Hey there, all you hardworking, multitasking supermoms in the world! We get it; juggling work, chores, and keeping your little ones safe in the digital age can be quite the jigsaw puzzle. But guess what? There’s a superhero cape you can wear, and it doesn’t come with a fancy ‘S’ on it, but rather, with some savvy ‘P’ for “Parental control apps!”
In a world where your kids’ lives are intertwined with screens and the digital realm, parental control apps are your trusty sidekicks in the mission to safeguard your tiny adventurers.
You see, these aren’t just any apps; they’re like your secret agents, silently working behind the scenes to ensure your youngsters stay out of the mischief-makers’ club. We’ve road-tested the top cross-platform performers in the parental control universe, and we’re here to spill the beans on the best ones.
In case you’re wondering where to start, check out our article on what parents of connected kids need to know. Stay tuned for the ultimate guide to parental control apps that will turn you into a digital Sherlock Holmes in your child’s online world.
Ready to embark on this tech-savvy journey, Mom? Time to take charge and secure your child’s online adventures with the power of Parental Control Apps!
Because in the world of digital parenting, you’ve got this!
Read more: Protecting children online: How parents can ensure internet safety for kids
5 Best parental control apps
You know how your little ones can be tech wizards, hopping from devices to devices like it’s a game of musical chairs? That’s where these parental control apps shine; they cover all the bases – mobiles, tablets, desktops, you name it. These apps are like the Swiss Army knives of the digital world, helping you keep a hawk’s eye on your kid’s online escapades.
In an era where a single click can lead your kids down a virtual rabbit hole, these apps are your ticket to restoring control and peace of mind. It’s like having a watchful guardian angel by their side, 24/7.
Oh, and remember, it’s not just about the apps; it’s about starting a dialogue with your tech-savvy tots too. So, don’t be surprised if they try some Houdini moves to make these apps vanish. Open and ongoing conversations are like your secret weapon in this digital battleground.
You don’t have to be a tech guru to ace this parenting game; it’s all about finding the right tools and making the digital world a safer playground for your kids.
Read more: Every Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety for Kids
1. Qustodio – The ultimate all-around protection
Qustodio, a top-tier parental control app, offers an effortlessly manageable solution to keep tabs on your child’s online activity. However, it comes at a premium price and demands sideloading for a crucial feature to function optimally.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Well-crafted web interface | ✗ Pricey |
| ✓ Extensive time restrictions | ✗ Possible web filter bypass with VPN |
| ✓ App blocking on both desktop and mobile | ✗ Lacks social media tracking |
| ✓ Cross-platform compatibility | ✗ Android calls and text monitoring need sideloading |
| ✓ Intuitive user-friendly apps |
If you want strong protection for your child online, Qustodio is a great choice. It’s easy to use, has useful features for managing how much time your child spends online, and can block certain apps. It works on different types of devices, which is handy.
But there are a few things to keep in mind. Qustodio is a bit expensive. Also, smart kids might figure out how to get past the filters using a VPN. If you want to keep an eye on what your child does on social media, this app won’t help with that. And if you have an Android device, tracking calls and texts is a bit tricky.
In summary, Qustodio is a good tool for keeping your child safe online, but it’s not cheap and has a few downsides.
2. Boomerang parental control – Taking the battle out of screen time
Boomerang parental control emerges as a dependable parental control app tailored for Android and iOS, granting parents the ability to oversee their kids’ online actions, app usage, and mobile behavior. It shines in the mobile realm, yet its reach doesn’t extend to Macs or PCs.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Excellent app and device management tools | ✗ Limited to mobile devices |
| ✓ Valuable web filtering capabilities | ✗ Android app sideloading is currently required |
| ✓ Geofencing support | ✗ Single-device plan comes at a high cost |
| ✓ Android call and SMS monitoring | ✗ Some restrictions apply to iOS |
Boomerang provides an effective suite of tools to help you keep a close watch on your child’s online activities, app usage, and mobile device habits. With robust features for mobile devices, it’s a strong contender in the parental control arena.
However, it’s essential to note that Boomerang is primarily designed for mobile devices and doesn’t extend its reach to Macs or PCs. Additionally, setting it up on Android requires a sideloading process, which may not be as user-friendly for everyone. Furthermore, opting for a single-device plan can be relatively expensive. There are also some restrictions on iOS devices.
In a nutshell, Boomerang offers solid parental control features, especially for mobile devices, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations.
3. Circle Home Plus – The home setup maestro
Circle Home Plus, a parental control device, offers a convenient solution for managing your home network and safeguarding your children’s phones and tablets. While it provides useful tools, it’s worth noting that it may have some vulnerabilities and its reporting features are not as robust as those of some competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Quick and straightforward setup | ✗ Relatively expensive |
| ✓ Reliable web and time restrictions | ✗ Lacks certain advanced features |
| ✓ Rapid detection and implementation of device restrictions | ✗ Doesn’t offer geofencing or full device lock |
| ✓ User-friendly apps | ✗ The physical device may have security risks |
| ✓ Supports an unlimited number of devices |
Circle Home Plus excels at making it easy to set up and manage your home network, ensuring you have control over your children’s online activities. It offers dependable web and time restrictions, swiftly implementing device restrictions on your network-connected devices. The user-friendly apps make the process hassle-free, and it supports an unlimited number of devices.
