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There are a lot of things kids can do online and on their cell phones that could lead to trouble. From porn and inappropriate websites to sexting and chatting with predators.
Parental control apps help keep tabs on your kids’ device usage and make sure they don’t encounter yucky content. Here are some of the best options.
Location Tracking
While it’s important to allow kids some independence as they grow up, being aware of where they are and what they’re doing in real-time is a necessity for parents in the present day. Thankfully, with the help of parental control apps and kid GPS trackers, you can monitor your child’s location and movements.
The best kid tracking software will provide you with the option to view your child’s location in real time and set up geographical boundaries (geofences) to keep them safe. You can also get alerts when they leave and enter these boundaries.
Depending on your comfort level, you might want to include your child in the conversation about using these tools and establish what their expectations are. This will teach them to respect your trust and show them how to use it in an appropriate way when they’re older. Plus, it’ll make them less likely to hide risky behavior from you in the future.
App Filtering
Effective parental control software monitors what kids see on the Internet. This can include content filtering that looks at text in apps or search terms on a browser and blocks access to sites that contain explicit material. Some also screen photos for nudity and mature content.
For example, some apps can monitor what kids download on their phones. This might look like an invasion of privacy, but it actually prevents them from downloading apps that aren’t suited to their age. For example, if your child has multiple calculator apps, that could be a sign they’re using it for something more malicious than multiplication and addition.
Some parents also want social media message monitoring for cyberbullying, which can occur anywhere. Some parental controls like Qustodio and FamilyTime monitor posts, feeds, comments and photos. Bark scans doc-sharing apps for images and other content too. Other features vary, such as how granularly the software can control the use of a device.
Time Limits
Screen time limits help kids stop spending too much time on apps or websites that don’t contribute to their real-world development. Set up daily limits for each family member’s profile, and then walk away knowing that they’ll be self-regulating their usage.
Parents can also use time limits for their own devices. It’s a great way to keep track of your own screen time and prevent digital addiction. And it’s easy to use. The parental control app has a four-digit passcode that keeps kids from overruling your restrictions.
The Admin console shows a red clock icon next to a child when they’ve reached their limit. You can see how many hours they’ve used their device for each day, and the time spent on certain apps or websites. You can even restrict their access to YouTube or other popular social media sites if you’d like. This helps you prevent screen time-related problems like depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality.
Reporting
Child control apps allow you to monitor what’s being downloaded and used on a device. Some software also enables you to monitor Internet use and track the locations of devices, all of which can help you spot warning signs and problems.
All health professionals have a legal and medical obligation to report suspected abuse. Most cases of abuse present in the emergency department, and nurses and physicians are often the first to notice it.
Mandated reporters must immediately notify the statewide central registry when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before them in their professional capacity is an abused or neglected child.
A CPS worker will review the information and determine whether an investigation is needed. If a child is at risk, the CPS worker will talk with the family, the child, or anyone else who might be involved in order to make sure that the child gets services and support.