Parents struggling to get their children away from smartphones and tablets for meals, homework, exercise and other activities can arm themselves with new apps to remotely block access to the devices.
Usage of smartphones and tablets among children has tripled since 2011, according to Common Sense Media, a San Francisco based nonprofit that studies the effects of media and technology on young users.
A new app called DinnerTime Parental Control, for iPhone or Android smartphones and tablets, enables parents to restrict when children can use their devices.