Active Device Hours
Schedule when policies apply. Different rules for school hours, after school, and weekends.
Why You Need This
Student device needs change throughout the day. During class time, you want strict controls to keep students focused. After school, students may need more flexibility for homework and extracurriculars. On weekends, families may want different access levels.
Active Device Hours lets you define time-based schedules for your policies. Set core school hours with maximum restrictions, transition periods with moderate controls, and evening/weekend hours with relaxed policies. Each schedule can apply different URL filters, app restrictions, and device settings automatically.
Schedules work seamlessly with Group Policies. Apply different schedules to different grade levels or student groups. Elementary students can have earlier cutoffs while high schoolers get later access for homework. The system handles all transitions automatically—no manual intervention required.
- ✓ Automatic policy transitions — Policies change at scheduled times without any manual work
- ✓ School hour enforcement — Maximum restrictions during instructional time to minimize distractions
- ✓ After-school flexibility — Relaxed controls for homework and approved activities
- ✓ Weekend and holiday modes — Different policies for non-school days that respect family preferences
- ✓ Grade-level customization — Different schedules for elementary, middle, and high school students
Common Use Cases
Classroom Focus Time
During school hours (8am-3pm), block all social media, gaming sites, and entertainment. Students stay focused on learning with access only to educational resources and approved tools.
Homework Hours
After school (3pm-9pm), relax restrictions to allow research on a broader range of sites while still blocking inappropriate content. Students can complete homework without requesting site unblocks.
Weekend Family Time
On weekends, apply family-friendly policies that parents helped define. More entertainment access while maintaining safety filters. Devices respect home routines without school-level restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the transition between time blocks?
Policy transitions happen automatically at the scheduled times. Devices receive the new policy within minutes of the transition time. Any sites that become blocked will be immediately inaccessible.
Can I set different schedules for different days of the week?
Yes, you can configure unique schedules for each day of the week. Many schools have different schedules for early-release days or block schedules that vary by day.
How do I handle school holidays and breaks?
You can set up holiday schedules that override the regular weekly schedule. During winter or summer break, weekend policies can apply all week, or you can create custom break-time policies.
What timezone are schedules based on?
Schedules are based on your school's configured timezone. For districts spanning multiple timezones, each school can have its own timezone setting.
Ready to automate your device policies?
Active Device Hours is included in the Professional plan.