Choosing a Parental Control App

Parental Control Apps: Our Comprehensive Guide

As a parent, keeping our children safe is always a top priority. With the increasing use of technology by children, it's essential to monitor their internet activity and ensure that they have a safe browsing experience. That's where parental control apps come in. These apps offer parents the ability to monitor their child's activity on their device and provide control over what they can access online. In this shopping guide, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about parental control apps and what to look out for when purchasing one.

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What are Parental Control Apps?

Parental control apps are software applications designed to provide parents with a way to monitor and control their child's internet activity. These apps allow parents to set up filters to prevent access to inappropriate content, limit screen time, and monitor social media activity. Some parental control apps also offer features like GPS tracking, malware protection, and app blocking.

Why Do You Need a Parental Control App?

As previously mentioned, the internet can be a dangerous place for children if not appropriately monitored. Parental control apps help prevent children from accessing inappropriate content, interacting with strangers, or giving away personal information. Moreover, parental control apps help limit screen time, which can also have a positive impact on a child's physical and mental health. Finally, it allows parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child is safe online.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Parental Control App

Not all parental control apps are created equal, and it's essential to know what to look out for when choosing one. Here are the factors you should consider:

Age of Your Child

Consider the age of your child and the type of device that they have. Younger children might require apps that have more restrictive features like content filtering, while older children with more advanced devices might need an app that offers more comprehensive monitoring features.

Platforms Supported

Ensure that the app you choose supports the platform and device that your child is using. For example, if your child has an iPhone, you need a parental control app that can be installed on iOS.

Features and Functionality

Look out for features that are essential to your needs. For example, if you're looking to limit screen time, ensure that the app has that functionality. Also, check if the app offers GPS tracking and app blocking.

Ease of Use

The app should have an easy-to-use interface that is easy to navigate by both parents and children.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Most parental control apps are subscription-based, and it's essential to check the pricing and subscription plans before committing to one.

Our Top Picks

Aura

Aura has made a name for itself as one of the best parental control apps in the market. It offers a comprehensive suite of features that give parents complete control over their children's online experiences. With Aura, you get to see your child's online activity in real-time, set limits on screen time, and even block inappropriate content. One of the standout features of Aura is its AI technology, which analyzes your child's behavior and provides you with insights into their digital habits. This feature helps you make informed decisions about how to manage your child's online exposure while also respecting their privacy.

Bark

Bark is another popular parental control app that focuses on social media monitoring. It scans your child's social media accounts for signs of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and potential dangers. It covers over 30 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. One of the unique features of Bark is its ability to send alerts to parents when it detects something concerning. This gives you the opportunity to intervene and protect your child before things escalate.

Norton Family Premier

Norton Family Premier is a comprehensive parental control app that allows you to manage your child's online exposure across multiple devices. It offers features such as web filtering, time management, and location tracking. Additionally, you can monitor your child's search history and text messages. Norton Family Premier also has a feature that lets you see which apps your child is downloading and using. This is particularly important in an age where children are exposed to a lot of apps that promote inappropriate content.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky Safe Kids is a free parental control app that lets you manage your child's online activity across multiple devices. It offers features such as web filtering, time management, and location tracking. One of the standout features of Kaspersky Safe Kids is its ability to monitor your child's YouTube activity. You can see which videos they are watching and block inappropriate content. Additionally, Kaspersky Safe Kids sends you an alert when your child attempts to access a blocked website or breaks a pre-set rule.

FamiSafe

FamiSafe is a comprehensive parental control app that offers features such as web filtering, location tracking, and time management. One of the standout features of FamiSafe is its ability to monitor your child's driving behavior. FamiSafe uses GPS tracking to provide you with real-time information about your child's driving speed and location. Additionally, it sends you an alert when it detects risky driving behavior such as excessive speeding or sudden braking. This makes it an excellent app for parents who want to keep their teenage drivers safe on the road.

Qustodio

Qustodio is a parental control app that offers features such as web filtering, time management, and location tracking. One of the standout features of Qustodio is its ability to track your child's social media activity. It monitors your child's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts and provides you with detailed reports on their online behavior. Additionally, Qustodio sends you an alert when it detects inappropriate language or behavior on social media.

In conclusion, parental control apps are an essential tool for any parent who wants to keep their children safe on the internet. However, choosing the right app can be a daunting task. By considering the features offered by each provider, you can make an informed decision that meets your family's unique needs. Aura is an excellent option to consider thanks to its AI technology that provides insights into your child's digital habits. However, Bark's social media monitoring feature, Norton Family Premier's app management feature, Kaspersky Safe Kids' YouTube monitoring feature, FamiSafe's driving behavior feature, and Qustodio's social media tracking feature are also unique and worth considering.

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