How to Turn off Internet Access at Night?
If you and your family use the Internet, you likely stare at blue light screens that display exciting information for hours at a time. Unfortunately, experts don’t yet entirely understand the effects of this over the long term. As a result, many parents remain in the dark about the physical and mental health issues, personal safety, and distractions using the Internet has on children.
That’s why there’s a growing number of families who turn off Internet access at night.
Do you know how to turn off Internet access at night? And what about the risks of leaving the Internet on at all hours of the day? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions (and more)!
Contents:
- Disable Wi-Fi Internet Access on Electronic Devices
- Disconnect Wi-Fi Modem by Unplugging
- Adjust Router Settings for Wi-Fi
- Set-Up Wi-Fi Schedule
- Turn off Internet Access with your Phone
- Set a Timer for Wi-Fi Usage
- Disable the Internet with a Firewall
- Install Apps for Parental Control for Your Devices
- What are the Risks of Using the Internet at Night?
- What are Your Benefits from Turning Off the Internet at Night?
- Apps for Disabling Internet Connection During Night Time
- FAQ
Disable Wi-Fi Internet Access on Electronic Devices
The good news is, whether you want to disconnect your phone or your child’s tablet from the Internet, it’s fast and easy via any electronic device.
Here’s how:
- Select ‘Settings’ on the smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.
- Select ‘Wi-Fi’ from the menu.
- Switch the toggle to’ off.’ The device will disconnect from the Internet.
Get a good night’s sleep without your Wi-Fi modem, Wi-Fi router or wireless router! It’s easy to turn the toggle back to the ‘on’ position in the morning.
Disconnect Wi-Fi Modem by Unplugging
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Another simple way to turn off Internet access at night is to unplug the modem from the outlet. If the modem doesn’t have power, the Wi-Fi can’t connect to the Internet.
However, one thing to note is that electronic devices like smartphones can still connect to the Internet via data. So if you don’t want your child to use the Internet on their phone at night, you’ll also need to ensure they don’t have access to mobile data settings.
Adjust Router Settings for Wi-Fi
Most routers come with an advanced setting that allows you to tell the router when to disconnect an Internet connection. Settings like this are part of the parental control features that enable parents to monitor when their children use the Internet.
Each router is different, and setting up this feature depends on the Internet provider. To set up this feature, turn to the instruction manual provided with your router. Another convenient method to adjust router settings for Wi-Fi is to Google the make and model of your router to look up the steps needed to disable Internet access at night.
Set-Up Wi-Fi Schedule
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Almost every router allows users to schedule an automatic turn-off or wireless schedule. So if you want your Wi-Fi router to turn off internet access from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM Monday to Friday, without unplugging an ethernet cable, this is the feature to use!
To turn off your Wi-Fi network during certain times of the day, like at night, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP can explain how to set up your family’s personal Wi-Fi or wireless schedule.
Turn off Internet Access with your Phone
Many Internet providers now offer routers with an app you can use to control Internet access from your mobile phone. Setting up this app makes it easy to turn off Internet access at night.
To use this feature, download the app after you install your router. In the app, you should see a feature that helps you manage the Internet ‘on/off period.’ From here, you can control when the Internet is available or unavailable.
If an app isn’t available to use with your router, it’s also possible to use a web browser. Then, using your smartphone or other wireless devices, you can access the website for your router, where you will find an option to turn the Internet off.
Set a Timer for Wi-Fi Usage
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The mechanical solution to avoid harm from radiation from your router is to use a timer. You can set up periods of time after which access to the Internet will be turned off / on at night or during the day. It’s safe and easy to use.
To do this, you can use the BN-LINK Wi-Fi plug outlet as a timer for scheduling the router on/off time. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistance manage the timer, and the user can control the home network by voice commands.
Disable the Internet with a Firewall
Firewalls block outside or incoming connections. To disable the Internet with a firewall, you must set up a firewall on every device you want to restrict Internet access at night. It’s possible to do this through the settings feature on most routers or operating systems.
It’s important to note that the steps to setting up a firewall differ from router to router and even between operating systems. Google the instructions for disabling the Internet with a firewall on your specific device.
There are several advantages to using a firewall to turn off Internet access at night. With a firewall, it’s possible to block specific website traffic or all services from streaming or social media sites. You can even block all traffic except what comes from your ISP.
When setting up firewalls, speaking with an IT professional is best. While the security threats to disabling a firewall are low, it’s best to cover all your bases to protect your kids and family.
Install Apps for Parental Control for Your Devices
Several apps on the market allow parents greater control over their children’s devices like smartphones and tablets.
