This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and was adapted for a UK audience.
We all have the best of intentions to entertain our children with outdoor activities, board games, sports classes, wood planing, etc., but it doesn’t always turn out that way. The screen is very convenient and easy. Needless to say, parents are usually exhausted by the realities of working weekdays. goodparenting.
Indeed, it is only a matter of time before we turn to technology to save the day. Nothing grabs a child’s attention like a desktop, tablet, laptop, or mobile, and there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s time to just accept it. Let’s be honest: Kids today don’t know a world without the internet or screens.
The problem, of course, is that the internet is full of dangers for children, including explicit content, bullying, and cybercrime. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of parental control software. If that seems a little new and scary, here’s a quick explanation and a selection of the best options to keep your child safe.
What is parental control software?
In the most basic terms, this is software that helps you manage all the devices your child uses and how they use them. It’s all about making sure the online world is a safe place for children. However, before you let your little ones go online or introduce any software, you should talk to them about the importance of safety.
How does parental control software work?
Parental control software allows you to monitor your child’s phone, tablet, or computer through an app. You can monitor your internet searches and browsing history, block inappropriate apps (or distracting apps during homework time), and restrict device usage all at once. It’s less invasive than physically going through your phone or computer. Children are also more likely to practice better cyber safety habits when they know their activities are being monitored or controlled.
How much screen time is safe for kids?
It’s easy to get caught up in blackmail behavior that goes beyond children’s screen time. It’s not the end of the world if your kids use more screens than their parents would like. Parents should give themselves a break to reduce the stress of parenting with a little screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly limits screen time for children under 2, recommending 1 hour a day for ages 2 to 5 and 2 hours for ages 5 to 8. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your kids about responsible screen use. Problems associated with too much screen time include weight gain, sleep problems, and general inactivity.
What is geofencing?
Parental control software can help you monitor your kids even when they’re not at home. However, most have GPS and a basic message that says, “Where is my child?” This is a great help for parents juggling multiple children’s schedules.
This location-based service allows you to set virtual boundaries around where your kids should and shouldn’t be, as well as set specific times they should be there. Let’s say your child goes straight from school to sports practice three times a week. The geofencing feature monitors your smartphone’s location and alerts you if your child doesn’t show up in the scheduled area on time. Teens may appreciate not being exposed to the question “Where are you?” text. You can also use geofencing to monitor your child’s web time when they are in a designated location. For example, some parents disable games and social media during school.
What is the best parental control software?
There are many parental control software options to consider, with something suitable for every family. We’ve researched everything on offer and handpicked the best services, including software from big names like Kaspersky, Qustodio, and Norton. Basically, we have done everything for you.
These are the best parental control software options in 2024.
