Our Pick Of The Best Parental Control Apps

 

Quick Answer: The top 10 parental control apps for iPhone and Android include Qustodio, Norton Family, Net Nanny, FamilyTime, Screen Time, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Mobicip, Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, and Bark. These offer various features like content filtering, time management, and location tracking. 

 

Key Takeaways: 

 

 

 

Keeping kids safe online is a top priority for parents. With so many apps available, it can be tricky to choose the right one. We've done the legwork and picked the 10 best parental control apps for both iPhone and Android. Let's dive in! 

 

 

Qustodio takes the crown as the best all-rounder. It's a powerhouse that works smoothly on both iOS and Android. What sets it apart? Its easy-to-use interface and wide range of features. 

 

Qustodio blocks over 95% of inappropriate content, keeping your kids safe online. It lets you set time limits, track location, and even keep an eye on social media. Parents love it, with a whopping 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 UK users. 

 

 

If you're after bang for your buck, Norton Family is your go-to. It's packed with features but won't break the bank. For about £30 a year, you get web filtering, time limits, and location tracking. 

 

But here's the kicker - it also throws in antivirus protection for the whole family. That's a saving of up to £50 compared to buying separate parental control and antivirus software. 

 

 

When it comes to blocking nasty stuff online, Net Nanny is top dog. Its clever AI can spot and block iffy content in real-time. It doesn't just look at website addresses - it actually reads the content on the page. 

 

Net Nanny catches 99% of adult content, violence, and drug-related material. It even works inside apps and games, not just websites. That's 10% more effective than the average parental control app. 

 

 

Worried about where your kids are? FamilyTime has you covered. It's like a GPS tracker on steroids. You can set up safe zones and danger zones, and get alerts when your child enters or leaves these areas. 

 

FamilyTime's location updates are spot-on, accurate to within 5 metres. And it won't drain your child's phone battery either - it uses clever tech to keep power use low. 

 

 

If you're battling screen addiction, Screen Time is your new best friend. It lets you set daily time limits and schedule device-free times. You can even manage each app separately. 

 

The best bit? Its reward system. Kids can earn extra screen time for good behaviour or chores. On average, families using Screen Time see a 30% drop in daily device use. 

 

 

Every child is different, and Kaspersky Safe Kids gets that. It's the Swiss Army knife of parental control apps. You can tweak settings for each child based on their age and what you think is right for them. 

 

Whether it's content filtering, time limits, or location tracking, you're in control. It works across multiple devices and operating systems too. A whopping 92% of users say they love how flexible it is. 

 

 

Got a full house? Mobicip's got your back. Its family dashboard lets you manage all your kids' devices in one place. You can set different rules for each child, perfect for families with kids of different ages. 

 

On average, families using Mobicip monitor 5 devices. It's a lifesaver for busy parents, saving up to an hour a day compared to managing each device separately. 

 

 

If your family is all about iPhones and iPads, Apple Screen Time is a no-brainer. It's built right into iOS, so there's no need to download anything extra. 

 

You can set app limits, schedule downtime, and restrict content. It's super easy to use and works seamlessly across all Apple devices. A whopping 78% of iOS users in the UK use Screen Time regularly. 

 

 

For Android fans, Google Family Link is the way to go. It's deeply integrated with Android and Google services, making it a breeze to use. 

 

You can approve apps, set screen time limits, and track your child's location. It even uses Google's AI to filter content and suggest kid-friendly apps. Over 60% of Android families in the UK rely on Family Link to keep their kids safe online. 

 

 

Bark is like a watchdog for your child's digital life. It uses AI to keep an eye on texts, emails, and social media for signs of trouble. Whether it's cyberbullying, sexting, or signs of depression, Bark's got you covered. 

 

On average, Bark flags 8 potential issues per child per month. That's 8 chances to step in and help your child that you might have missed otherwise. Alerts are sent within minutes, giving you the chance to act fast if needed. 

 

 

 

Parental control apps are digital tools designed to help parents keep their children safe online. These apps act as a watchful eye, allowing mums and dads to monitor and manage their kids' online activities. From simple website blockers to all-in-one digital safety solutions, these apps have come a long way. 

