Technology

7 Best Parental Control Apps 2024: Keep Kids Safe Online

If you’re a parent searching for the best parental control apps, you’re in the right place. Parents worry about many online dangers their kids face, from cybercrimes and fake news to exposure to adult content. There’s also concern about too much gaming or phone time. So, with 95% of teens active on YouTube, 67% on TikTok, and about 60% using platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, it’s no wonder you’re also looking for effective parental control apps.  

These apps help you monitor your children’s online activities discreetly and reliably. But remember, even the best parental control apps can’t replace active parenting. Regular conversations about their digital world and setting a good example by managing your screen time can go a long way.  

In this blog, we’ll cover top parental control apps, including those that can’t be deleted and those that limit YouTube. You’ll discover essential features and learn to use these tools effectively, so your kids stay safe online.  

Parental Control Apps: The Basics

Parental control apps help parents monitor and limit their children’s offline and online activity on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other devices. While not a substitute for parenting and cyber education, these apps help you enforce rules around screen time and internet content.  

How to Choose Parental Control Software?  

There are many parental control applications on the market. To find the best app for you, parents need to consider the following questions:  

• Do you need a parental control app for iOS or Android? Make sure your chosen app is compatible with the device’s operating system.  
• What is your budget? Parental software prices range from free to $15/month.    
• How many devices do you want to control? Some parental control apps offer unlimited connected devices, while others offer different plans based on the number of connected devices.  
• Which features are you looking for in your parental control software? Parental control apps vary in their features. The most common ones are location tracking, content filtering, and screen time management.  
• How old are your children? Make sure your chosen parental software offers features that make sense for your family. Different ages require different types of monitoring apps.

Understanding Features and Restrictions

Parental control apps vary in their features and how restrictive they are. While some parental control app features are better suited for younger children, others cater to parents of teenagers. The older the children, the more privacy and autonomy they’ll want.   

A University of Central Florida study suggests that the use of parental control apps on teenagers might even be counterproductive, citing that “the use of parental apps was associated with teens experiencing more, not fewer, online risks, including unwanted explicit content, harassment, and online sexual solicitations.”   

That’s why it’s crucial to review the app’s features with your tweens and teenagers—keeping them in the loop helps prevent surprises and builds mutual trust.  

The Best Parental Control Apps Have These Features  

The best parental control apps come with a wide variety of features. Below, we break down essential parental control features that will keep your child safe online and offline.  

Content Filtering & Blocking  

The internet is brimming with content we don’t want our children to see. Consequently, most parental control software solutions offer to block content, such as:     

• Pornography  
• Nudity  
• Drugs  
• Gaming  
• Suicide  
• Death  
• Weapons  

Are you feeling anxious after reading that list? You don’t have to be. The best parental apps divide online content into broad categories, and you can choose which they’ll block, allow, or receive a warning for.    

Screentime Management  

If it were up to them, children would watch YouTube and scroll through TikTok all day long. The CDC reports that children and teenagers spend between 6 and 9 hours in front of a screen. That’s far more than the recommended 2 hours of leisure screen time daily.  

Parents should encourage kids to spend some time away from screens. Adverse effects of too much screen time include difficulty paying attention, internet addiction, and other psychological problems.  

Thanks to the best parental control app features, parents no longer need to worry about screen time. Screentime management helps parents set and enforce boundaries around device usage.  

Here’s how parents can benefit from screentime management:  

• Set offline hours during which children can’t use their devices  
• Set general limits on screentime (i.e., three hours a day)  
• Monitor average online time  
• Block access to the internet during specific hours, such as the time they spend at school  

 Location Tracking & Sharing  

Location tracking is particularly popular among parents of younger children – not so much with teenagers. This parental app feature notifies parents of their children’s comings and goings, alerting them whenever their child arrives and leaves specific locations (school, home, friend’s house, extracurricular activities).   

Should parents track the location of their teenagers?  

