![]() ![]() is a tool for parents to set up screen time monitoring and web filtering. While Bark focuses on cyber-bullying and monitoring messaging apps, Bark Jr. ![]() With real-time alerts, parents can feel more comfortable letting the kids play with the iPad while they cook dinner.Ĭost: Bark: $14 per month or $99 annually Bark Jr.: $5 per month or $49 annually For now, Qustodio can tell you how much time is spending on apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp, and give you the option to block them or schedule their use. We like that you can keep track of who your kids are friends with, as well as suspicious messaging-a feature that really stands out compared to other services-but considering so few young people use Facebook these days, it might be more useful for Qustodio to update their program to include apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Qustodio also has features like YouTube monitoring and advanced Facebook and Twitter monitoring. It also tracks time between applications, so if your child says they've been spending the past 40 minutes on their school's math app, you can check whether they moved over to Minecraft five minutes in. I like this one because it allows you to completely block inappropriate content on a device, which makes it a good fit for managing usage with younger children. When checking in through the app, Qustodio gives you a rundown of search terms and app usage used by your child. We like it because it works across a variety of platforms, making it one of the few top-rated parental control apps that is available for both iOS and Kindle. Qustodio’s online dashboard and parents' app allows parents to see how their child uses devices, apps, and the web. Parental control apps can help monitor usage as well as limit time on certain apps.Ĭost: $55 for a five-device plan free for use on one device If you really feel the need to take these steps, communicate clearly to your child what you’re concerned about and why you, as a parent, are making these choices. “Gotcha” parenting could only encourage your child to get more clever about finding workarounds.Īs Common Sense Media points out, parental controls work best in an open and honest partnership with your kids. ![]() Installing spyware to secretly monitor your child’s online behavior is likely not going to earn you a lot of trust or goodwill. What parents should consider before installing monitoring software Here are six apps that we recommend to help reap the benefits of screen time while maintaining some much-needed parental control. There is no way any of us are going to survive if we put a lockdown on our kids' devices, but it's also a struggle to maintain reasonable boundaries without watching them like hawks. (Not to mention allowing parents to have a bit of quiet time.) Schools require screen time for online learning, while laptops, tablets, and phones can be valuable tools to help kids connect with friends. There is no way around it: Our kids are spending a whole lot more time on their devices right now. ![]()
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