 

In the UK, the use of parental control apps has shot up by 40% in the last three years. More parents are turning to these digital helpers to navigate the tricky waters of online safety. Whether it's a standalone app or a built-in feature on your child's device, these tools offer peace of mind in our connected world. 

 

 

Most parental control apps come packed with features to keep your little ones safe online. Let's break down the main ones: 

Content filtering: Blocks inappropriate websites and content 

 

 

Activity reporting: Gives you a rundown of your child's online activities 

These features work together to create a safer online environment. For example, content filtering has been shown to reduce exposure to inappropriate content by up to 70%. Time management tools have helped UK families cut down screen time by an average of 2 hours per day. 

 

 

In today's digital age, keeping kids safe online is as important as teaching them to cross the road safely. With UK children spending an average of 6 hours a day online, the risks are real. Cyberbullying affects 1 in 5 UK children, while 60% have encountered inappropriate content online. 

 

Parental control apps can help tackle these issues head-on. They act as a digital safety net, catching potential problems before they escalate. By using these apps, parents can help their children develop healthy online habits and navigate the digital world with confidence. 

 

 

The million-pound question: when should your child get their first mobile? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but most UK children get their first phone between the ages of 10 and 12. 

 

Consider your child's maturity level, their need for communication, and their ability to handle responsibility. Some experts suggest waiting until secondary school, while others believe earlier exposure can help build digital skills. 

 

Whatever you decide, introducing a parental control app alongside the new phone can help ease the transition and keep your child safe as they explore their new digital world. 

 

 

Using parental control apps isn't about spying on your kids. It's about finding the right balance between protection and trust. Open communication is key. Talk to your children about online safety and explain why you're using these apps. 

 

As your children grow and show they can handle online responsibilities, you can gradually relax the controls. This approach has been shown to lead to more responsible digital behaviour in teens. In fact, UK families who use this gradual approach report 30% fewer online incidents compared to those who don't use parental controls at all. 

 

 

Some parents worry that using these apps might damage trust or invade privacy. Others fear it might hinder their child's tech skills. But let's look at the facts: 

 

 

The key is to use these tools as part of a broader conversation about online safety, not as a secret monitoring system. 

 

 

When it comes to parental control apps, privacy is a hot topic. These apps handle sensitive information about your children, so it's crucial to choose one that takes security seriously. 

 

Look for apps that are GDPR compliant and have strong data protection policies. The good news is that major data breaches in parental control apps are rare, with only two reported incidents in the UK in the last five years. 

 

Reputable companies encrypt your data and regularly update their security measures. Some even offer features like two-factor authentication for extra protection. 

 

 

Worried about parental control apps slowing down your child's device? Fear not! Most modern apps are designed to run smoothly in the background with minimal impact on performance. 

 

On average, these apps use less than 5% of your device's processing power and reduce battery life by only 2-3%. Some lightweight options have even less impact. If you notice any significant slowdowns, it might be time to update the app or switch to a more efficient solution. 

 

 

Let's face it, kids can be pretty tech-savvy. Some might try to bypass parental controls. Common tricks include using VPNs, factory resets, or finding loopholes in the app's settings. 

 

But don't worry, the best parental control apps are always one step ahead. They come with features like tamper detection and uninstall prevention. Some even send alerts if unusual activity is detected. 

 

Remember, technical controls are just one part of the equation. Educating your children about online safety and fostering open communication can be even more effective in keeping them safe in the long run. 

 

By understanding these aspects of parental control apps, you'll be better equipped to choose the right solution for your family. Whether you opt for a comprehensive app or a built-in feature, the goal is the same: keeping your children safe in the digital playground. 

 

 

Picking the right parental control app can feel like a big task. But don't worry, we're here to help you find the perfect fit for your family. Let's walk through the process step by step. 

 

First things first, you need an app that works on all your family's gadgets. Whether you're Team iPhone or Android (or a bit of both), there's an app for you. 

 

Most of our top 10 picks work well on both systems. But some have extra cool features for one or the other. For example, Apple's Screen Time is brilliant for iPhones, while Google Family Link shines on Android. 

