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As parents, we always want the best for our children, and that includes ensuring their safety and well-being as they navigate the digital world.
Today, mobile devices have become an essential tool for children's education, entertainment and communication.
However, they also present risks, such as access to inappropriate content or exposure to unwanted interactions.
Fortunately, technological advances offer us powerful tools to monitor and manage our children's mobile device use.
In this article, we will explore some of the best apps to monitor your children safely, without invading their privacy, but giving you the peace of mind of knowing that they are well protected.
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Through these apps, you can have more precise control over the time they spend online, the apps they use, and the interactions they have on their devices.
If you are looking for an effective way to keep your children safe in the digital world, read on, because we have gathered the best options for you.
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Why use apps to monitor your children?
It's only natural that as parents, we look for ways to protect our children as they explore the vast digital world. While mobile devices can be a great educational and entertainment tool, they can also expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or unwanted interactions with strangers.
Monitoring apps allow parents to have control over:
- Screen time: Set limits on how much time children can spend in front of their device screens.
- Inappropriate content: Filter content that may not be suitable for your age, such as violent videos, inappropriate websites, or dangerous apps.
- Location and real-time location: Track children's location to make sure they are where they need to be.
- Social media interactions: Monitor conversations and activities on social networks to protect children from potential online risks.
In short, these apps not only provide control, but also offer peace of mind, allowing parents to be more active in their children's digital education.
The 3 Best Apps to Monitor Your Children
Below, we present three of the best apps for monitoring your children, each with unique features that can be adapted to the needs of you and your family.
1. Qustodio: Best for Complete Parental Control
Main Features
Qustodio is one of the most complete and popular apps for parental control. It offers a wide range of features that allow you to monitor your children's activities on their mobile devices, from messages to the apps they use and the time they spend in front of the screen.
One of its most notable features is its control panel, from which you can view how your children use their devices. In addition, you can set time limits on applications and websites that you consider inappropriate or harmful.
Pros:
- Real-time monitoring: You can see your children's real-time activities, including the apps they use, the websites they visit, and the calls or messages they send.
- Content filters: Qustodio offers advanced filters to block inappropriate content based on your child's age.
- Geolocation: The geolocation function allows you to know the location of your children at all times.
- Detailed reports: You receive weekly and daily reports on your children's use of their devices.
Cons:
- Price: Although it has a free version, many of its advanced features are available only in the premium version, which requires a subscription.
- Limitation on devices: On the free plan, only up to 1 device can be monitored, which can be limiting if you have multiple children.
2. Google Family Link: Ideal for Younger Children
Main Features
Family Link is a great option for parents looking to monitor their children, especially if they are younger.
This app, developed by Google, allows parents to manage their children's use of Android devices. Family Link gives you tools to set time limits, approve or block apps, and monitor activity on the apps they use.
Additionally, Family Link allows parents to view their children's location and manage their children's Google account settings.
Pros:
- FreeFamily Link is completely free, making it an accessible option for all parents.
- Easy to use: Its interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it ideal for less technological parents.
- Control over applications: You can approve or block apps before kids download them, ensuring they only use appropriate apps.
- Geolocation: Allows you to track the real-time location of linked devices.
Cons:
- Only for Android devices: Family Link is only compatible with Android devices, making it incompatible for families with children using iOS.
- Limited functions: While it is a great tool for controlling Android devices, it does not have as many advanced features as other parental control apps.
3. Norton Family: Content Filters and In-Depth Monitoring
Main Features
Norton Family is one of the most popular and effective monitoring solutions.
Provides detailed control over your child's online activities, with tools to block inappropriate content, monitor social media activity, and track location.
The app provides daily and weekly reports on the websites children visit, the searches they perform, and the time they spend on their devices.
You can also set time limits on apps and websites to ensure that children are not exposed to dangerous content.
Pros:
- Advanced content filters: Norton Family is known for its powerful content filters, which block websites and content inappropriate for children's ages.
- Social media monitoring: Allows monitoring of children's interactions on social networks, which is essential for detecting potential risks.
- Detailed reports: Provides you with comprehensive reports on your children's online activities, allowing you to stay on top of what they are doing on the web.
- Geolocation: You can track your children's location in real time.
Cons:
- Cost: Although it has a free trial version, most features are only available through a paid subscription.
- Limited compatibility: Some features are only available on Android and iOS devices, but not on all devices.
Comparison of the three applications
| Feature | Custodian | Family Link | Norton Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Control | Yes, blocking and filtering | Approval and blocking | Yes, blocking and filtering |
| Geolocation | Yeah | Yeah | Yeah |
| Detailed reports | Yeah | No | Yeah |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android only | Android and iOS |
| Free version | Yes, limited | Yes, completely free | Yes, limited |
| Cost | Premium subscription | Free | Premium subscription |
Which one is best for you?
Each of these apps has its own advantages, depending on the specific needs you have as a parent.
If you are looking for a complete tool with advanced filters and detailed reports, Custodian is an excellent option.
If your children are younger and you use Android devices, Family Link is an easy and free option. If you prefer a more focused approach to online security and social media, Norton Family may be what you need.
Conclusion
In an increasingly digital world, monitoring your children's online activities is an important way to ensure their safety.
Parental control apps not only allow you to manage screen time, but also protect children from inappropriate content and the dangers of the digital world.
With tools like Custodian, Family Link and Norton Family, you have powerful solutions at your disposal to ensure that your children browse the Internet safely and responsibly.
