As the extent to which smartphones shape day to day life increases, one of the biggest challenges parents face in 2022 is how to keep children safe when they’re online. Discussions about cyber safety and digital citizenship should be viewed as an open and ongoing conversation to be having with kids. But as parents are continually faced with new challenges and requests to access content such as social media or games it can feel like an overwhelming, even scary, task to try and monitor children’s online activity. Plus, what can you do when kids are using their devices outside of your watch?
We’ve pulled together some great resources and found the very best mobile safety apps to help you better protect your child’s online safety.
What type of things can apps do to monitor your child online?
When your child is using their mobile device there are several things you can be monitored to keep them safe online. The level of oversight you want to have on your child may vary depending on their age and maturity level. Many parents choose to have full oversight whilst others only check in occasionally, so whatever level of monitoring you want to implement into your parenting style you’re not alone.
Screen time limits, requesting permission to download apps, parental alerts when adult-oriented websites are accessed and screen mirroring off social media activity can all be implemented. Some of the features are available as part of the built-in parental controls on IOS and Android devices whilst others will require an additional app. These apps will vary in price with some being a monthly subscription whilst others are a one-off cost or free.
Top 3 apps to monitor your children online –
Qustodio
Over 4 million parents are already using this app to monitor their children and keep screen time safe. The interface of this app is easy to navigate and keeps everything simple. There are a few pricing options available, starting at £39.95 a year or £3.33 a month which covers 5 devices.
Here are some of the top features:
- Filter content and apps
- Monitor activity
- Screen time limits
- Location tracking
- Call & SMS tracking
- Real-time reports, alerts and SOS
If this sounds like an app that could work for your family you can give the premium features a trial for free. Plus the app is fast to set up and if you go for the Medium or Large Premium plan you’ll get priority support when setting up your account.
Net Nanny
One of the most highly regarded apps is Net Nanny. There are several packages available at varying prices, one we think is particularly good value is the Family Protection Pass for 5 devices, currently available for around £40. Cost aside there are so many features built into the app that allows you to monitor your child’s online safety.
Here are some of the top features:
- Parent controls
- Internet filter
- Screen time management
- Block apps
- Block pornography
- Block website
- Location tracking
- Social Media protection
- Youtube Monitoring
Whilst there is an extensive list of features you can utilise, actually implementing them is simple. The app has an intuitive design and provides you with a parental dashboard that gives you an overview of your child’s online usages.
Boomerang
If you’re looking for an app with the most flexible screen time features then Boomerang comes highly recommended. Not only can you set the limits, you can reinforce bedtimes, give time-outs or time extensions and encourage good app use.
Other top features:
- Monitor important words on texts (Android only)
- Limit who calls and who can be called (Android only)
- Location tracking
You can give the features a try free for £14 days and then a family pack (which covers 10 devices) is available for around £22 a year. Aside from getting access to a fantastic app the team also creates useful content, including a Podcast that enables families to navigate the usage of technology for their family.
If you’re looking for a great new mobile device for your children and want to save money, take a look at our range of refurbished iPhones and refurbished iPads.