One of the best examples of a parental control app is Kids360. Available on both iOS and Android devices, this app allows parents to keep family members safe and secure using various fabulous features that include managing a child’s screen time.
Monitor Your Child’s Gadget Usage
Are you worried about how your child uses their gadgets? What if, instead of restoring strength through sleep, they endlessly play games at night or conduct correspondence in applications that have a high age limit?
With the Kids360 app, you can find out what your child is doing and when: what apps they use, at what time, for how long. You will not only get to know the interests of the child but have a chance to adjust the content and its quality, which they receive:
- Restrict access to potentially dangerous applications or block them altogether.
- Make a schedule for using the gadget. For example, the child won’t be able to use their phone or tablet at night, an hour before bedtime, and during lessons.
- See detailed gadget usage statistics.
Download the Kids360 app for free right now to keep your child safe online!
Other examples of parental control apps for devices that help turn off Internet access at night include PlayStation 4, Screen Time, Family Link, SurfBlocker, and Xbox.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 is a gaming console with built-in parental controls that help you turn off Internet access at night to monitor your children’s usage better.
To disable Internet access on a PlayStation 4:
- Select Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Family Management.
- Select the child account you wish to restrict.
- Click on Internet Browser Blocking.
- Choose either Block All or Block In-App Purchases.
For more information on how to turn off Internet access at night for your kids, check out the PlayStation 4 instruction guide.
iOS Screen Time
iOS devices have a great feature that allows you to limit Internet access on your children’s devices. This allows you to block websites and apps and set daily time limits and specific hours for Internet use.
Here’s how you can set parental controls to turn off Internet access at night on an iPhone:
Step 1: Set Screen Time for Family
- Go to Settings.
- Select Screen Time.
- Tap Turn on Screen Time and read the instructions.
- Select Continue.
- Select This is My Child’s Phone (to set up parental controls).
Step 2: Set App Downtime and Limits
- Select Downtime from the Screen Time menu
- Set the hours you want the device to limit Internet usage at night.
- Tap the Back button
- Select App Limits.
- Choose how much time your child can spend on specific apps.
- Tap Set App Limit when finished.
It’s important to note that these features still allow text messages and phone calls to get through on your child’s device.
Read more Discipline, Not Control: Screen Time Management on iPhone.
Android: Family Link
Android users love this app from Google. It’s called Family Link and it helps parents set daily time limits for internet access. Family Link also lets you see your child’s activities and lets you block websites or apps.
Windows: SurfBlocker
For Windows users, SurfBlocker is a great app that lets you set a schedule for Internet access. This means you can turn off Internet access at night or even block services and websites.
Xbox
Another device that allows parents to set parental controls to turn off Internet access at night is Xbox.
To turn off Internet access to an Xbox:
- Go to Settings > All Settings > Accounts > Family.
- Select the child account.
- Click on Internet Browser.
- Select Block to restrict Internet access.
Refer to the Xbox manual for more information on parental controls and how to turn off Internet access.
What are the Risks of Using the Internet at Night?
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Like anything else, too much of something isn’t always the best choice. Using the Internet all day and night can create some bad habits, some of which include some very negative consequences.
Health Risks
The health risks of prolonged Internet usage and access to electronic devices are harmful to adults and children.
One of the biggest concerns regarding your children’s health is EMF radiation.
According to Healthline, EMF radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation (radio waves) generated from electronic devices, including tablets, smartphones, laptops, and computers.
Currently, no hard evidence supports theories that EMF radiation is harmful as it doesn’t generate high-energy radiation, which can damage DNA or cells. However, some experts believe that we don’t quite yet understand the impacts of EMF radiation over the long term.
While more research is required, some experts attribute a condition called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) to EMF radiation exposure. Symptoms that some studies suggest relate to EHS include:
- Headaches
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Skin burning and tingling
- Nausea
- Lack of concentration
- Changes in memory
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Other health risks associated with too much screen time and Internet access include mental health issues with depression and anxiety and physical issues with vision, hearing, joints, spine, and muscle spasms.
The best approach to EMF radiation is to take note of your exposure. Turning off Internet access at night and any other electronic devices will certainly help.
Power Consumption Concerns
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How many devices do you have in your home? Do you keep them plugged in at all times?
According to Forbes, the average household in the United States has 20.2 connected devices. While most of these devices include computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs, other items like smart lighting, speakers, and appliances make up another sizable group.
With so many Internet-connecting devices in use, there’s a growing concern about energy consumption. Turning off the Internet at night will help decrease the power used.
Cyberbullying
Using the Internet at night makes it easy for cyberbullies to take advantage of children.
