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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about StudyFirst
Security & App Blocking
How does StudyFirst block apps?
StudyFirst uses Apple's official Screen Time technology (FamilyControls and ManagedSettings APIs) to block apps at the iOS system level. This means:
- Blocked apps show a shield overlay and cannot be opened
- The block stays active even when StudyFirst isn't running
- Kids can't bypass it by force-quitting the app
- Shields automatically re-apply after device restart
What if my child deletes the StudyFirst app?
We've thought about this! Here's what happens:
- Parent gets notified - If a child's device stops checking in (because the app was deleted), parents receive a notification
- Reinstalling doesn't help - Children cannot log in by themselves. They need a parent-generated link code to connect their device
- Trust signal - If your child deletes the app instead of completing their studies, that tells you something important about the agreement you have with them
Our approach: Rather than making it technically impossible to delete (which Apple doesn't allow), we make it pointless to delete and ensure parents know immediately.
Can my child change the device time to bypass the block?
Study completion is synced to our servers with timestamps. While changing device time might temporarily confuse the local app, the server knows the real time. Parents can see actual study history in their dashboard.
What about using apps in a web browser?
StudyFirst can block web browsers too! In the "Block Categories" settings, you can enable Web Browsers which blocks Safari, Chrome, and all web browsing on the device until study is complete. This prevents kids from accessing games or social media through websites.
How It Works
How do I set up StudyFirst?
Setup takes about 5 minutes:
- Parent: Download the app, sign in, and configure study settings (subjects, daily minutes, difficulty)
- Child: Download the app on their device, enter the 6-digit link code from parent's app
- Done! The child's device is now linked and app blocking begins
How are study questions generated?
Questions are generated by AI (powered by OpenAI) based on:
- Subject selected by parent (Math, Reading, Science, etc.)
- Grade level (1st through 7th grade)
- Difficulty setting (Easy, Medium, Hard)
- Previous learning history (AI remembers what topics were covered)
Each session brings fresh, unique questions - your child won't see the same question twice.
What subjects are available?
StudyFirst covers 8 subjects designed for grades 1-7:
- Math
- Reading Comprehension
- Spelling & Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Science
- Social Studies
- Geography
- Spanish
How long are study sessions?
Parents set the daily study requirement (default is 15 minutes). Once the child completes their study time with satisfactory answers, entertainment apps automatically unlock for the rest of the day.
For Parents
Can I see what my child is learning?
Yes! The parent dashboard shows:
- Daily study completion status
- Questions answered and accuracy rate
- Weekly progress charts
- Subject-by-subject breakdown
- AI-generated learning summaries
Can I have multiple children on one account?
Yes! The Family Plan ($9.99/month) supports unlimited children. Each child gets their own profile with personalized settings, and you can track each child's progress individually.
Tips for success with StudyFirst
- Start small: Begin with 10-15 minutes daily, then increase
- Be consistent: Same study time each day builds habits
- Celebrate progress: Review weekly reports together
- Adjust difficulty: If your child is frustrated, try an easier setting
The goal isn't to punish - it's to build a healthy habit of "study first, fun second."
Technical Questions
What iOS version is required?
StudyFirst requires iOS 16 or later. The Screen Time APIs we use (FamilyControls, ManagedSettings) were introduced in iOS 15 and improved in iOS 16.
Does StudyFirst work on iPad?
Yes! StudyFirst works on both iPhone and iPad running iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
Is an internet connection required?
Internet is needed to generate new study questions (AI-powered) and sync progress. However, app blocking continues to work offline - your child can't access blocked apps just by turning off WiFi.
What data do you collect?
We collect minimal data needed to operate:
- Parent: Email and name (for login)
- Child: First name and grade level only (no email/account needed)
- Study data: Session duration, questions answered, accuracy
We never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for details.