Free Time Mode
Free Time is exactly what it sounds like - your child has full access to their device without restrictions.
What Happens in Free Time
Section titled “What Happens in Free Time”| Platform | Experience |
|---|---|
| Windows | Normal Windows desktop, all apps available |
| Android | Normal home screen, all apps available |
Thriva is still running in the background (for usage tracking and mode changes), but it doesn’t restrict anything.
When to Use Free Time
Section titled “When to Use Free Time”Free Time is appropriate when:
- Earned relaxation - After homework is done, chores are complete
- Creative activities - Games, art, music, video editing
- Social connection - Messaging friends, video calls
- Personal projects - Hobbies, interests, exploration
- Weekends and holidays - When schedules are more relaxed
Free Time Is Not “No Rules”
Section titled “Free Time Is Not “No Rules””Having Free Time scheduled doesn’t mean anything goes. Your family still has expectations about:
- Content that’s appropriate
- How they treat others online
- When to take breaks
- Balancing screen time with other activities
The difference is that Thriva isn’t actively enforcing those expectations - they’re enforced through your relationship and communication.
Scheduling Free Time
Section titled “Scheduling Free Time”In your Device Availability Plan, you might schedule Free Time for:
- After school until dinner (3pm - 6pm)
- Weekend mornings
- Specific “earned time” slots
- Holidays and vacation days
You can also grant Free Time manually for special occasions:
- Go to the child’s profile in Parent Portal
- Set mode to “Free Time”
- Optionally set a duration (“2 hours”)
Free Time with Limits
Section titled “Free Time with Limits”Some families prefer “Free Time with guardrails”:
- Time limits - Free Time for 2 hours, then automatic switch to Focused Mode
- Content filters - Network-level filtering still active
- Usage reports - You can still see what apps they’re using
- Check-ins - Ask how they’re spending their time
Thriva supports all of these approaches.
Transitioning Out of Free Time
Section titled “Transitioning Out of Free Time”When Free Time is ending (due to schedule or manual change):
- Your child gets a 5-minute warning
- A notification appears: “Free Time ending soon”
- They have time to save their work or finish their game
- Mode changes to the next scheduled mode
This prevents the jarring experience of being suddenly cut off.
Tips for Healthy Free Time
Section titled “Tips for Healthy Free Time”Set expectations first: Before Free Time, remind your child what you expect (take breaks, be kind online, etc.)
Check in without hovering: “How’s your game going?” builds connection without surveillance.
Celebrate good choices: When your child manages Free Time well, acknowledge it.
Adjust based on behavior: Free Time can be a privilege that expands as trust grows.
Related
Section titled “Related”- Focused Mode - Structured device time
- Quiet Time - Device rest periods
- Creating Schedules - Automate your Device Availability Plan