From screen time limits to social media monitoring and real-time location tracking, today’s digital parenting requires more than just a watchful eye. We’ve made it easy to compare the top parental control apps so you can protect your child from online predators, explicit content, and real-world dangers—based on their age, needs, and your family’s tech setup.
How to Set Up Devices
Apple
Built-In Parental Controls: Google Family Link & Apple Screen Time
These tools are great starting points for digital parenting and work best when combined with open conversations about safe and responsible online behavior. Below are the features and benefits of Family Link (Google) and Screen Time (Apple) for built-in control.
Seamless Integration
• These tools are built directly into Android and iOS, so no third-party apps or subscriptions are needed.
• They sync easily across all devices signed into the same account.
Screen Time Management
• Enforce bedtimes, school-time restrictions or downtime hours to reduce digital distractions.
App & Content Restrictions
• Block or approve app downloads and in-app purchases.
• Filter inappropriate content from the web, YouTube, and App Stores based on your child’s age.
Location Tracking
• You can also see device battery levels remotely.
Usage Reports & Alerts
• Helps identify patterns or areas of concern before they become problems.
Privacy and Safetly
• Control permissions like camera access, location sharing, and contacts.
Top Paid Parental Control Software
Explore the top paid parental control software that offers features like activity monitoring, content filtering, screen time limits and location tracking below.
1. Bark
• Best for: Monitoring social media, texts, and emails
• Features: AI-powered detection of potential dangers, including online predators, cyberbullying, and sexting.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebooks
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2. Life 360
• Features: GPS tracking, driving reports, emergency alerts, location history, crash detection
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Note: While Life360 doesn’t monitor online activity or app usage, it’s great for knowing where your child is and ensuring physical safety.
3. Qustodio
• Features: Web filtering, app control, screen time limits, location tracking
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Kindle
4. Net Nanny
• Features: Blocks inappropriate content, sets time limits, monitors internet use
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Kindle
5. Norton Family
• Features: Web supervision, time supervision, app monitoring, alerts
• Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS (limited)
6. Kaspersky Safe Kids
• Features: GPS tracking, app management, web filtering, battery tracker
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Other Important Steps
• Use communication tools like Family Link (Google) or Screen Time (Apple) for built-in control.
• Keep devices in shared spaces where internet use can be supervised.
