Welcome to our guide on the best parental control apps available for smartphones and tablets. With the rise in technology use among children, it’s more important now than ever to ensure they’re safe online. Parental control apps provide parents with the ability to monitor their children’s online activities and set limits on their device usage.
Whether you’re looking for a free app or willing to invest in a paid option, there are plenty of choices available for both iOS and Android devices. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best parental control apps on the market, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
What is a Parental Control App?
Parental control apps are software tools designed to help parents monitor and control their children’s activities on digital devices. With these apps, parents can set limits on screen time, block inappropriate content, and track their child’s location and online behavior.
Parental control apps can be installed on smartphones, tablets, and computers, and they work by filtering, blocking, or restricting access to certain websites, apps, or features. These apps can also provide reports on your child’s activity, giving parents valuable insights into their child’s online habits and the potential risks they may face.
How Do Parental Control Apps Work?
Parental control apps work differently depending on the platform, but they all share a similar goal: to help parents monitor and manage their children’s online activity. These apps provide a range of tools and features that allow parents to filter, block, and monitor content in real time.
On an iPhone, for example, parental control apps can be used to restrict access to certain apps, filter web content, and set screen time limits. Android devices offer similar features, including the ability to block specific apps and limit screen time usage. Additionally, Android parental control apps can track a child’s location, filter text messages, and monitor call history.
It’s important to note that these apps work best when they are tailored to the specific needs of the child and family. Parents should take the time to adjust settings and customize the app to their child’s age and maturity level. This will ensure that the app is providing the appropriate level of protection and monitoring for the child.
How to Use Parental Control Apps
When using a parental control app, it’s important to start by setting up the controls and monitoring features. First, download and install the app on your child’s device. Then, configure the app’s settings to restrict access to certain apps or websites, filter content, and set screen time limits.
Parents can also use parental control apps to create reports on their child’s online activity, including which websites they visit and how much time they spend on certain apps or games. Some apps also allow for geofencing, which sends an alert to the parents if their child goes outside of a predefined geographic area.
To make the best use of parental control apps, parents should have an open dialogue with their children about online safety and appropriate behavior. This will help children understand the importance of using these tools and will allow parents to monitor their child’s online behavior while also respecting their privacy.
Best Parental Control Apps for iOS
iOS devices are popular among children and teens, so it’s important for parents to have reliable parental control apps to keep their kids safe. Here are some of the best parental control apps for iOS:
| App Name | Price | Rating | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FamiSafe | Free with in-app purchases | 4.5 stars | Screen time management, web filter, app usage control, real-time location tracking |
| Norton Family | Free with in-app purchases | 4.4 stars | Web supervision, location tracking, app usage control, text message monitoring |
| OurPact | Free with in-app purchases | 4.4 stars | Screen time management, app blocking, web filter, location tracking |
FamiSafe is a highly-rated app that offers a range of features, including screen time management, web filtering, and real-time location tracking. Parents can also monitor their child’s app usage and set geofences to receive alerts when their child enters or leaves a specific area.
Norton Family is another great option for parents who want to keep their kids safe online. The app offers web supervision, location tracking, and app usage control, as well as text message monitoring.
OurPact is a popular app that allows parents to set limits on their child’s screen time and block specific apps or websites. The app also offers location tracking and a web filter to keep kids safe while browsing the internet.
No matter which parental control app you choose, be sure to customize the settings to match your child’s age and maturity level. With the right app, you can help your kids stay safe online and give yourself peace of mind as a parent.
Best Parental Control Apps for Android
When it comes to finding the best parental control apps for Android, there are a lot of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a free option or are willing to pay for more features, there is something out there for every budget and need.
| App | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kidslox | Free trial, then $3.99/month or $19.99/year | App blocking, website filtering, time management, location tracking |
| MMGuardian | Free trial, then $2.99/month or $34.99/year | Call and text monitoring, location tracking, web filtering, time management |
Kidslox is a great option for parents who want to limit their child’s screen time, as it allows you to set daily and weekly limits for app usage and also allows for remote control of the child’s device. MMGuardian, on the other hand, offers more features for monitoring and tracking your child’s location and communication activities.
If you’re looking for a free parental control app for Android, Qustodio is a popular choice. It allows for app blocking and web filtering, as well as monitoring for calls and texts. Keep in mind that the free version has limited features, and you’ll need to upgrade to access more advanced capabilities.
Kidslox Review
“Kidslox has been a lifesaver for our family. We were having a hard time managing our kids’ screen time, but with this app, we’re able to set limits and controls easily. Highly recommend!”
MMGuardian Review
“We love MMGuardian for the peace of mind it brings us. Being able to track our kids’ location and see their communication activities has been invaluable.”
Best Parental Control Apps for Teenagers
When it comes to monitoring teenagers, parents need a more nuanced approach to parental controls. Here are some of the best parental control apps suitable for teenagers:
| App | Platform | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qustodio | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | Free, Premium plans start at $49.95/year | App blocking, web filtering, location tracking, call and text monitoring |
| Norton Family Premier | Windows, Android, iOS | Free, Premium plans start at $49.99/year | Web filtering, location tracking, time management, text message monitoring |
| Screen Time | iOS | Free, Premium plans start at $3.99/month | Time management, app blocking, web filtering, location tracking |
Qustodio is a popular choice for parents of teenagers due to its comprehensive suite of features. It allows parents to set limits on screen time, block apps and websites, and monitor their child’s location, messages, and calls.
Norton Family Premier is another great choice, offering advanced web filtering and time management features. Parents can easily view their child’s online activity and set limits on screen time or specific apps.
