App Rules
App Rules
Section titled “App Rules”App rules determine which applications are available during each device mode. This guide walks you through configuring rules that work for your family.
Accessing App Rules
Section titled “Accessing App Rules”- Open the Parent Portal
- Go to your child’s profile
- Click Apps & Websites
- Select App Rules
Understanding the Interface
Section titled “Understanding the Interface”App List
Section titled “App List”You’ll see all apps installed on your child’s devices, organized by:
- Recently used
- Alphabetically
- By category (games, education, social, etc.)
Current Setting
Section titled “Current Setting”Each app shows its current rule:
- Always - Available in all modes
- Free Time - Only during Free Time
- Never - Blocked in all modes
- Default - Follows category rules
Setting App Rules
Section titled “Setting App Rules”For Individual Apps
Section titled “For Individual Apps”- Find the app in the list
- Click on it to open settings
- Choose the availability rule:
- Always Available - Even during Focused Mode
- Free Time Only - Paused during Focused Mode
- Never Available - Blocked always
- Save changes
For Categories
Section titled “For Categories”Instead of setting rules for each app, you can set category defaults:
| Category | Suggested Rule |
|---|---|
| Games | Free Time Only |
| Education | Always Available |
| Productivity | Always Available |
| Social Media | Free Time Only |
| Entertainment | Free Time Only |
| Communication | Depends on app |
Common Setups
Section titled “Common Setups”Educational Apps (Always Available)
Section titled “Educational Apps (Always Available)”- Khan Academy
- Duolingo
- Reading apps
- School learning platforms
- Calculator and reference tools
Entertainment (Free Time Only)
Section titled “Entertainment (Free Time Only)”- YouTube
- Netflix / streaming
- Spotify (non-educational)
- Game apps
Games (Free Time Only)
Section titled “Games (Free Time Only)”- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Console-style games
- Casual games
Communication (Varies)
Section titled “Communication (Varies)”- Family messaging: Always Available
- Social media: Free Time Only or Never
- Email: Usually Always Available
Per-Child Customization
Section titled “Per-Child Customization”Rules can differ between children:
Younger Children
Section titled “Younger Children”- More apps in “Free Time Only”
- Fewer communication apps
- Simpler categories
Older Children
Section titled “Older Children”- More apps in “Always Available”
- More trust with communication
- Self-regulation expectations
Account-Wide vs. Child-Specific
Section titled “Account-Wide vs. Child-Specific”Account-Wide Rules
Section titled “Account-Wide Rules”Set once, apply to all children:
- Good for universally inappropriate content
- Consistent family standards
- Less configuration
Child-Specific Rules
Section titled “Child-Specific Rules”Override account rules for individual children:
- Age-appropriate differences
- Earned privileges
- Individual needs
When New Apps Are Installed
Section titled “When New Apps Are Installed”Automatic Detection
Section titled “Automatic Detection”Thriva detects new apps automatically:
- Windows: New programs appear in the list
- Android: New apps are detected within minutes
Default Behavior
Section titled “Default Behavior”New apps follow category defaults:
- If it’s a game → Free Time Only
- If it’s educational → Always Available
- Unknown category → Awaits classification
Notification
Section titled “Notification”You can receive alerts when new apps are installed:
- Enable in Settings → Notifications
- Review and categorize new apps
Handling App Requests
Section titled “Handling App Requests”Children can request apps be available in Focused Mode:
- Child selects blocked app in ThrivaOS
- “Request Access” option appears
- Request goes to parent with reason
- Parent approves or denies
Good Reasons to Approve
Section titled “Good Reasons to Approve”- “I need this for my school project”
- “It’s actually educational”
- “My teacher asked us to use it”
When to Deny
Section titled “When to Deny”- Entertainment disguised as educational
- Not needed for legitimate purposes
- Inconsistent with family agreements
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”App Not Appearing
Section titled “App Not Appearing”- Make sure it’s installed on a registered device
- Wait a few minutes for sync
- Try refreshing the app list
Rule Not Applying
Section titled “Rule Not Applying”- Check for override settings
- Verify the device is online
- Ensure the child account is correct
Categorization Wrong
Section titled “Categorization Wrong”Click the app and manually set the correct rule.
Tips for Success
Section titled “Tips for Success”Start with Categories
Section titled “Start with Categories”Set category defaults first, then adjust individual exceptions.
Review Together
Section titled “Review Together”Go through the app list with your child. Their input matters.
Adjust Over Time
Section titled “Adjust Over Time”As children mature, shift more apps to “Always Available.”
Be Consistent
Section titled “Be Consistent”Once you set rules, enforce them. Constant changes undermine trust.