Why Your Family Needs Screen Time Monitoring Now
Your kids are online more than ever. Between remote learning, video gaming, social media and YouTube videos, screens are an inescapable part of childhood.
But here’s the truth: Too much screen time robs kids of sleep, and that is especially problematic for teenagers. Children might also come across inappropriate content or interact with strangers on the internet.
This is where internet safety apps come into play. You need these tools to establish healthy monitoring without micromanaging your kid’s every move. You can monitor how long they are on, block dangerous websites and even temporarily stop the internet during a family dinner.
The best part? You don’t need to know anything about tech to employ them. Parental control apps nowadays are made for everyday parents who just need easy solutions that work.
This guide will introduce you to six easy-to-use apps that protect your family on the internet. They all have unique features, so you can choose the one that meets your family’s needs and budget.
What to Look For in a Family Internet Safety App
Before we jump into the apps, here’s what you need to consider.
Easy Setup and Use
The app should be fast to install and have a slick interface. You ought not to need a computer science degree to understand it.
Screen Time Tracking
See how much time your kids are really spending on devices. Receive daily or weekly reports that reveal usage patterns.
Content Filtering
Block websites and apps that are not age-appropriate. The most effective apps even update their filters on their own as new threats emerge.
Scheduling Features
Put devices to bed, or establish “homework” hours with games blocked. Your kids can’t fight an automatic system.
Multiple Device Support
There’s no reason one app shouldn’t work across phones, tablets and computers. Your child likely has more than one device.
Age-Appropriate Controls
What works for a 7-year-old won’t work for a 15-year-old. Decent apps offer degrees of customization, for example, for each child.
1. Bark – The Smart Way to Keep Kids Safer Online
Bark works differently from the majority of parental control apps. Rather than block everything, it listens in on what your child is doing online and alerts you if anything goes awry.
How Bark Works
Bark scans texts, emails and social media for issues. It scans for signs of cyberbullying, depression, online predators and other risks.
If it finds something suspicious, you receive an alert. You can then figure out what to do about it with your child.
Screen Time Features
You can impose daily screen limits and make it so devices only work during designated times. Block access with app schedules during school hours or at bedtime.
Bark also allows you to pause the internet immediately from your phone. Want to round up your kids for dinner? Hit pause.
Content Filtering
The app prevents access to websites in 17 categories of content, like adult and online gambling sites. You decide what to block based on your values.
Best For
Families with tweens and teens that are active on social media. Bark monitors more than 30 platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.
Pricing
Bark Jr, which costs $5.99 per month, comes with screen time and filtering. Bark Premium, which includes monitoring for social media and texts, costs $14.99 a month.
What Parents Like
“One of the things I love about Bark is that it doesn’t spy on everything. It only bothers me when it’s a real issue, so I don’t have to sift through every text that my teenager writes.” – Sarah M., mother of two
2. Qustodio – The Family Dashboard
Qustodio offers one-stop access to your family’s digital lives. It’s loaded with features yet is surprisingly easy to use.
Screen Time Tracking
Exactly how are your kids spending their time online? The dashboard also provides a breakdown of usage in categories like social media, games, educational apps and others.
You receive daily briefings in your email. Spot patterns, such as sudden spikes in gaming or late-night phone use.
Time Limits That Actually Work
Define different limits for various app types. Your child could receive an allotment of two hours per day for games but be allowed unlimited time to use educational apps.
Different schedules on weekdays and weekends. The app presets the limits according to the day.
Location Tracking
Qustodio also offers GPS tracking to know where your kids are. Establish safe zones in and around home and school. Receive alerts when they come or go.
Call and SMS Monitoring
Check who your kids are texting and calling. Read messages, looking for signs of bullying or contact with strangers.
Best For
For the parents who value full control and detailed reports. Qustodio is a fine option for families with children of varying ages.
Pricing
Free version includes one device with limited features. Premium plans begin at $54.95 a year for 5 devices.
What Parents Like
The panic button feature allows children to send an emergency alert with their location. This is worth the price, many parents contend.
3. Google Family Link – The Free Choice
Google Family Link offers solid basics for free if you want internet safety at no cost.
Setup in Minutes
Get the app on your phone and your child’s Android. Just follow the setup wizard and you’re good to go.
Set up a Google account that you will be able to control. You review all the apps they download.
Screen Time Controls
Implement daily restrictions for device use as a whole, or for individual apps. When the time’s up, it locks itself.
Make bedtime routines for phones so they sleep while kids do. At that time, the device is rendered inoperable.
App Management
Monitor every app your child downloads. Permit or deny new apps before they launch. Forbid apps you don’t want them to use.
Location Features
Find out where your child’s device is at anytime. The map refreshes in real time, so you can see if they are at school or a friend’s house.
Limitations
Family Link functions best on Android devices. iPhone support is limited. The content filtering isn’t as strong as paid apps.
