An approach is provided for controlling access to contents displayed on a mobile device. A security rule specifies time periods during which a first user is and is not permitted to access items in the contents. Based on the security rule, the contents are divided into first and second sets. The first set is displayed on a first, physical, transparent display layer of a display of the mobile device. The first layer has touch functionality enabled. The second set is displayed on a second, physical layer of the display and is viewed by the first user through the first layer. The second layer is a transparent or opaque display that does not have touch functionality. Based on a second level of security determined for a second user, the divider contents are modified by switching item(s) between the first and second sets.