On the downside, Circle Home Plus may seem a bit costly for some, and it lacks certain advanced features, such as geofencing and the ability to fully lock device use. Additionally, the physical device itself might introduce some security concerns.
In summary, Circle Home Plus is a handy tool for managing your home network and keeping an eye on your kids’ online activities. However, it’s essential to consider its pricing and the absence of certain advanced features.
4. Mobicip – Your cross-platform guardian
Mobicip steps up as a comprehensive parental control solution that excels in cross-platform monitoring, offering an effective means to manage your child’s online activities. However, it has a few notable drawbacks that may give you pause.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Flexible scheduling | ✗ Unsafe iOS app installation procedure |
| ✓ Efficient content blocking | ✗ Lack of multi-factor authentication options |
| ✓ Effective monitoring of websites and apps | ✗ Relatively expensive |
| ✓ Promotes open conversations with kids | ✗ Inconsistent Android app blocking |
| ✓ User-friendly and polished apps | ✗ Snapchat monitoring may have a delayed effectiveness |
| ✓ Exceptional geofencing features |
Mobicip offers the flexibility to create schedules, effectively block unwanted content, and monitor website usage and app activities, making it a robust choice for parental control. It promotes open conversations between parents and kids and provides user-friendly apps for an enhanced experience. Additionally, its geofencing capabilities are top-notch.
Nonetheless, Mobicip’s iOS app installation procedure is considered unsafe, which can be a significant concern. The absence of multi-factor authentication options may also raise security questions. It comes at a relatively higher price point and may exhibit inconsistencies in app blocking on Android. Snapchat monitoring might not be instantly effective.
In summary, Mobicip stands out as a cross-platform monitoring solution with excellent features, but it’s crucial to be aware of its iOS installation concerns, security options, and potential inconsistencies.
5. Net Nanny – Tailored web filtering at your fingertips
Net Nanny takes the lead in providing customizable web filters, robust screen time controls, and effective app blocking. However, its price tag and less competitive geofencing features may give some potential users pause.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Quick and straightforward setup | ✗ Comes at a relatively higher price |
| ✓ Impressive screen time management options | ✗ Web filters can be bypassed through Tor |
| ✓ Efficient app blocking | ✗ Limited preset web filters |
| ✓ Customizable web filters | ✗ Geofencing features may not be as competitive |
Net Nanny shines with its easy and swift setup process, robust screen time management, and effective app blocking capabilities. It takes customization to the next level with its web filters.
However, it’s important to note that Net Nanny is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. While its web filters are impressive, they may not be foolproof and can be bypassed through Tor. Users looking for a wide variety of preset web filters might find the options somewhat limited. Additionally, the geofencing features may not be as competitive as some of its rivals.
In summary, Net Nanny is a solid choice for those seeking customized web filtering and effective screen time management. Keep in mind its pricing, web filter limitations, and geofencing features when making your decision.
PureVPN – Your online privacy guardian
In today’s digital age, safeguarding your online privacy is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. PureVPN steps in as your trusted online privacy guardian, offering a robust and secure solution to ensure your online activities remain confidential and protected.
Vast server network
PureVPN boasts an extensive network of 6500 servers across 65+ countries, allowing you to connect securely from various locations across the globe. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or your kid simply browsing the web, PureVPN offers you the peace of mind that your connection is secure and your identity remains anonymous.
Strong encryption
Your online security is paramount, and PureVPN takes it seriously. With powerful encryption, it shields your kid’s online activities from prying eyes, ensuring your and kid’s personal data remains private and protected.
Kid-friendly apps
PureVPN understands that not everyone is a tech expert. Its user-friendly apps make it easy for anyone to set up and use, providing hassle-free online privacy at your fingertips. It’s a child play to connect making it easy and fun for kids.
In a world where digital privacy is at a premium, PureVPN is your gateway to a safer, more secure online experience. Your privacy matters, and PureVPN is here to ensure that it remains intact.
Read more: How to Use a VPN in 2023: A Beginner’s Guide
Bottom line
Parental control is a significant aspect of this digital security landscape, and it’s worth emphasizing that protecting your child’s online experiences is just as important as safeguarding your own privacy. With the right tools, such as parental control apps and PureVPN, you can create a safe and secure digital environment for your children.
PureVPN’s role in this scenario is two-fold. Firstly, it offers a secure platform for parents to browse and connect online, knowing their personal data is shielded from prying eyes. Secondly, it can also be integrated into the larger strategy of ensuring a child’s online safety by providing secure connections for all family members.
In a world where online threats and digital distractions are ever-present, the combination of PureVPN for adults and appropriate parental control tools for kids forms a powerful shield that keeps your family safe and secure in the digital realm.
Follow the PureVPN Blog for more insights, tips, and updates on how to enhance your digital security and protect your family online.
