12 Best Parental Control Softwares of 2024

In the increasingly digitised world we live in, our kids spend more time on the screen than anywhere else. Everything, from their social interactions to entertainment and education, occurs on smart devices and computers. With this level of digitisation comes a new set of challenges such as cyber threats, inappropriate content and addiction-forming indulgences in apps and games. Luckily, you can still have control over what content they are exposed to on the internet and how much screen time they are allowed through parental control software. Continue reading for all you need to know about how they work and which ones are the best.

What Is a Parental Control Software?

Parental control software is a type of application designed to help parents monitor and manage their children’s use of electronic devices and online activities. This software aims to protect children from exposure to inappropriate content, prevent cyberbullying, and limit the risk of contact with online predators. Key features typically include:

• Content Filtering: Blocks access to inappropriate websites and content based on selected categories such as adult content, gambling, and violence.
• Usage Controls: Sets limits on how much time children can spend on devices or specific applications each day.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Provides insights into the websites visited, apps used, and the amount of time spent on various activities, often with detailed reports sent to parents.
• Social Media Monitoring: Allows parents to oversee their children’s social media interactions to ensure they are safe from harmful content or interactions.
• Location Tracking: Uses GPS technology to track the physical location of the child’s device, helping parents ensure their safety when they are away from home.
• App Management: Enables blocking or restriction of certain apps, particularly useful for controlling access to gaming and social media apps.
• Communication Controls: Manages who children can communicate with via calls, texts, and emails, safeguarding against potentially harmful interactions.

How Does Parental Control Software Work for Parents?

Parental control softwares are designed to give you control over your child’s activity on a computer or smart device. With the software, you can look into your child’s browsing activity, call logs, messages, emails and even sites they are trying to access in real-time. You will be able to filter or flock content they shouldn’t be exposed to or manage how much time they spend on specific apps or sites. If you are using a free parental control software pc, you would have fewer features and control over a paid one.

Best Parental Control Softwares and Apps

Here are twelve parental control softwares that are great for children of all ages:

1. Windows 10 Family

The Windows 10 Family provides robust parental control features built into the operating system, allowing easy monitoring and control over children’s activities on Windows PCs. It offers activity reports, app and game time limits, and spending controls.

Platform

Microsoft Windows PC

Advantages 

• Built into the operating system.
• Free and easy to use.
• Regular activity reports.
• Blocks unauthorized spending.

Disadvantages

• Requires a Microsoft account for the child.

2. Qustodio

Qustodio is a versatile parental control software offering social media protection, app time limits, and activity monitoring across various devices. It’s particularly useful for managing teenagers’ online activities.

Platform

Windows/Android/macOS/iOS.

Advantages

• Excellent for social media protection.
• Very easy to use.
• Good support for mobile devices.

Disadvantages

• You need to pay to unlock the best features.

3. Norton Online Family

Norton Online Family, from a renowned security company, offers comprehensive parental control features including web activity monitoring and location tracking. Most features are available for free, ensuring children’s safety online.

Platform

Windows/iOS/Android.

Advantages

• Tracks location.
• You can set time restrictions on apps.
• Regulate social media use.

Disadvantages

• It does not support iOS.

4. Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky is another popular security software brand that has a robust parental control application to keep your kids safe on the internet. This one, in particular, is excellent for mobile devices and has features that can be unlocked through a subscription method. The software allows you to monitor their device usage time and the status of the battery in case they will be out for long and it might switch off.

Platform

Windows/Android/iOS/Mac.

Advantages

• Intuitive to use.
• Works well for mobile devices.
• Updates on battery status.

Disadvantages

• The best features need to be paid for.

5. Kidlogger

Kidlogger is versatile and one of the best free parental control software for mac along with windows and Blackberry. It gives you entire family activity monitoring capability by accessing five devices at the same time. Know where your children are, what they doing and the apps they are using at all times to keep them safe.

Platform

Windows/Android/MacOS/iOS/Blackberry.

Advantages

• Monitor up to 5 devices.
• Easy to use and free.
• Take a screenshot of the screens.

Disadvantages

• Does not have time control feature.

6. Net Nanny

Net Nanny is an excellent parental control software that works on all devices to allow you to monitor your children throughout the day. One of its best features is that your children cannot play the system by changing devices to work around the time limits. It has a strong filtering system for the internet that keeps inappropriate content out and you are notified regularly of all activity.

Platform

Windows/Android/Mac.

Advantages

• Robust internet filtering.
• Monitor social media.
• Foolproof to devise change.

Disadvantages

• Mobile versions have to be paid for.