Best For
Families on a budget with young children who have access to an Android tablet or phones. Good place to start before moving to premium apps.
Pricing
Free with a Google account.
What Parents Like
“Now my 9-year-old can’t download random games without asking. Family Link puts an end to the endless app requests.” – James T., father of three
4. Net Nanny – The Powerful Filter King
Net Nanny has been an online family safety pioneer helping to protect families with their premier internet filter software since 1996. The content filtering technology is one of the best.
Advanced Filtering
Net Nanny is an actual real time scan of page content, not simply URLs. This snags inappropriate content even from seemingly safe sites.
The app filters out porn, violence, drugs and gambling in addition to other unhealthy content. You pick the categories you want to block.
Profanity Masking
Rather than blocking entire pages because of bad words, Net Nanny blocks the foul language itself. Your child sees the content but not the offensive language.
Screen Time Management
Schedule internet time and set times to log off. Having different rules for different days of the week would work better than a one-size-fits-all plan, both for school weeks and weekends.
The app gives detailed activity reports. Find out which sites your children are visiting, and how long they stay there.
YouTube Filtering
Net Nanny can filter YouTube videos based on their age rating and block certain channels. This prevents children from finding objectionable creators.
Best For
Parents worried about content that may be inappropriate. Net Nanny’s filtering does more than most.
Pricing
Plans begin at $39.99 a year for 1 device. Family plans, which can cover 5-20 devices, are also available.
What Parents Like
The content filtering even works in incognito mode. Children can’t skirt it with browser hacks.
5. OurPact – Easy Scheduling, Made Simpler
OurPact is about doing a few things really well. If scheduling screen time is your biggest concern, this app does the job fantastically.
Block and Allow Scheduling
Establish smart schedules to determine when devices work. Establish different rules for school days, weekends and holidays.
Permit certain apps even during restricted hours. Educational apps may be allowed while games are kept at bay.
App Blocking
Block specific apps or entire categories. Have social media go dark during homework.
The blocks are device-wide, so children can’t uninstall the app to circumvent rules.
Web Filtering
This is a basic content filter that will block out adult content (as well as inappropriate websites). It’s not as sophisticated as Net Nanny but works with the basics.
Geofencing
Create virtual fences around locations. Receive alerts when your child is in or out of these territories.
Best For
The parents who just want automated scheduling. OurPact eases the pain of a multi-schedule environment. Complex schedules are made simple to create and manage.
Pricing
Free version has simple scheduling for iOS. Paid plans begin at $6.99 a month.
What Parents Like
“The schedule runs automatically. I don’t have to remember to collect devices at bedtime anymore.” – Linda K., mother of two
6. Norton Family – Security Company Strength
Norton has decades of security experience built into their parental controls. The app works well with Norton’s other security products.
Video Monitoring
Look at the YouTube videos to which your kids are exposed. Norton scores videos and can block certain categories of content.
Receive alerts when your child searches for troubling topics.
Search Supervision
Track search terms on Google, Bing and Yahoo. Norton blocks inappropriate searches even if your child doesn’t click results.
Time Management
Establish guidelines for device use and particular apps. Provide schedules that follow your family routine.
You can also immediately lock a device if you want.
Social Network Monitoring
Norton pays attention to potentially problematic posts and interactions on Facebook. It searches for cyberbullying, adult content and other red flags.
Best For
Families currently using Norton antivirus and want all-around protection. Particularly effective with Windows PCs.
Pricing
Bundled at no extra cost with Norton 360 subscriptions. Norton Family without Norton Security costs $49.99 per year.
What Parents Like
And since it’s being backed by a security company, finding an update support for the device and protection from new threats will remain strong.
Comparing Quickly: Which App Should You Use?
| App | Monthly Cost | Best Feature | Best For | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark | $14.99 | Social media monitoring | Teens with social accounts | iOS, Android, Kindle |
| Qustodio | $4.58* | Extensive dashboard | Multiple children | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
| Google Family Link | Free | Price | Budget-conscious families | Android (limited options for iOS) |
| Net Nanny | $3.33* | Content blocking | Blocking adult sites | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
| OurPact | $6.99 | Scheduling | Automated time constraints on device use | iOS, Android |
| Norton Family | $4.17* | Integration | Existing Norton security customers | Windows, iOS, Android |
*Calculated from annual pricing
How to Set Up Your First Internet Safety App
And starting is simpler than you might assume. This is how to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 1: Sit Down and Have A Conversation with Your Kids First
Don’t install monitoring apps secretly. Justify your controls and how they function.
Frame it as protection, not punishment. You’re keeping them safe, in the way you do with childproof locks or bike helmets.
Step 2: Begin With the Basic Settings
Do not turn every feature on on day one. Start with some simple time limits and basic filtering.
