Raising kids is not a simple thing to do (brain surgery seems to be easier). Despite all the accommodation we provide for our kids, we face their dissatisfaction.
We don’t realize that when we are absent, children dig deep into the digital world. Aware of the situation, parents need to put the control to protect their kids while being online.
What are Parental Control Apps and Their Importance
They are software that parents download on tech devices (tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming computers) and provide them with the ability to control their kids’ tech usage.
As our kids often don’t have the habit of limiting their time spent on tech devices and instead use tech for fun, we parents can use these apps to reduce screen time and monitor our children’s online behavior.
The need to use parental control apps is due to the reason that parents can’t always manually monitor daily tech activity and protect their kids from cyber bullies, online predators, inappropriate content, messages, and comments.
What are the Features of Parental Control Apps?
Safety First! A protected and safe kid is a healthy kid. That’s what parental control apps are all about. The detailed characteristics of parental control apps include:
- Reducing Internet and screen time;
- Locating your child;
- Content filtering and blocking;
- Monitoring social media activity;
- Reporting inappropriate behavior;
And did I mention that parents can control their children’s tech activity right from the parents’ phones? These apps save time and brain nerves. Thanks, technology!
How Should Parents Choose Parental Control Apps
Before choosing the appropriate parental control app, parents should analyze and see which devices kids use most. Children usually use smartphones, tablets, and gaming computers. So, you should download parental control apps on these devices.
Parents need to research and choose from the various apps that exist on the market. You shouldn’t mind the price you need to pay because the safety of your kids is more important (but it always happens that the free and cheaper ones are better).
The following factors are most important when picking the right parental control app for your family:
- It’s easy to download, set up, and manage on all household tech devices;
- Apps should correspond to operative systems that family devices use;
- Apps should be easy to navigate and have a friendly user interface;
- Apps should correspond to parents’ needs and provides maximum safety for your kids;
Privacy and Security
Parental control apps and stalking have a tight border between them. So, it’s important to let our children know they are being monitored. Of course, they won’t like it, but that’s why you need to ensure them that you won’t invade their privacy and explain that it’s just for their safety.
On the other hand, parental control apps hold lots of information like messages, emails, passwords, etc. And that’s why often parental control apps’ systems are hacked. If you find out that the parental control app you are using in the database has been hacked, delete your family account.
Pricing
Like everything else, parental control apps offer both paid and free options. You must do research, find the best ones, and compare their price and the features they offer.
Make tables comparing the pros and cons of every parental control app along with its price. That’s how you can pick the best one for your family.
Best Parent Control Apps
So here we are, the part you’ve probably been waiting for! Which parental control apps are at the top of the market? In the following paragraphs, we’ll go through my (and others) favorite parental control apps.
Research says it’s worth the money parents invest to provide their kids with this protection. You can use the GPS tracking feature and monitor your kids’ movement.
This app also provides the possibility to mark unsafe locations forbidden for our kids and alerts them if they go into those zones. The feature also helps find stolen phones.
You can also limit screen time and what content your children access, giving you the chance to block inappropriate content. Although it lacks some features, the 30$ per year offer is great!
If you don’t want to pay money right away, and instead start free, Qustodio is the way to go! It offers you the chance to locate family members, monitor your children’s digital presence, set limits, and report inappropriate behavior
If you like the platform and want to upgrade, there are several packages with more options ready to protect you and your family.
Conclusion
When we allow our kids to use tech devices, we parents must be aware of potential risks and “hire” someone who can help us provide 24/7 protection for our kids because it is impossible to monitor them day and night.
Using parental control apps can help us monitor and control our kids’ digital activities. It is one of the best decisions we can make for our safety. According to our budget, we can select the best apps on the market and invest in them, ultimately investing in our family’s safety. To be sure that our kids are safe online is a feeling that money can’t buy but can provide.
FAQ
What are the best parental control apps available?
I already mentioned Panda Dome Family and Qustodio as perfect parental control apps, but other great apps include mSpy, AirDroid, Norton Family, FamiSafe, Google Family Link, and many more.
What are the compatibility requirements for parental control apps?
Every app has its requirements. So, it’s best to consult your search engines about the specific app you want to try out. But, most parental control apps support both newer and older device models
How can I ensure that the parental control app does not interfere with my child’s normal use of their devices?
When you install a parental control app, you don’t need to use all the features. Instead, more frequently use options that are less pushy and annoying such as content blocking, location tracking, etc. And also, don’t forget to tell your children that you are tracking them.
What are the subscription plans and pricing options for parental control apps?
Parental control apps offer a lot of price packages. Some include free trials, but the premium packages range from 30$ up to 160$ yearly, depending on the features. Some apps like Google Family Link are completely free.
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