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A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 95 percent of teens who go online use social media, and nearly half of those say they are online almost constantly. With so much of our children’s lives taking place on social media platforms, it is more important than ever for parents to be proactive in monitoring their online activity. One way to do this is by using a parental control app. But are parental control apps necessary? And how do they work?
What are parental control apps and how do they work?
Parental control software is a must-have for parents’ peace of mind. These are third-party software programs that will be downloaded to a suitable device, such as smartphones and tablets. In most situations, you’ll need to install it on your phone and the phone you want to monitor. There are many applications that don’t need to be jailbroken or rooted. Then you’ll be able to track the child’s online activity or block certain content. Some parental control apps also allow parents to set time limits on how long their child can use certain apps or be online.
What are the dangers of internet for young people?
For kids, the internet is a dangerous environment that needs to be guarded against. This alone is enough to show why they need protection. The following are some of the risks of surfing the web, which you might better manage with the aid of effective parental control software:
Social media: Most social media platforms are designed for users aged 13 and up. That doesn’t stop younger kids from signing up, though. Once they’re on, they can be exposed to age-inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and stranger danger.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is a growing problem among young people. It’s easier for bullies to target their victims online because they can do it anonymously. And the effects can be just as damaging as traditional bullying, if not more so.
Pornography: It’s estimated that one in three internet users has stumbled across pornography while online. This is especially true of kids who are accidentally exposed to it while searching for something else. But even if they’re not looking for it, they can still be exposed to explicit content through pop-ups, ads, and other online content.
Violence: There’s no shortage of violent content on the internet. From video games to news stories, kids can be exposed to graphic images and videos that can be disturbing or even traumatizing.
Malware: Malicious software, or malware, is a growing problem on the internet. It can infect your computer or device and allow hackers to access your personal information or commit identity theft.
Anonymous chatting apps at sleepovers: While anonymous chat apps like Sarahah and Whisper may seem harmless, they can actually be used for cyberbullying and other malicious purposes. Kids should avoid using these apps altogether.
How to choose best parental control app?
When choosing a parental control app, you’ll want to consider its features, ease of use, and cost. Some apps are more comprehensive than others, offering features like call and text blocking, web filtering, location tracking, and more. Others are more basic, only allowing you to block certain websites or set time limits on device usage.
Ease of use is also important. You’ll want an app that’s easy to install and navigate so you can quickly find the information or settings you’re looking for. And finally, cost is always a consideration. Some parental control apps are free while others come with a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
Best parental control apps
There are a number of different parental control apps available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your family. More information about how to do it you can find on sociosite. To help you make a decision, we’ve rounded up some of the best parental control apps below.
SpyX
SpyX: SpyX is our top pick. With SpyX, you don’t need to install any app on the target iOS or Android devices. Even the most tech-savvy kids won’t notice anything has changed. SpyX is an all-in-one parental control app, it supports tracking cell phone location, WhatsApp, photos and other 40+apps. More stable than similar products, no need to connect frequently, continuously effective.
mSpy: mSpy is a comprehensive parental control app with a wide range of features. It can be used to track your child’s location, monitor their online activity, block certain apps and websites, set time limits on device usage, and more.
Norton Family Premier: Norton Family Premier is a comprehensive parental control app that offers features like web filtering, location tracking, and app blocking. It also lets you set time limits on device usage and see your child’s online activity.
Qustodio: Qustodio is an all-in-one parental control solution that offers features like web filtering, screen time limits, and app blocking. It also includes a GPS tracker so you can see your child’s location at all times.
eyeZy: eyeZy is a simple parental control app that offers features like web filtering and app blocking. It’s easy to use and comes with a free trial so you can try it before you buy it.
Conclusion
Parental control apps can be a valuable tool for parents who want to monitor their kids’ online activity and protect them from harmful content. When choosing an app, consider its features, ease of use, and cost. And remember, no single app is perfect, so it’s important to have an open dialogue with your kids about their online activity and what they should do if they come across something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