Gradually add more controls as you figure out what works best for your family.
Step 3: Adjust Based on Age
Boundaries look different for a 7-year-old than they do for a 14-year-old. Set settings based on each child’s level of maturity.
You can expect to ease restrictions as children mature and demonstrate responsibility.
Step 4: Be Consistent
If the app cuts off games at 8 p.m., stick to it. Do not break the rules unless it is absolutely necessary.
Regularity promotes good digital habits in children.
Step 5: Review Reports Weekly
Do this weekly, looking at the reports available on the app. Seek out negative trends or opportunities to reinforce positive behavior.
Use the data to spur conversations, not big arguments.
Parents Making These Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
Being Too Strict Too Fast
Blocking everything creates rebellion. You can begin with moderate limits and tailor them to your child’s behavior.
Not Explaining the Rules
Children need to know why there are limits. Get on the same page. Spend time talking about online safety, and try to see eye to eye on expectations.
Setting and Forgetting
Download the app and review reports monthly. As your child grows, you have to adapt to their needs.
Apps Instead of Conversation
Tech helps, but it can’t take the place of talking to your kids. Talk about what they see online frequently.
Ignoring Your Own Screen Time
Kids model your behavior. If you’re overattached to your phone, they’ll crave the same liberty.
Indicators Your Child May Need More Supervision
Look for these red flags signaling the need for more oversight:
- Grades dropping suddenly
- Secretive behavior around devices
- Up late on their phone
- Withdrawal from family activities
- Mood changes after screen time
- Defensive responses to questions about online activity
These things are not always proof that something bad is happening. But they say it is time to talk about and possibly tighten controls.
Making Internet Safety a Family Project
The best answer includes everyone in building a healthier digital environment.
Create a Family Media Plan
Why not have a joint sit-down and agree on screen time rules? When kids have a hand in setting the rules, they are more likely to follow them.
Record agreements and display them where everyone can view.
Establish Tech-Free Zones
Give them places where they don’t belong. The bedrooms and dinner table are prime spots where many families ban phones.
Set up charging stations in common areas where devices sleep at night.
Model Good Behavior
Don’t use your own phone during family time. Your children figure out when you scroll through dinner.
Talk about your screen time struggles. It demonstrates that you’re also working on healthy habits.
Celebrate Progress
Observe when children self-regulate their screen use. Compliment them without being asked on helpful decisions they made.
Perhaps you can work on getting extra screen time by doing something nice or helping out around the house.
For more comprehensive guides on protecting your family online, visit Internet Safety Guide for expert tips and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way for my child to get around parental control apps?
Tech-savvy kids may be able to work around such limits, but good apps make it tough. Turn all security controls on and monitor reports to find out where people are attempting to bypass.
Is it O.K. to read my teenager’s texts?
Again, it depends on your family’s values and how often this type of thing occurs with your teenager. Some parents turn to monitoring apps, which send them an alert about worrisome language but don’t require reading every message. Offer different levels of trust and balance privacy with security.
Are these apps going to clog up devices?
Today’s parental control apps hardly even consume system resources. You’ll see somewhat shorter battery life, but you shouldn’t feel your devices have slowed down.
Can I have one app for my various devices?
Many apps are available across multiple platforms, but check compatibility before buying. Certain features perform better on certain operating systems.
What happens if my children delete the parental control app?
Good apps will refuse to uninstall without your password. They also let you know if tampering has been attempted.
Do these apps keep kids safe on school WiFi?
App-based controls function on any internet connection. Device-level filtering goes wherever your child’s phone or tablet goes.
What is a healthy amount of time for children to spend in front of screens?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens at all for children under 18 months, one hour a day for ages 2-5 and consistent limits for older children. Every family is unique so adjust as your child needs.
Is it possible to control my child’s phone from mine?
Yes, all of the apps we are spotlighting are designed to be remotely managed via parent app or web dashboard.
First Step Toward Digital Safety
Selecting an internet safety app is initially bewildering. You are making decisions about your child’s experience online and privacy.
Start simple. Choose an app from the list that you feel most closely addresses your biggest concern. Let’s say screen time battles are ruling your house, you may want to look into OurPact or Google Family Link. If unwanted content is what concerns you most, Net Nanny may be your safest bet.
Keep in mind that no app can substitute for parenting. Such tools can be most successful when used in conjunction with ongoing discussions of online safety, kindness and critical thinking.
Your children are growing up in a digital environment you never encountered as a child. Apps for internet safety can help you guide them through this brave new world and develop skills they’ll use for life.
The hardest part is just getting started. Download an app, place some basic restrictions and talk to your children about why digital wellness is important. From that first small action, your family’s healthier relationship with technology starts.
Technology is supposed to contribute to your family’s life, not take it over. With the right tools and perspective, you can empower your children to be digitally literate and self-motivated to flourish in their online life.
