Table of Contents
Nowadays, technology and the internet have become an integral part of our daily lives. Children are exposed to internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops from an early age. They can easily access inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying that puts them at risk. That’s why it’s essential to use parental control software that can restrict access to inappropriate or harmful content and keep our children safe online.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Parent Control Software?
Parental control software is a tool designed to help parents track their children’s online activities and set limits on what they can access. This software can block websites and applications, monitor text messages and social media activities, set screen time limits, and track your child’s location. It gives parents peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and secure from uninvited online activities.
Top Best Parent Control Software Recommendations
1. Net Nanny
Net Nanny is a comprehensive parental control software that allows you to block websites, filter content, limit screen time, monitor social media and text messages, and track your child’s location. It supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Net Nanny uses AI to block and filter inappropriate content and tracks all online searches and browsing history. Additionally, it features an app management system that allows you to monitor and control what apps your child is downloading and using.
Pros:
– Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
– Features an advanced content filtering system that uses AI.
– Comes with a location tracker to help you keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts.
– Provides real-time social media monitoring.
Cons:
– Its user interface can be confusing for beginners.
– It is one of the expensive parental control software.
2. Qustodio
Qustodio is another popular parental control software that offers users a range of features to keep their children safe online. It lets you block websites and content, set screen time limits, and monitor calls and text messages. Qustodio also features an app management system to track which apps your child has downloaded and used and can limit access to specific applications. It supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android devices, and even the Kindle.
Pros:
– Comes with a free version.
– Offers advanced features such as location tracking, call, and text message monitoring.
– It’s easy to use and has a simple setup.
– Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Cons:
– The free version has limited features.
– Advanced features like location tracking requires you to subscribe to the premium plan.
3. Norton Family Premier
Norton Family Premier is a powerful parental control software from Norton, an industry leader in cybersecurity. It allows parents to filter content, block websites, limit screen time, and track their child’s location. Norton Family Premier offers a secure browsing experience to protect your child from online threats such as malware and phishing attacks. Moreover, it provides you with a detailed report of your child’s online activity.
Pros:
– Offers a robust web filtering system.
– Provides detailed reports of your child’s online activities.
– It supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
– Comes with a 30-day free trial.
Cons:
– Its location tracking feature isn’t always accurate.
– It doesn’t offer call or text message monitoring.
4. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids is a free parental control software that offers a range of features to keep your child’s online activities in check. It supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and lets you monitor your child’s online activities in real-time. Kaspersky Safe Kids features a location tracker, screen time control, and app management system. It also enables you to block inappropriate content and websites.
Pros:
– Free plan available
– Features a simple and easy-to-use interface.
– Offers real-time monitoring of online activities.
– Supports multiple devices and operating systems.
Cons:
– Some advanced features are not available in the free version.
– Lack of call and text message monitoring.
5. Mobicip
Mobicip is another parental control software that provides a range of features to safeguard your child’s online safety. It allows you to block websites and apps, monitor text messages and calls, and track your child’s location. Mobicip supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Its advanced filtering system uses AI and machine learning algorithms to identify and block explicit content and offensive language.
Pros:
– Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
– Uses advanced filtering system to block inappropriate content and websites.
– Offers call and text message monitoring.
– Features a location tracker.
Cons:
– The premium plan can be expensive.
– Its app management system can be restrictive at times.
6. Circle Home Plus
Circle Home Plus is another popular parental control software that offers a range of features to keep your child safe online. It lets you block websites and content, limit screen time, and monitor your child’s internet usage. Circle Home Plus supports multiple devices, including iOS, Android, and even gaming consoles. Additionally, it features a unique social media tracking feature that allows you to see your child’s social media activities.
Pros:
– Has a user-friendly interface.
– Offers advanced features like social media tracking.
– Supports a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles.
– Comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
– It can be expensive, especially if you use more than one device.
– Social media tracking requires you to install a separate app on your child’s device.
Comparisons for Parent Control Software
To better visualize the differences between the top parental control software mentioned above, we’ve compiled a table below that outlines each software’s key features:
| Features\Software | Net Nanny | Qustodio | Norton Family Premier | Kaspersky Safe Kids | Mobicip | Circle Home Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | starts at $54.99/year | starts at $39.95/year | starts at $49.99/year | Free and Premium (starts at $14.99/year) | starts at $49.99/year | starts at $129.99/year |
| Ease-of-Use | Intermediate | Easy | Easy | Easy | Intermediate | Easy |
| Value for Money | High | High | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, and live chat support | phone and email support | phone and email support | Email support | Email support | Email support |
Our Thoughts on Parent Control Software
Parental control software is an essential tool to ensure your child’s online safety. There is no single "best" parental control software; each software has its own set of features that make it unique. Before choosing a parental control software, you should consider which features are most important to you and your family.
That being said, our top pick would be Net Nanny. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including an advanced filtering system and real-time social media monitoring. It supports multiple devices and operating systems, and its AI-based web filtering system is highly effective at blocking inappropriate content.
Whatever parental control software you end up choosing, it’s essential to remember that no software can replace good parenting. Y0u should still talk to your child about online safety and teach them about appropriate online behavior.
FAQs about Parent Control Software
Q. How does parental control software work?
A. Parental control software works by blocking access to specific websites, applications, or content. It can also limit screen time, monitor calls and messages, track your child’s location, or provide you with detailed reports of their online activity.
Q. Can parental control software monitor social media activity?
A. Yes, several parental control software allows you to monitor your child’s social media activities, including Net Nanny, Circle Home Plus, and Mobicip.
Q. Is parental control software legal?
A. Yes, parental control software is legal. As a parent, you have the right to monitor your child’s online activity and protect them from online threats.
Q. Can parental control software limit screen time?
A. Yes, most parental control software has a screen time management feature that allows you to limit the time your child spends on the device.
Q. Can parental control software monitor call and text messages?
A. Some parental control software, such as Qustodio and Net Nanny, offer call and text message monitoring.
In Conclusion
Parental control software is an essential tool to ensure your child’s online safety. We’ve listed some of the top parental control software and their key features to help you make an informed decision. Remember that while parental control software can help keep your child safe online, it’s not a substitute for good parenting. Talk to your child about responsible online behavior, monitor their online activity, and keep an open line of communication.