7. Windows Live Family Safety

If you are looking for free parental software exclusively for your desktop then the Live Family Safety is a very good option. The application is free and can be downloaded from the official website. It allows you to monitor web search activities and set limits for applications and PC use. In the notification, you also get to access the real-time location for extra safety. The best thing about it is it is completely free for windows users and all features are available.

Platform

Windows PC.

Advantages

• Allows you to control screen time.
• Strong web content filtering.
• Real-time location access.

Disadvantages

• Few of the features are not accessible in the Windows OS version.

8. Family Shield

The family shield is a total protection package for all devices in the family. One of its most impressive features is the real-time notifications to block websites and filter content on pages. It can automatically detect content that is inappropriate for children and filter out content immediately. It also works on Wi-Fi enables extensions such as videogame consoles and iPod Touch to give control everwhere.

Platform

Windows/Android/iOS/Mac.

Advantages

• Website automatic blocking feature.
• Secure and reliable features across all devices.
• Monitors phone calls and texts.

Disadvantages

• Lacks the screen time feature.

9. Zoodles Browser

Zoodles is the perfect web browser for young children as it is a while browser designed and built for them. This software for Android cuts out most of the inappropriate content by default and still allows you to have control over other sites that need to be blocked. It has a range of features along with learning tools, multiple languages and storybooks that gives them access to age-appropriate content without having to navigate too much on the web. It is not suitable for older kids as they will quickly learn to work around it.

Platform

Windows/Android/macOS.

Advantages

• Specially designed for young children.
• Control screen time.
• Individual site blocking.

Disadvantages

• Premium features are behind a paywall.

10. FoxFilter Add-on for Chrome and Firefox

This is one of the best softwares for PC. The FoxFilter is not as strict as a parental control software as the rest mentioned here. However, it is a good add-on for a common family desktop to keep inappropriate content out. It works well with teenagers and grown-up children who can navigate unwanted content by themselves while still having the full internet experience. The best feature of the add-on is that you set for it to block any content based on keywords that you enter in. This keeps the PC open to all and yet offers some degree of protection from inappropriate content.

Platform

Windows PC.

Advantages

• Robust keyword blocking feature.
• Set alerts and notifications for inappropriate content.

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t work on mobile devices.

11. Spyrix Free Keylogger

Spyrix Free Keylogger offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities, including keystroke logging, website tracking, and application usage. It’s particularly useful for parents concerned about their children’s online activities.

Platform

Windows

Advantages

• Records keystrokes and websites visited.
• Monitors application usage.
• Stealth mode for discreet monitoring.

Disadvantages

• Some advanced features may require payment.
• Can be considered invasive by some users.

12. OpenDNS FamilyShield

OpenDNS FamilyShield is a free DNS-based parental control solution that filters out inappropriate content at the network level. It’s simple to set up and provides automatic protection for all devices connected to the network.

Platform

Compatible with all devices connected to the network

Advantages

• Filters inappropriate content at the network level.
• Easy to set up.
• Works on all devices connected to the network.

Disadvantages

• Limited customization compared to software-based solutions.
• May not provide granular control over individual devices.

FAQs

1. What age should I start using parental control software for my child’s devices?

Parental control computer software can be useful as soon as your child starts using devices independently, typically around the age of 5 to 7. At this stage, simple controls can be implemented to ensure safe browsing and appropriate screen time limits. As children grow older, the level of monitoring and control might be adjusted to suit their increasing need for privacy and trust.

2. Is parental control software easy to bypass by tech-savvy children?

While parental control software is designed to be robust, tech-savvy children might find ways to bypass restrictions, especially on less sophisticated systems. It’s important to choose software that is regularly updated and to maintain open communication with children about the reasons behind monitoring and restrictions to minimize their desire to bypass these controls.

3. Does using parental control software invade my child’s privacy?

Using parental control software can raise concerns about privacy, especially as children grow older and require more private space. It’s crucial to balance safety with respect for your child’s privacy by being transparent about the use of such software, discussing its implementation, and adjusting monitoring levels as the child matures. This approach helps maintain trust and teaches children about responsible internet use. A good parental control software will help to maintain this delicate balance.

So, this was our list of top ten+ parental control softwares. The internet, when unrestricted, can be quite a dangerous place for young and impressionable children. For your peace of mind and their safety using parental control software is the ideal option to manage what they go through on the web until they are old enough.

Also Read:

Easy Steps to Set Parental Control on Netflix
Parental Control on YouTube – Importance and Tips
Parental Control Apps to Limit Screen Time of Children
Parental Control Apps to Install in Your Phone