For many parents, trying to drag their children’s attention away from their phone is a constant battle of wills. But help is at hand thanks to a new app which allows adults to control their offspring’s mobile from afar. ………….

The AlphaBlue app allows parents to block a child’s access to the internet, certain websites or text messaging services when they are meant to be at school or doing their homework. The app’s inventor, Graeme Menday, a former Army officer who trained Princes William and Harry at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, said he came up with the idea after his son began playing on his phone during the school day. He said: “My 12-year-old was using his BlackBerry when he was meant to be doing his homework and was text messaging at school. It’s a new problem in schools. Millions of pounds are being lost in teaching time because of this kind of disruption.” Although the app allows certain websites or applications to be blocked at specific times, it still allows outgoing and incoming calls from a list of chosen numbers in case of emergencies.