Mobile phones are today an integrated part of your child’s life. They play, study and even socialize on mobile devices. Now, it is impossible to keep your digital-age kids banned from gadgets. However, you can use parental control apps to regulate screen time.
According to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, excess screen time and cell phone usage impact a child’s brain and psychology. The study shows mobile devices can impact sleep patterns and attention span, and trigger aggressive behavior in kids.
Parental control apps let you monitor your child’s digital activities and ensure they only access content that you allow. In addition, you can set a limit for how long your kids use mobile devices.
Why Should Parents Use Parental Control Apps
10 Best Parental Control Apps That Every Parent Should Get
Also Read: How to Prepare Kids for the First Day of School
Whether you have a social media addict teenager or a curious toddler, parental control apps can help you create a safe digital environment for every age child. Today, you can find many great parental control apps online. But based on advanced functionality, affordability, and easy to use, these are the top ten apps:
1. Qustodio
Compatible OS: Mac, Windows, Chromebook, iOS, Kindle, and Android
Price: Starts at $34.99 per month
Qustodio is a comprehensive parental control app with intelligent reporting and a cloud-based websites/apps usage tracker. The free version allows you to block explicit content and set screen rules for your kid. With the pro version, you will also get SMS monitoring, pre-app download permissions, and social media features.
Pros
- Suitable for setting screen rules.
- Cross-platform.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Most advanced features are not free.
SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5
SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.
Try for free2. Net Nanny
Compatible OS: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $50 per month
Net Nanny is an intuitive application with excellent web content filtering technology. The app allows you to analyze web content before blocking it for your child. With this program, you will also get location tracking, checking location history, setting time allowance, and many other great features.
Pros
- Reliable geolocation.
- Intuitive interface.
- Time management.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
3. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Price: Starts at $15 per month
Kaspersky Safe Kids allow you to track your child’s digital activities on an unlimited number of devices. The program can monitor your child’s phone’s location, websites, and applications. In addition, it offers a unique feature to block specific searches on YouTube and review YouTube search history.
Pros
- Works on web portals.
- Affordable.
- Simple interface.
Cons
- Poorly designed mobile app.
Related Reading: Types of Parenting Styles and Their Effects on the Child
4. Canopy
Compatible OS: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $8 per month
It is a perfect parental control app to create a safe virtual environment for adolescents. It can detect inappropriate content on your child’s device without even noticing. Parents can also restrict particular apps and websites access for their kids.
Pros
- Real-time location feature.
- Filter out web searches and photos.
- Block all types of adult content.
Cons
- No screen limit setting option.
5. FamilyShield
Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Price: Starts at $19.95 per month
FamilyShield is a free service from OpenDNS. The app will automatically block domains that OpenDNS has categorized as tasteless, pornography, and sexuality. You can use this application on your WiFi router to block explicit traffic entering your child’s device.
Pros
- It runs at the router level.
- Premade blocklist.
- Improves web surfing speed.
Cons
- It is complicated to set up.
6. Kidlogger
Compatible OS: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and BlackBerry
Price: Free
Kidlogger is a free parental control app to track your kids’ typing on their devices. The application will also track which websites your kids visited, which apps they have downloaded, and any screengrabs they take.
Pros
- Track keystrokes.
- Cross-platform.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- It only supports one device.
7. Bark
Compatible OS: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $49 per month
Bark is a premium parental control app that sends instant alerts to parents when it sees children accessing restricted content. It sends signals on 20 important topics, including sexual content, adult content, drug use, cyberbullying, suicidal thought, etc.
Pros
- Screen time management.
- Instant alerts.
Cons
- Expensive.
8. FamilyTime
Compatible OS: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $27 per month
FamilyTime is a perfect location tracking app for parents. The app lets you set a geofence for your kids and send instant alerts when they cross the restricted area. You will also get basic parental control app features like filters for appropriate web searches, blocking pornography, and more.
Pros
- Real-time location.
- Speed limit tracking.
- Instant notifications.
Cons
- The app can be easily removed.
- No cross-platform support.
9. OurPact
Compatible OS: iOS and Android
Price: Starts at $7 per month
OurPact is the best parental control tool to manage your kids’ screen time. The app allows you to choose a time frame when you want and don’t want your child to use their phone. You can also check the time your kids spend on their devices every day.
Pros
- Easy to set up.
- Monitor up to 20 devices.
Cons
- It can’t monitor texts or calls.
Related Reading: Effective Parenting Tips for Different Age Groups
10. Norton Family
Compatible OS: Windows, Android, and iOS
Price: Starts at $50 per year
Norton Family is a legacy app that can provide all the essential features to protect your child online. It is a comprehensive tool to supervise your child’s online activities and restrict content and geofence routes.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Works on multiple devices.
Cons
- Unable to block PC apps.
- Can’t track social media sites.
Why Should You Use Parental Control Apps?
Parental control apps work like a safety net for your kids. These tools ensure that your kids stay safe online and learn to use mobile devices healthily. Besides this, an excellent parental control tool can help to:
- Allow keeping your kids safe online. For example, you can monitor their social media profiles, emails, and texts to ensure they are not being bullied online.
- You can block explicit and adult content from your kids’ search engines.
- It can help you block certain features in games like in-app purchases and interactions with strangers.
- GPS-powered parental control apps will allow you to track your kids’ real-time locations.
- It helps to create a safe cyber world for your little person.
- Limit screen times to prevent mobile devices from becoming an addiction for your kids.
- Parents can teach cyber etiquette to their children early with the right tools.
Keep Your Child Safe Online!
Related Reading: Empathy vs Sympathy: How to Raise an Empathetic Child
There you go, parents! You have explored the best ten parental control apps that can help you better educate your child about safe web browsing. In addition, some tools can keep your child physically safe with GPS tracking.
So, now select the right tool based on your requirements to safeguard your child.
FAQs
Should I tell my child before tracking their phone?
Yes, it is best to tell your children that you track their phones. This will help to tell your kids the importance of online safety. It will not also stain your relationship with your child.
What to consider before purchasing parental control apps?
Before getting a parental control app, make sure to check the operating system supporting the app. Also, review features, accessibility, and affordability to buy the perfect control app.
Who needs parental control apps?
Today, every parent needs a parental control app to ensure their kids are safe online. In addition, parents need a parental control app to build a better cyber environment and reduce screen time among their both younger and older children.