 

If you've got a mix of phones and tablets at home, look for apps that play nice with everything. Qustodio and Norton Family are great all-rounders, working smoothly across iOS and Android. 

 

 

Now, let's talk money. Parental control apps come in all shapes and sizes, price-wise. Some are free, some you pay for once, and others ask for a monthly fee. 

 

Free apps like Google Family Link can be a good starting point. But paid apps often offer more features and better support. On average, UK families spend about £40 per year on parental control apps. 

 

Our top value pick, Norton Family, costs around £30 a year and covers unlimited devices. That's less than a tenner per month to keep all your kids' gadgets safe! 

 

Remember, pricier doesn't always mean better. Look at what features you actually need before splashing out. 

 

Setting Up Parental Control Apps 

 

Got your app? Great! Now let's get it up and running. Most apps make this pretty easy, with step-by-step guides to follow. 

 

Here's a quick rundown: 

 

 

The whole process usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Top tip: Get your kids involved in the setup. It helps them understand why you're using the app and how it works. 

 

 

Now comes the fun part - tweaking the settings to keep your kids safe online. Every family is different, so take some time to think about what's right for yours. 

 

For younger kids, you might want to block certain apps or websites. As they get older, you could focus more on time limits and keeping an eye on social media. 

 

Most apps let you set different rules for each child. So your teen can have more freedom than your 8-year-old, for example. 

 

Remember to review these settings regularly. What works for your 10-year-old now might need changing in a few months' time. 

 

 

Once everything's set up, you can keep an eye on what your kids are up to online. But remember, it's not about spying - it's about keeping them safe. 

 

Most apps give you reports on things like: 

 

 

Use this info as a starting point for chats about online safety. If you spot something worrying, talk to your child about it calmly. 

 

 

Parental control apps work best when they're part of wider family rules about using tech. Sit down together and agree on some guidelines. You could cover things like: 

 

 

Writing these rules down can help everyone remember them. And don't forget to follow them yourself - kids learn by example! 

 

 

The best way to keep kids safe online? Talk to them! Regular chats about what they're doing online helps them feel comfortable coming to you if something's not right. 

 

Try asking: 

 

 

Keep it casual and be ready to listen without judging. The more open you are, the more likely they are to share. 

 

 

As your kids get older and show they can be responsible online, you can start to loosen the reins a bit. This might mean: 

 

 

Take it slow and steady. You could relax one rule at a time and see how it goes. Always keep talking about online safety as you make these changes. 

 

 

If you're an RWG Mobile customer, you're in luck! Our network has some built-in safety features that work hand-in-hand with parental control apps. 

 

We offer content filtering at the network level, which means inappropriate stuff is blocked before it even reaches your child's device. This works alongside your chosen app for extra protection. 

 

Plus, our family-friendly plans are designed with features that complement parental control apps, like data caps to prevent unexpected bills. 

 

 

At RWG Mobile, we're here to help you keep your family safe online. We offer: 

 

 

We're proud to support Welsh families in particular, with all our materials available in both English and Welsh. 

Remember, choosing and using a parental control app is just one part of keeping kids safe online. With the right tools, open communication, and a bit of support from your mobile provider, you can help your children navigate the digital world safely and confidently. 

 

Here's the FAQ section based on your requirements: 

 

 

 

Answer: Most reputable apps prioritise privacy. They typically encrypt data and have strict access controls. However, it's crucial to discuss the app's use with your child to maintain trust. 

 

 

Answer: While they can't prevent it entirely, many apps can detect signs of cyberbullying. They often alert parents to suspicious messages or language, allowing for early intervention. 

 

 

Answer: Yes, some free options like Google Family Link offer solid features. However, paid apps generally provide more comprehensive protection and regular updates. 

 

 

Answer: It's best to review settings every few months or when your child reaches a new developmental milestone. This ensures the controls remain age-appropriate and effective. 

 

 

Answer: Some advanced apps offer features for game consoles. However, many consoles also have built-in parental controls that can be used alongside mobile device apps.