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While summary reports about your child’s internet browsing are helpful, Net Nanny gives parents a bit more insight with several real-time options. Greer also notes that most devices come with great built-in controls that parents can benefit from, so Google Family Link may be a perfect, free addition to those controls you already have. “I think we have to acknowledge that there is no replacement for us being involved in our kids’ online activities.” “I really do recommend as a good base, but always caution parents who install them not to walk away thinking their jobs are done,” she explains. Parents shouldn’t rely on these apps to do all the work anyway, according to internet safety expert Katie L. It’s not a perfect app, but that might be a good thing. Also, it’s best for younger kids since control options become much more limited once a child reaches 13 years old, Google’s “age of consent” for individual accounts.
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However, it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles many other parental control apps do, like in-depth reporting, website blocking, and real-time monitoring. You’ll need to set your child up with a Google account, and from there, this app offers the basics, like activity monitoring, app management, screen time limits (including the option to lock the device remotely), and location tracking. Google Family Link is an excellent option for families looking for an cost-effective and simple app. There are three options, ranging from five to 15 devices, starting at under $60 for a year's coverage. The app is free for one device, but you’ll need to purchase a plan if your child has multiple devices. Qustodio works on phones and tablets with Android or iOS operating systems, Windows computers, Mac computers, Chromebooks, and Kindles. Parents also get daily, weekly, and monthly activity reports as well as real-time alerts when their child may be in a dangerous situation. Qustodio can block inappropriate and potentially dangerous content and apps, send parents alerts when their child tries to access a blocked website, track device location, and monitor calls and SMS texts. Parents can limit their child’s screen time with this app and monitor how they spend time on their devices-including everything from browsing history to time spent on individual apps to YouTube views and more.Īnd that’s just scratching the surface of what this app can do. While there are a lot of great parental control apps on the market, Qustodio ranks above the rest because it allows parents to keep tabs on all of their kids’ devices no matter where they are.
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