hours of daily use.
10 apps to help you reduce social media consumption
If this applies to you or someone in your family, here are 10 apps that can help you limit access and encourage a more responsible use of technology:
Byond OS
More than an app, it’s an operating system designed to reduce distractions at the root. With a simplified interface and no social media apps, it promotes focus, rest and real-world connection. Ideal for anyone looking for a deeper change in their relationship with technology.
Freedom
Freedom temporarily blocks access to the apps, websites or social networks you choose. It allows scheduled sessions and cross-device synchronisation, helping you stay focused during work or study. The idea is to help you regain control of your digital time and reduce reliance on your phone.
Forest
A fun option that gamifies your attention: the longer you stay off your phone, the more your virtual forest grows. It’s a playful, visual tool that motivates you to stay focused and step away from social media.
One Sec
One Sec adds a mandatory pause every time you try to open a social network. This brief moment, combined with a guided breath, makes you reflect on whether you actually want to go in. Over time, it helps break the automatic habit of opening apps without thinking.
StayFree
It tracks your time on social networks and shows clear daily, weekly and monthly statistics. You can set limits and receive alerts when you exceed them. Perfect for those who want concrete data to support better digital self-control.
OffScreen
A great option if you want to understand how much you use your phone and how it affects your productivity and rest. It offers visual charts, analyses your habits and encourages mindful breaks. Ideal for anyone who wants a more balanced relationship with their screen.
Digital Detox
Digital Detox sets disconnection challenges that temporarily block access to your phone. The longer you hold out, the more symbolic rewards you earn.
It’s designed for people who need an extra push to reconnect with real life and reduce digital anxiety.
ActionDash
Excellent for gathering detailed information. It offers a full dashboard with data on app usage, unlocks and notifications. It also includes tools to set time limits or silence social media at key moments.
AppBlock
This app lets you block specific apps or websites for chosen hours or days. Especially useful for parents who want to limit their children’s access to social networks, or for professionals who need to concentrate without constant distractions.
Space
Space helps reduce phone dependency through a psychological approach. It includes exercises, reminders and personalised goals based on your digital habits. Ideal for developing a calmer, more mindful and healthier relationship with technology.
Social-media-free smartphones to reduce usage even further
Lastly, beyond apps that help you stop using social networks, we also invite you to explore our smartphones, designed specifically to reduce digital distractions.
At Balance Phone, we’ve developed devices with an integrated operating system created precisely for this: helping adults and young people enjoy the advantages of mobile technology, without the downsides.
|
Key characteristic |
Blocking Apps |
Byond OS |
Balance Phone |
|
What it blocks |
Selection of specific apps or websites (social media, web platforms) the user chooses to limit. |
An operating system designed to minimise distractions and restrict access to addictive digital environments. |
Blocks social media, gaming, gambling and other highly addictive apps at the device level. |
|
Scope / application |
Works within the smartphone, requiring installation and configuration by the user. |
Changes the smartphone experience at its core, with the operating system controlling the entire environment of the device. |
Hardware + software specifically designed to reduce distractions, offering a native social-media-free experience. |
|
Level of control |
Highly customisable: schedules, alerts, statistics, blacklists. |
High native control, less reliant on external apps. |
Maximum control, as the device is engineered to prevent the installation and use of addictive apps. |
|
Ease of ‘evading’ |
Can be deactivated or uninstalled if the user chooses. |
Much more difficult to evade because it is integrated into the operating system. |
Nearly impossible to evade, since the entire smartphone ecosystem is designed to prevent returning to addictive apps. |
|
Ideal for… |
Those who want to keep their usual smartphone while reducing distractions. |
Users who want a profound change in their smartphone habits at a system level. |
People seeking a real alternative to conventional smartphones, or a safe first phone for teenagers. |
|
Drawbacks |
Requires willpower; if uninstalled, the blocking stops. |
Requires installing a new operating system and only works on Samsung devices. |
Requires acquiring a new dedicated device. |
Take a look at all their features and discover a healthier way to stay connected.
