Wi-Fi schedule
Turns home internet access off for selected devices during agreed periods such as bedtime or homework. It is usually predictable and easy to test.
BASTIONHOST / FAMILY WI-FI SCHEDULES
FAMILY WI-FI SCHEDULES
Make home internet boundaries predictable—not punitive.
Most modern routers can pause selected devices or schedule when they may use the internet. A clear bedtime or homework routine can reduce daily negotiation, provided every child device is identified and the family understands what the router can—and cannot—control.
FIRST DECISION
Know whether you need a schedule or a screen-time limit.
They solve different problems. Start with the least complicated control that produces the family outcome you want.
Daily allowance
Counts online time and stops access when an allowance is used. Router totals can include background activity, so they may not match time spent looking at the screen.
SETUP PLAN
Group, schedule, test and explain.
The menu names differ by router, but the safe setup sequence stays largely the same.
Secure and update the router first
Install current firmware, replace any default administrator password and protect the router account with multi-factor authentication where supported. Do not share the administrator login with children.
List every device the child uses
Include phones, tablets, computers, consoles, televisions, streaming devices and old handsets. Give each a clear name in the router app so the wrong household device is not restricted.
Create one profile or group per child
Assign every relevant device to the correct child. Separate shared family devices and essential household equipment instead of attaching one blanket rule to the whole home.
Agree the timetable before enabling it
Choose school, homework, mealtime and bedtime boundaries with the child. Explain when access returns and how they can request an exception for homework, travel or a special event.
Start with one simple offline period
Apply a bedtime or homework schedule to the child profile. Avoid several overlapping rules at first; they are harder to understand and troubleshoot.
Keep essentials outside the restriction
Do not accidentally cut off security systems, medical equipment, work devices or the household’s only communication route. Check how emergency contact works on each child device.
Add filtering as a separate layer
If the router supports content filtering or enforced SafeSearch, apply it to the same child profile. Keep device and app parental controls enabled because the router sees only part of the child’s activity.
Test on every device
Temporarily start the offline period, confirm each child device loses internet access and check that adult and essential devices still work. Test again after replacing a device or changing privacy settings.
WHAT THE ROUTER MISSES
A Wi-Fi limit is not a complete device limit.
Other connections
Mobile data, a neighbour’s network, public Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot can provide another route to the internet.
Downloaded content
Games, saved videos, photos and other offline apps may continue working after the internet connection is paused.
Private device addresses
Some devices use a private or random network address. If it changes, the router may see a new device that is not yet attached to the child profile.
Background activity
Cloud sync, notifications and updates can count as online time even while the child is not actively using the screen.
Encrypted activity
A router may recognise a service or domain without understanding every message, video or interaction inside an allowed app.
Family exceptions
Use a visible pause or extra-time process. A failed homework upload should become a quick adjustment, not an argument about trust.
Example official router guidanceUniFi traffic policies, device groups and schedules ↗TP-Link profiles, bedtime and time limits ↗TP-Link schedule and device-identification troubleshooting ↗
Last reviewed 15 August 2026. Router features, subscriptions and menu names vary by manufacturer, model and firmware. Use this planning guide with the instructions for your exact router. This is practical family guidance, not emergency safeguarding advice. Find UK help and reporting services.
PARENT-WRITTEN GUIDANCE
Make the routine clear before the router enforces it.
Start with one understandable schedule, test it together and add complexity only when the family genuinely needs it.
Suggest an improvement →