Parental Control in Practice: What Tools and Apps Are Worth Knowing?

In today's digital world, children have increasingly easy access to the internet and mobile devices. Although technology can support development, it also carries risks, such as inappropriate content or contact with strangers. This is why parental controls are so important - they help keep your child safe while supporting responsible use of technology. In this article, we present tools and applications that will help you keep your child safe online.

Why Are Parental Controls Important?

Children are often unaware of the dangers they may encounter online. Parental controls can minimize the risk of exposure to inappropriate content, harassment, or accidental purchases. With the right tools, you can supervise your child's online activity, protecting them from potential dangers.

Best Parental Control Apps and Tools

Here’s a look at apps that offer a variety of parental control features, from monitoring screen time to filtering content.

1. Google Family Link

   Google Family Link is a free app that lets you manage your child's screen time and monitor what apps they download and use. The main features of Family Link are:

   • Setting time limits for individual applications.
   • Blocking inappropriate applications.
   • Locating your child's device.

   Family Link is especially useful for parents of children using Android devices.

2. Qustodio

   Qustodio is an advanced parental control app that offers a wide range of features, such as:

   • Filtering internet content, blocking inappropriate sites.
   • Monitoring social media activity.
   • Device location tracking.
   • Set time limits and analyze activity reports.

   Qustodio is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices, so you can monitor your child's activity across devices.

3. Norton Family

   Norton Family is an application that helps parents supervise their child's internet activity and block potentially dangerous content. The main features of Norton Family are:

   • Monitor your search terms and browsing history.
   • Blocking inappropriate sites.
   • Managing screen time.

   Norton Family is suitable for families who want to minimise the risk of their children being exposed to inappropriate content on the Internet.

4. Shoulder

   Bark is an app that monitors your child’s communications on popular social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, as well as text messages and emails. Bark features include:

   • Monitoring content and alerting parents to potential dangers such as cyberbullying.
   • Detection of suspicious messages.
   • Analyzing social media activity.

   Bark is an app for parents of older children and teenagers who use social media.

5. Screen Time

   Screen Time is a simple parental control app that helps you manage your child's screen time. Key features include:

   • Setting daily time limits.
   • Blocking apps and sites once your limit has been reached.
   • Motivating children to perform their duties by granting extra time for completing tasks.

   Screen Time is easy to use and works well with younger children.

6. OurPact

   OurPact is an app that allows parents to block apps and websites and set a schedule for device use. Key features include:

   • Content and application blocking.
   • Manage screen time through schedules.
   • Tracking your child's location.

   OurPact offers extensive digital activity management capabilities, allowing you to have full control over your child's device.

How to Choose the Best Parental Control Tool?

When choosing a parental control app, consider:

• Child's age : Younger children will find simple screen time limiting tools useful, while older children may need more advanced features like social media monitoring.
• Device Compatibility : Make sure the app you choose is compatible with the devices your child uses (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS).
• Ease of use : A good tool should be intuitive and easy to configure.
• Features : Consider which features are most important – do you only need a time limit or do you also want to monitor your child’s activity?

Practical Tips for Parents

Using parental control apps is helpful, but it's also a good idea to introduce additional rules to help your child understand how to use the internet safely.

1. Talk to your child about online safety : Explain why it's important to be careful and what to do if they come across something inappropriate.
2. Set clear screen time rules : Introduce rules around screen time, such as no screens before bed.
3. Supervise activity, but give your child space : Parental control should be supportive, not overly intrusive. Gradually teach your child how to use the Internet consciously.

Summary

Technology and the internet can be a great source of knowledge and entertainment for your child, but they can also easily cause problems. That’s why parental controls play a key role in ensuring your child has safe access to the internet. With the right tools, you can monitor your child’s activity, set time limits, and make sure that their technology use is both enjoyable and safe.