While location tracking is an excellent parental control feature, tracking teenagers can become problematic. Teenagers can find a lack of privacy and trust frustrating, leading to more rebellious behavior, conflict, and higher levels of estrangement.   

Before tracking teenagers, consider giving your teen space and encouraging them to communicate where and when they will be going places. This could build trust and strengthen relationships.  

Social Media Monitoring  

Social media can negatively affect the mental health of children and adults alike. But children and teens are especially vulnerable to the dark side of social media, such as cyberbullying, fake news, privacy issues, addiction, and feelings of inadequacy.  

Naturally, parents want to know what content their children are exposed to while on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media apps.   

Many social media apps have parental control settings built in. Still, the best parental control apps can monitor a handful of apps simultaneously and are easier to manage.  

Depending on the age of the child and social media platform, parental settings allow parents to:  

• Block certain people  
• Hide the profile from the public  
• Restrict communication to followers/friends only  
• Turn off chat  
• Monitor who can comment on posts  
• Digital Danger Alerts  

The best parental control apps also alert parents to instances of cyberbullying, sexting, or mental health problems in their children. Some of them scan emails, apps, text messages, and all other online activities and notify parents when their children are subject to any digital dangers.    

These are the Best Parental Control Apps

Knowing what to look for, here are some of the most popular parental control apps currently available. 

1. Bark

Source: Bark

Bark is a comprehensive parental control and monitoring software designed to help families manage their children’s online activities and protect them from potential risks. It’s compatible with various platforms, including iOS, Android, Amazon devices, and computers.  

Key Features  

• Scans texts, emails, and over 30 popular social media platforms for signs of harmful interactions and content.  
• Allows parents to set screen time schedules to limit overall device use.  
• Enables blocking of specific websites or categories like gaming, adult content, and streaming services.  
• Manage which apps your child can download and use; set time limits for individual apps.  
• Provides real-time location tracking and history to keep tabs on your child’s movements.  
• Includes a panic button on supported devices that sends location alerts to parents.  

Cons:  

• Focus mainly on major social media platforms; it might not cover all aspects of newer or less common platforms.  
• Geofencing features are basic compared to some competitors, without the option to create complex geofenced areas.  
• Some features, like web filtering, work better on Android than iOS.  

Pricing:  

• Bark Jr (for younger kids): $5/month or $49/year.  
• Bark Premium (comprehensive protection): $14/month or $99/year.  

Best For: Extensive monitoring of text, email, and social interactions, combined with screen time and content management. Particularly valuable for families with children who use multiple social media platforms. However, those needing more detailed geofencing might find it less comprehensive in this aspect. 

2. Qustodio

Source: Qustodio

Qustodio is a well-established parental control software that offers a comprehensive set of tools to help parents monitor and control their child’s device usage. It supports many platforms, including Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS.  

Key features:  

• Effective at blocking inappropriate content across various categories.  
• Set specific time limits on device usage.  
• Control app usage, with detailed management available on Android.  
• Keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts with location tracking and history.  
• Receive alerts when your child enters or leaves a designated area.  
• Monitor calls and texts (on Android devices only).  
• Social media monitoring.   
• Monitor YouTube app activity and block access on web browsers.  
• Send emergency location alerts (panic button) from the child’s device to trusted contacts.  

Cons:  

• App management is limited on iOS devices.  
• No support for call and text monitoring, no panic button for iOS.  
• Social media monitoring is limited to Facebook on PC/Mac  
• Qustodio will not record exactly what a child is looking at on other platforms (e.g. Reddit)  

Pricing:  

• Free Version: Basic monitoring features for one device.  
• Premium Plans:  
• 5 devices: $54.95/year  
• 10 devices: $96.95/year  
• 15 devices: $137.95/year  

Best For: Families seeking comprehensive monitoring solutions, especially for Android devices. It offers extensive features for web and app monitoring, location tracking, and time management. However, iOS users may find certain limitations, such as restricted app management and the absence of call/text monitoring.  

