Many families struggle to manage their children's late-night internet use, leading to sleep deprivation and its negative effects. Current solutions like manual device confiscation or app-based controls are often easy to bypass or create family conflicts. A more comprehensive approach could involve controlling access at the network level rather than managing individual devices.

The Network-Level Solution

One way to solve this would be through a WiFi router that automatically changes its password at scheduled times, like bedtime. The parent would receive the new password through a secure app, while all other devices lose internet access until the next scheduled time. This approach would:

• Work across all internet-connected devices simultaneously
• Require no software installation on children's devices
• Include emergency access options for parents
• Maintain connectivity for whitelisted devices like smart home systems

Why This Approach Stands Out

Unlike existing solutions that require device-by-device management or can be bypassed, this method controls access at the network level. Compared to services like Circle with Disney or Google Family Link, it would be:

• More comprehensive (affects all devices at once)
• Harder to circumvent (doesn't rely on device settings)
• Simpler to maintain (no need to update controls for each new device)

Making It Work in Practice

An initial version could start as router firmware with basic timed password changes and a companion app. Testing could focus on technical reliability and family acceptance. More advanced versions might include usage analytics or integration with smart home systems. Potential challenges like children resetting the router could be addressed through physical security features and secure authentication for admin controls.

This network-level approach offers a fundamentally different way to manage digital boundaries, potentially providing more reliable enforcement than existing device-specific solutions.