SkieWill my child know that the phone or tablet is being managed?
Yes. The device shows that it is managed, and Skie has no hidden mode. The child also notices the effects, such as fewer apps, a schedule, and a locked filter. This is deliberate, because parental controls work better when the child understands them.
When an app becomes the Android device owner, Android makes that visible. Settings show that the device is managed, and some screens carry a message that a setting is controlled. Skie does not try to remove those signs.
The child will also meet the rules directly. An app that is not on the list is not there. A site that is blocked does not load. A schedule changes the home screen at a set time. None of this is secret, and none of it needs to be.
What the child does not see by default is the dashboard. It is for parents only, and both parents can have access. The child cannot reach it unless you share your login, and we do not suggest that.
There are two reasons to be open. The first is trust, which is easier to build when no one is hiding things. The second is effectiveness. A child who understands why the rules exist is less likely to try to get around them, and the techniques that do work, such as device-owner enforcement, do not depend on secrecy.
Tip: show your child the managed notice yourself, and tell them what you can see. A short, calm explanation at setup saves a lot of arguments later.