The internet is a playground, but it's not always safe. Modern parental control apps let you see who your kids are talking to, what they are watching, and where they are—without hovering over their shoulder.

Quick Summary: Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Qustodio The most comprehensive app for screen time and app blocking.
  • 2
    Bark Best for monitoring social media messages for bullying.
  • 3
    Norton Family Excellent value and works seamlessly on Windows/Android.

1. Qustodio

#1 EDITOR'S CHOICE

Qustodio is the gold standard because it is impossible for kids to bypass (and believe us, they try). It gives you granular control over every app on their phone.

You can set daily time limits for games like Roblox while leaving educational apps like Duolingo unlimited.

  • YouTube Monitoring
  • Game Limits
  • Panic Button
  • Call/SMS Tracking

2. Bark

Bark takes a different approach. Instead of just blocking sites, it connects to over 30+ social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) and scans private messages for signs of cyberbullying, depression, or predators.

It respects privacy by only alerting you when it finds a potential problem, rather than showing you every message.

  • Content Monitoring
  • Cyberbullying Alerts
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Location Alerts

3. Norton Family

If you already use Norton 360, Norton Family is often included for free. It is excellent for "School Time" supervision, allowing you to block distractions during class hours.

It also creates a dialogue by letting kids request access to blocked sites, which sends a notification to your phone for approval.

  • School School Mode
  • Search Supervision
  • Video Supervision
  • Included in 360
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