The invention suitable for the technical field of communication and provides a running mode switching method, apparatus and system and an electronic device. The method comprises: receiving a prevention command sent by a second electronic device, wherein the prevention command comprises the time for controlling a first electronic device to enter a prevention mode, set by a user of the second electronic device; and monitoring current time, and when the current time is matched with the time for entering the prevention mode, if the first electronic device works in a normal mode, controlling a working mode of the first electronic device to be switched from the normal mode to the prevention mode, wherein after entering the prevention mode, the first electronic device does not start an application clicked by the user, or if the user of the first electronic device clicks an entertainment type application, the first electronic device starts a default learning type application of a system of the first electronic device. According to the running mode switching method, apparatus and system, the user of the first electronic device is prevented from using the first electronic device for a long time and also can be prevented from using an entertainment function of the first electronic device for a long time.