3. Google Family Link  

Google Family Link is a parental control service by Google that helps parents manage their children’s digital activity. It’s designed for families who use Android devices but also offers limited functionalities on iOS.  

Key Features  

• Set limits and manage when children can access their devices.  
• Approve or block apps children want to install. Manage permissions for installed apps.  
• Content filtering, limited to blocking mature sites on Android devices using Chrome.  
• Keep track of your child’s device location.  
• Supervise YouTube usage with options for a safer viewing environment.  
• Oversee privacy settings and account security for children’s Google accounts.  

Cons:  

• Full features are only available on Android. iOS devices have very restricted capabilities.  
• Basic content filtering with no advanced customization options.  
• No call, text, or social media monitoring except for some activity on Google-owned platforms like YouTube.  

Pricing:  

• Free: Google Family Link is free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for basic parental controls.  

Best For: Families deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, especially those using Android devices. It provides fundamental parental control features without additional costs but lacks the depth in monitoring and web filtering provided by specialized parental control apps. This makes it ideal for parents looking to manage basic digital rules and device habits, particularly for younger children or for those new to using smart devices.   

4. Net Nanny  

Source: Net Nanny

Net Nanny is a highly acclaimed parental control software known for its comprehensive content filtering capabilities and management tools.   

Key Features:  

• Offers real-time filtering of websites, blocking inappropriate content and allowing access to safe sites.  
• Allows parents to control when and how long their children can access the internet.  
• Parents can see which apps their children are using and for how long, with options to block or allow apps.  
• Provides tracking of the child’s device location for safety monitoring.  
• Filters content across 14 categories, such as adult content, gambling, and violence, with customizable settings.  
• Enables blocking of specific websites or categories, preventing access to unsuitable online content.  
• Sends notifications to parents about their child’s online activity, including attempted visits to blocked sites.  
• Specifically targets and blocks pornographic material to prevent exposure to harmful content.  

Cons:  

• While it supports a wide range of devices, some features might not be available on all platforms equally.  
• The comprehensive nature of the features might require a steeper learning curve for less tech-savvy parents.  

Pricing:  

• Single Device Plans: Starts with options for individual devices, ideal for small families or single-child households.  
• Family Protection Pass: Available for 5 or 20 devices, offering a more cost-effective solution for larger families or multiple devices, starting at approximately $5 per device.  

Best For: Families seeking an in-depth solution to internet safety, offering detailed management of online content and usage. Its strong filtering technology and broad coverage of devices make it a top choice for parents wanting to maintain a controlled online environment for their children.  

5. Kaspersky Safe Kids

Source: Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Safe Kids is a comprehensive parental control tool that allows parents to monitor and manage their children’s digital activities effectively. It is designed to work across various devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, providing a unified experience for safeguarding children’s online interactions. 

Key Features: 

• Control the time children spend on their devices, with settings that adapt to different devices. 
• Filters and blocks inappropriate content across multiple categories, ensuring a safe browsing environment. 
• Monitor and manage the applications your children can install and use, with the option to block unwanted apps. 
• Keeps track of your child’s location, providing peace of mind about their physical safety when outside. 
• Offers tools to supervise children’s social media activities, helping to protect against cyberbullying and other online risks. 
• Sends instant notifications to parents about their children’s online activities, including attempts to access blocked content. 

Cons: 

• Some features are not available on all platforms, particularly iOS, which may limit functionality. 
• The comprehensive nature of the features might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy parents, requiring a learning curve. 

Pricing: 

$22.99 per year 

Best For: Families looking for a detailed and adaptable solution to protect their children across different devices and environments. It is especially suitable for those who need robust control over content filtering and app management.

6. Aura

Source: Aura

Aura focuses on providing a safe online environment for children by addressing specific risks such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content exposure. It offers both preventive measures and actionable insights into children’s online behavior. 