At night, it’s much more difficult for parents like you to monitor your child’s Internet activities. But, more importantly, knowing if strangers or classmates are bullying your child becomes challenging.
Restricting Internet access or blocking internet access can help generate a healthier attitude toward using apps and sites like social media.
Risk of Addiction and Overstimulation
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According to Statista, the average person worldwide spent 147 minutes on social networking daily in 2022. Another report titled Digital 2022: Global Overview indicates that the average Internet user (aged 16–64, across all devices) spends 6 hours and 58 minutes online daily.
The downside to this much exposure to the Internet is that it can cause addiction and overstimulation in users, including children.
When your child is at school, their Internet access is limited. When they come home, however, the risk of addiction increases, as does Internet usage at night.
Due to addiction and resulting overstimulation, children become sleep deprived, leading to moodiness and increased anxiety and depression.
Turning off Internet access at night can help significantly decrease these risks.
Security Risk
Hackers love nothing more than to find a way into your wireless network. Unfortunately, leaving your Internet running during the night makes it even easier for something like this to happen.
When a hacker uses your wireless signal to access your devices or uses your wireless signal to power their own devices, you lose bandwidth and functionality. Even worse, a hacker can use your wireless signal to spy on your home.
When you turn off Internet access at night, you decrease the time a hacker can spend trying to mess with your private information.
Related: 17 Negative & Positive Effects of Technology on Children and How to Overcome Them.
What are Your Benefits from Turning Off the Internet at Night?
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So you’ve decided to turn off the Internet at night. Did you know this can benefit you and your family in multiple ways?
Added benefits include cutting costs and safeguarding your children’s digital space.
Cutting Costs by Disabling Internet Overnight
Disabling the Internet overnight decreases power consumption and usage. Both amounts will reflect on your monthly bill.
When you turn off Internet access at night, you’ll likely only save a few dollars a month on your Internet bill. However, over time, these amounts can add up to more money in your bank account to spend on things that matter.
Safeguard Children’s Digital Space
Cyberbullying and cybersecurity issues affect children in many ways. To protect your family members, creating a safe digital space is crucial to developing good physical and mental health.
Turning off the Internet connection to electronic devices helps to better monitor what your child sees and does on apps, internet browsers, and more.
Apps for Disabling Internet Connection During Night Time
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To make disabling your Internet connectivity during nighttime easier, try using one of the following apps.
- Boomerang
- Active Time Alerts
- Wi-Fi Blocker
- Circle Home
- Verizon Smart Family
- T-Mobile Family Mode
- unGlue
- ATTWiFi Manager
You can also download parental control apps like Kids360 to make sure your child isn’t using the phone during the night!
There’s no question that the Internet is here to stay. Our world heavily relies on this technology for most of our day-to-day tasks, which means our children need to use it too.
However, it’s to your benefit to take a step back and ask yourself whether accessing the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is really beneficial to your family member’s mental health, wellness, and even your bank account!
When you turn off Internet access at night, you decrease the risk of addiction, overstimulation, cyberbullying, security risks, and more. The best part? Using parental controls via apps like Kids360, or simply unplugging the router (or ethernet cable) can give you the peace of mind you’ve been searching for.
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FAQ
Still have questions about how to block Internet access at night? Keep reading to discover our most frequently asked questions.
How do I temporarily disconnect from the Internet?
It’s easy to disconnect temporarily from the Internet. Here’s how:
- Unplug the router (it might take some time, but you’ll adjust and remember to plug it back in, in the morning)
- Adjust the modem
- Set up a schedule
- Use firewalls
- Set up a parental control app like Kids360
Will turning off the Internet at night affect my device’s software or updates?
Turning off the Internet at night won’t affect your device’s software or updates. The moment your device reconnects to the Wi-Fi, it will prompt you to make any updates to apps and software.
If you’ve set up your device to run updates automatically, this will also continue as usual once the Internet is turned back on.
Is it safe to completely turn off the Wi-Fi modem/router at night?
Turning off the Wi-Fi modem/router at night is completely safe. In fact, you’ll see many benefits when you turn off Internet access at night.
Turning off the router at night helps you and your kids get a better night’s sleep, reduces anxiety, improves joint pain and concentration, reduces cyberbullying, and increases cybersecurity. In addition, absolutely no damage will occur to your modem or router.
Can I still use the phone when the Internet is turned off at night?
In short: yes. When the Internet is turned off at night, your cell phone is still connected to your carrier. Therefore, you will still receive phone calls and text messages when your cell phone is left on.
It’s still recommended not to sleep with a cell phone near your head (or in the same room). You can also enable parental controls and use other parental control apps and features to decide whether or not your child uses their phone at night.
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