Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Gryphon is the nuclear option for families drowning in screen time battles—and honestly, sometimes you need the nuclear option.

This isn't an app, it's a whole router system with an accompanying app for management. That means upfront cost (router hardware) plus ongoing subscription fees. Recent Reddit drama suggests they're moving more features behind paywalls, which is annoying but not unexpected for this category.

The genius is in the network-level control: your kid can't just delete an app or change device settings to bypass limits. Everything goes through the router. Individual profiles, app-specific controls, automatic blocking of new devices, and visual browsing history make this one of the most comprehensive parental control systems available.

Is it worth $200-300 upfront plus subscription fees? If you're in the trenches with multiple kids, multiple devices, and constant negotiation about screen time, probably yes. If you've got one kid with an iPad and decent self-control, probably overkill.

The real value is in buying yourself time and sanity while your kids develop better digital habits. It's not a forever solution—tech-savvy teens will find workarounds—but it's a solid scaffold for the elementary and middle school years.

Age Fit

Best for families with kids ages 5-15 who are starting to use devices independently. Younger kids benefit from the automatic protections, while tweens and early teens need the structure before they're sophisticated enough to bypass it. Once kids hit high school, this becomes more about trust and conversation than technical controls.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

This is a parental control router app designed to promote healthy digital boundaries and family screen time management. It models responsible tech use and helps parents create structure around device usage without being punitive. The approach is protective but empowering, giving families tools to set limits collaboratively.

Imaginative

35

As a network management and parental control tool, Gryphon serves a purely functional purpose. There's no creative element, storytelling, or invitation to explore and build. It's a utility app that does its job well but offers zero imaginative value. The interface is straightforward and administrative.

Safe

92

Gryphon is fundamentally a safety tool. It provides network-level malware protection, content filtering, and blocks new devices by default. No ads, no manipulative features, no data selling. The web search results confirm it works as advertised. Minor concerns include the subscription model (recent Reddit discussion about charging for usage) and the fact that tech-savvy kids can potentially work around it with VPNs, though the Homebound app feature addresses this.

Enriching

78

While not directly educational, Gryphon enables meaningful family conversations about digital citizenship, healthy boundaries, and responsible tech use. It provides visibility into browsing habits and allows parents to set age-appropriate limits. The device management and app-specific controls (YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat) help families develop intentional screen time habits rather than reactive ones. It's a tool that facilitates growth in digital literacy and self-regulation.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Blocks new devices by default, so your kid can't secretly connect their friend's phone to the WiFi
Network-level control means no app to delete or settings to change on each device—it just works at the router
Individual profiles per child with app-specific controls (finally, a way to pause just YouTube without killing homework access)
Visual browsing history even when kids clear their browser—the router sees all
Malware and ransomware protection for the whole household, not just parental controls

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What to Watch For

Requires buying Gryphon router hardware ($200-300+) plus subscription for advanced features—this isn't just an app download
Recent controversy about moving features behind paywalls that were previously free
Tech-savvy teens can use VPNs to bypass controls (though the Homebound app helps with this)
Setup can be tricky if you're not comfortable with basic networking

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think we have limits on certain apps or websites?"
"What would you do if you had unlimited screen time for a whole week?"
"Which apps make you feel good after using them, and which ones leave you feeling kind of blah?"
"How can we work together to figure out what's a reasonable amount of time for gaming/social media?"

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