Key Features: 

• Identifies and helps mitigate instances of cyberbullying, alerting parents to potential issues. 
• Blocks harmful or inappropriate sites to ensure a child-friendly online experience. 
• Monitors device usage and sends alerts to parents about significant changes or concerning patterns in device use. 
• Provides tools to help safeguard children from risks associated with social media platforms. 
• Offers insights into the emotional impact of online interactions, helping parents intervene when necessary. 

Cons: 

• More detailed information about the cost and the range of devices supported would be helpful for parents considering this service. 
• Focused primarily on cyberbullying. While it addresses a critical aspect of online safety, it may not offer as comprehensive coverage of other areas like location tracking or app management. 

Best For: Families that are particularly concerned about the impacts of cyberbullying and online social interactions on their children’s emotional health. It’s ideal for parents who prioritize preventive measures and immediate alerts about their children’s online activities. 

7. Nintendo Switch Parental Controls

The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls is a mobile application designed to help parents monitor and manage their child’s use of the Nintendo Switch gaming console. It focuses primarily on managing gameplay time and monitoring game activity.  

Key Features:  

• Play-time limit allows parents to set a specific gameplay time per day. The console will notify the child when the time limit is reached.  
• Gameplay monitoring lets parents track which games their child plays and for how long, providing insights into the child’s gaming habits.  
• Age-restricted content control enables parents to restrict access to games based on their age rating, ensuring children are exposed only to age-appropriate content.  
• Parents get daily summary push notifications about their child’s gaming activity.  
• Parents can remotely suspend gameplay, enforce breaks, or end gaming time when necessary.  

Cons:  

• The app does not allow for control over which specific applications or features (outside of games) can be accessed, such as social media or internet browsing.  
• The notification system is basic, with limited customization options for parents who may want frequent updates.  
• There is no feature to block specific games or apps, only to control based on game ratings.  

Pricing:  

The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app is free, with no additional costs for its features.  

Best For: Parents of younger children who primarily need to manage the time spent on gaming and make sure the content is appropriate for their age. It’s best suited for families who own a Nintendo Switch and are looking for basic parental control capabilities directly from the device manufacturer.  

8. Race CommandIQ®

Race CommandIQ® is a home network management app designed to provide Race Communications subscribers with control over their family’s home network. It integrates advanced features to monitor, manage, and secure online activities. While not a parental control app, it shares many useful features with them.   

Key Features:  

• Provides detailed insights into each device’s online activity and data usage.  
• Blocks access to inappropriate content and helps prevent cyberbullying.  
• Sets specific online hours, bedtime schedules, and time limits for internet usage.  
• Remotely controls WiFi on children’s devices to enforce screen time rules.  
• Creates a separate WiFi network for guests or children, enhancing security.  
• Alerts parents to security threats and blocks malicious attacks.  
• Prioritizes bandwidth for critical tasks with Quality of Service (QoS) settings.  

Pricing: Race CommandIQ® is offered as part of Race Communications’ fiber internet packages. All subscribers with a Race router can use the app for free.  

Best For: Race CommandIQ® is ideal for Race Communications subscribers who seek extensive control over their home network’s security and internet usage. It’s especially beneficial for families looking for an all-in-one solution to manage screen time, filter content, and protect against online threats.  

Talk to Your ISP About Parental Controls

There, you have a list of the best parental control apps available. Before implementing any of these tools, discussing them with your kids is crucial. Gaining their consent is particularly important for teenagers who value their privacy. They’re more likely to try to bypass these controls without their agreement.  

Whether or not you decide to use parental control apps, consider placing your kids’ devices on a separate WiFi network, often referred to as a guest network. This simple step can enhance security and manage usage without extensive monitoring.  

Also, consult your internet service provider (ISP) about parental controls. Leading ISPs don’t just offer internet access; they provide essential tools for safe browsing. For example, Race Communications offers the Race CommandIQ app, which enables parents to manage WiFi access effectively.  

If you’re interested in learning more about the services from Race Communications, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us at 877-722-3833 or send an inquiry. We’re committed to delivering reliable, fast internet service with top-notch online safety features.