Kids these days are practically glued to their devices! The internet is a fantastic resource, but it can also be a scary place.
So how can you keep your child safe online without hovering over their shoulder all day?
This post is here to help! I’ll show you 6 awesome apps that can help you monitor your child’s online activity.
These apps can block bad websites, alert you to risky behavior, and even track how much screen time your child is getting.
#1 Aura: Comprehensive Monitoring
Aura gives you a full set of tools to keep your child safe online.
It lets you know about your child’s online interactions and activities with features like real-time alerts and detailed monitoring.
This app helps protect against online threats like cyberbullying by notifying you quickly about any concerning behavior.
Also Read: Parental Guidelines For Children’s Internet Use
Plus, Aura includes antivirus and VPN services to enhance your child’s digital security, effectively shielding their online identity and activities from bad actors.
#2 Qustodio: Versatility And Control
Qustodio is like a Swiss Army knife for keeping tabs on your kid’s online world.
It’s a lot of tools to help you make sure they’re staying safe and using the internet appropriately.
Want to block stuff that’s not suitable? Qustodio got you covered. Curious about what websites your little one is visiting? It can track that too.
You can even set up time limits so your kid doesn’t spend all day glued to a screen.
And if you’re worried about them stumbling across something nasty, Qustodio makes it easy to block that content.
The app gives you a detailed look at what your child is up to online, so you can tell if they’re actually doing their homework or just watching cat videos.
The best part? Qustodio works on pretty much any device – tablets, phones and laptops.
So no matter what your kid is using, you can keep an eye on things.
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy – Qustodio is super easy to use. And if you do get stuck, their customer support is always ready to help out.
#3 FamilyTime: Management Tools
FamilyTime offers specialized management tools for overseeing your child’s digital activities.
It provides more than just monitoring—you actively manage their digital environment.
Want to make sure homework gets done before YouTube time? FamilyTime lets you set up screen time limits. Worried about that addictive new game or inappropriate app? You can block those too.
The app also has location tracking and geofencing, so you receive alerts when your child arrives at school or a friend’s house, ensuring safety without overbearing surveillance.
There’s even a panic button feature, so your kid can quickly let you know if they’re in trouble.
Also Read: 3 Best Apps for Monitoring Children’s Screen Time
And the best part? You can adjust settings and check reports right from your phone.
#4 Bark: Customization And Alerts
Bark offers customized monitoring for various social media and messaging platforms, letting you receive alerts for sensitive content.
This tool keeps you informed about your child’s online interactions across different platforms, giving you a comprehensive overview without invading their privacy.
Bark can analyze texts, emails, and activities on over 30 social platforms!
But it respects your child’s privacy by only stepping in when necessary.
The service costs about $100 per year, which is reasonable for the security it provides.
Bark isn’t just affordable, it’s also customizable, allowing you to change settings based on your family’s needs.
#5 Net Nanny: Content Filtering
Next up we have Net Nanny which is also a great choice.
Net Nanny does a great job of blocking and filtering web content. It offers the most advanced content filtering out there!
It doesn’t just block obvious bad content like adult and gambling sites; it also protects against violent material and other less obvious online threats.
Net Nanny lets you customize its content blocking to fit your family’s specific needs too
Net Nanny also gives you detailed activity reports.
These reports show you what your child has been looking at online, so you can make informed decisions about adjusting the filter settings and keeping strong online protection.
Net Nanny also has a real-time alert system that lets you know right away when it spots inappropriate online activity.
This tool helps you keep an eye on your child’s internet use and alerts you to potential issues like cyberbullying or seeing explicit content.
#6 Kaspersky Safe Kids: Safety Features
Next up on our list is Kaspersky Safe Kids.
This app lets you block websites that aren’t age-appropriate, so you know your child isn’t seeing anything they shouldn’t.
You can even set it up to send you alerts if your child tries to visit a risky website.
These filters don’t just block unsuitable content; they also encourage a positive internet experience by making it easier to access good material.
As your child grows, you can change the filters to match their needs.
Kaspersky Safe Kids also lets you see how long your child spends on their devices and what apps they’re using.
This way, you can make sure they’re not spending too much time glued to a screen.
The app works on phones, tablets, and computers, so you can keep an eye on your child’s activity no matter what device they’re using.
Also Read: Impacts of Excessive Smartphone Use on Kids
It costs $19 a year, which is pretty affordable for the peace of mind it gives you.
Bottom Line
You might worry that monitoring apps smack of spying, but let’s face it — in the digital jungle, it’s better to be a wise owl than an ostrich with its head in the sand!
With apps like Aura, Net Nanny, and Bark, you’re not snooping; you’re safeguarding. Each offers unique tools that blend control with care, ensuring you can protect without prying.
So go ahead, choose the app that’s right for your family, and keep your children safe!