Paid Content

Vodafone's 'Family Time' App Allows Parents To Switch Off Wi-Fi At Dinner And Set An Internet 'Bedtime'

The App That Will Turn Your Teen's Wi-Fi Off At Dinner
|

Parents of teens will no doubt know the feeling of their son or daughter being glued to their phone at the dinner table.

But a grand idea from Vodafone allows parents to switch off the internet on all phones and tablets in the house simply by the click of a button.

Yes, really.

Parents will be able to control the internet through an app on their phone, which then sends a message to the router and turns it off.

Open Image Modal

A spokesperson for Vodafone told HuffPost UK Parents: "We know how important fast, reliable broadband is to all our lives, but we also wanted to give people - especially parents, control over it.

"We've introduced features into a companion app that works seamlessly with our new broadband service to easily set the hours of access and to turn it off.

"Broadband is important, but so is spending some time without the temptation to share snaps of your meals at dinner time!"

The app - as part of the 'Family Time' service - will also allow you to add special guest internet network so visitors can use the web without having to find out the wireless internet code.

With the switch of a button, parents will be able to set limits on internet usage and introduce times throughout the day when wireless is not available - such as dinner time.

Through the app, parents can also set a 'bedtime' for the internet, and turn it off between certain hours of the day or night.

Jeroen Hoencamp, chief executive of Vodafone, told ThisIsMoney: "To be able to use the Family Time service, customers must have a Vodafone internet service at home.

"It is now available in Manchester, Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, and will be rolled out across the UK."

Although currently you have to have a Vodafone broadband service to use this, non-Vodafone customers will be able to sign up later in the year, but will pay £5 a month more.

Unplug & Recharge At These 8 Digital Detox Retreats
Shambhala Ranch Retreat, Ukiah, California(01 of08)
Open Image Modal
The Digital Detox (whose company motto is "disconnect to reconnect") offers regular tech-free getaways to the peaceful Shambhala Ranch Retreat in the Mendocino hills of Northern California. The restorative trip includes yoga, meditation, hiking, art, and organic cuisine -- no devices allowed. The intimate retreat is open to a maximum of 14 guests, who stay in luxurious private rooms in the large ranch-style lodge. Four-day stays range from $500-950. (credit:Flickr: Prime Pixellographer)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Caribbean(02 of08)
Open Image Modal
The small Caribbean island group of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is encouraging travelers to leave their gadgets at home when they come to enjoy the tropical beauty of the island on their vacation. The islands offer a digital detox vacation package, complete with a tech-free travel guidebook and life coach who will guide you in learning not to let technology control your life. (credit:Getty)
Jacada Travel African Retreat, Tanzania & Mozambique(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
Experience the beauty of nature and the tranquility of a technology-free existence, try this 12-day African retreat from Jacada Travel. The group trip starts with a safari on the Selous Game Reserve -- one of the largest faunal reserves in the world, and ends with some R&R on the stunning beaches of Mozambique. And of course, enjoy spa treatments and yoga for extra de-stressing. 12-day packages from $12,248 per person. (credit:Jacada Travel)
Via Yoga Retreats, Mexico & Costa Rica(04 of08)
Open Image Modal
With luxury yoga retreats in Costa Rica, Sayulita, Mexico, and Todos Santos, Mexico through the year, Via Yoga offers the ultimate wellness retreat and digital detox package. Although you don't have to give up your gadgets, yoga retreat attendees who turn in their iPhones upon arrival receive a 15 percent discount. In addition to beachside yoga, pilates and meditation classes, guests can also enjoy surfing and outdoor activities. Retreat rates start at $2,395 per person. (credit:Flickr: Villa Amor in Sayulita)
Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York(05 of08)
Open Image Modal
On the shores of Lake Placid, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, the rustic yet luxurious Lake Placid Lodge is the perfect place to escape the distractions of everyday life. With the "Check-In to Check-Out" package, you can check in your devices upon arrival and use the rest of your trip to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, outdoor activities, and the hotel's many amenities. Private cabins start at $375 per night. (credit:Flickr: rhyndman)
The Westin Dublin Digital Detox Package, Dublin, Ireland(06 of08)
Open Image Modal
Dublin may be a major metropolitan city, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little unplugging on your next trip to Ireland. The luxurious, five-star Westin Dublin's digital detox package includes breakfast in bed, in-room massage, detox survival kit, and a safe to lock your gadgets away in, so that you can enjoy tranquility and peace in the heart of downtown Dublin. Rates start at $227 per person per night. (credit:Flickr: || UggBoy♥UggGirl || PHOTO || WORLD || TRAVEL ||)
Jacada Travel Wellness Getaway, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica(07 of08)
Open Image Modal
Head down to tropical Costa Rica to get away from the business of your everyday life and enjoy a little R&R. The retreat takes travelers through the Cloud Forests and then on to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. All-inclusive 10-day packages from $5,957 per person. (credit:Jacada Travel)
Camp Grounded, Anderson Valley, California(08 of08)
Open Image Modal
This summer camp for adults promises visitors a chance to get back to childhood -- with campire songs instead of YouTube videos and board games instead of Angry Birds, The Digital Detox's "Camp Grounded" is all about technology-free summer fun. This June, 200 grown-up campers will unplug for four days of outdoor activities and nostalgia in the California redwoods. Four-day stays start at $340 per person. (credit:Shutterstock)