Screen Time is a simple and easy-to-use app for iOS devices, providing parents with the ability to set limits on screen time, block specific apps, and monitor their child’s location.
Overall, it’s important to choose a parental control app that offers appropriate features for your teenager’s age and maturity level. These apps can help parents guide their teens towards responsible online behavior, while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
Best Parental Control Apps for iPad
If you’re looking for the best parental control apps for iPad, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the apps we’ve already mentioned are iOS compatible. However, there are a few specific apps that stand out for iPad users.
Advanced Kidslox: This app offers a unique feature that allows parents to set time limits for specific apps, rather than just overall screen time. It also includes web filtering and app blocking, making it a comprehensive option for managing your child’s iPad use.
| App | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| FamiSafe | Free with in-app purchases | App blocking, web filtering, location tracking, screen-time management |
| Bark | $14/month | Text and email monitoring, social media monitoring, app monitoring |
| Norton Family | $49.99/year | Web supervision, time supervision, search supervision, location tracking |
Parental Apps for Android: If you have an Android device, this app is a great option for controlling your child’s iPad use. It includes web filtering, app blocking, and screen time management, as well as the ability to track text messages and calls.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for managing your child’s iPad use, these apps are definitely worth considering. Be sure to consider the features that are most important to you and your family when making your choice.
Best Parental Monitoring Apps
If you are looking to monitor your child’s online activity without controlling it, parental monitoring apps are the way to go. These apps allow you to track your child’s location, calls, and text messages, providing you with a peace of mind that they are safe. Here are some of the best parental monitoring apps currently available:
| App Name | Platform | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FamiSafe | iOS, Android | Free trial, then $9.99/month | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, web monitoring, app usage monitoring, screen time management |
| Qustodio | iOS, Android, Kindle | Free trial, then $49.99/year | Real-time location tracking, web filtering and blocking, app blocking, social media monitoring, screen time management |
| Norton Family | iOS, Android, Windows | $49.99/year | Web filtering and blocking, app blocking, location tracking, screen time management, text message monitoring |
These apps offer a range of features to help parents monitor their child’s online behavior. FamiSafe provides real-time location tracking, which is helpful for parents who want to ensure their child is safe when they are out and about. Qustodio offers web filtering and blocking, which helps to keep children safe from inappropriate content. Norton Family allows for text message monitoring, which is useful for parents who want to keep an eye on who their child is communicating with.
Many of these apps offer free trials, allowing you to test them out before committing to a subscription. It’s important to find an app that works well for your family, so take the time to compare features and read reviews before making a decision.
Best Free Parental Control Apps
As a parent, you may be looking for a parental control app that won’t cost you a dime. Luckily, there are some excellent free options available that offer many of the same features as their paid counterparts. Here are a few of the best free parental control apps for iPhone and Android devices.
| App | Platform | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kidslox | iOS and Android | Screen time management, app blocking, content filtering, geofencing |
| Mobicip | iOS and Android | Web filtering, app monitoring, time limits, reporting |
| Norton Family | iOS and Android | Web supervision, time management, location tracking, logging |
While these apps are free, it’s important to note that they may have limitations or restrictions compared to paid options. For example, they may only allow you to monitor one device, or limit the number of features you can access. However, they are still effective at helping you manage your child’s online activity and keep them safe.
Before choosing a free parental control app, make sure to read reviews and check the app’s compatibility with your device. You may also want to check if the app offers in-app purchases or requires additional subscriptions to access premium features.
Conclusion:
While paid parental control apps may offer more comprehensive features, free options can still provide a useful level of protection for your child’s online safety. Consider the specific needs of your family and choose an app that fits your requirements and budget.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
As a parent, you may have many questions about parental control apps. Here are some of the most common questions and answers to help you make the most of these tools:
What is the best parental control app?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best app for you will depend on your specific needs and the devices your children use. Some of the top-rated apps include FamiSafe, Kidslox, and Qustodio. Be sure to explore different options and consider the features that matter most to you.
Are there free parental control apps?
Yes, there are many free parental control apps available. These apps offer basic features such as screen time management and content blocking, but may have limitations compared to paid apps. Some popular free options include Google Family Link and Net Nanny.
How do parental control apps work?
Parental control apps work by allowing you to set controls and limits on your child’s device usage. These apps can monitor your child’s online activity, block certain apps and websites, and even track their location. Some apps also offer features like call and text monitoring, and the ability to set time limits for individual apps.
Can parental control apps be bypassed?
While no app is fool-proof, parental control apps are designed to be difficult to bypass without the parent’s knowledge. However, it is important to note that tech-savvy children may still find ways to disable or circumvent these controls. It is important to have open communication with your child about the reasons for using the app and the importance of following the rules.
Can I monitor multiple devices with a single app?
Yes, many parental control apps allow you to monitor multiple devices from a single dashboard or account. This can be especially useful for families with multiple children or devices. Some apps, such as FamiSafe, even offer cross-platform support, allowing you to monitor both iOS and Android devices from the same app.
Do I need to have my child’s device with me to set up the app?
Generally, yes. To set up a parental control app, you will need physical access to your child’s device to download and install the app and configure the settings. However, once the app is set up, you can manage and monitor your child’s device usage remotely through the app’s dashboard.
What should I do if the app is not working as expected?
If you are experiencing issues with the app, first make sure that it is installed and configured correctly. If you are still having problems, check the app’s website or support documentation for troubleshooting tips. You can also contact the app’s support team for assistance.
Remember, parental control apps are just one tool in your arsenal for keeping your children safe online. It is important to have open communication with your child, set clear rules and expectations, and work together to establish healthy screen time habits.