These days children are spending more time than ever on smartphones and tablets. They use these devices for studying, playing games, watching videos, surfing the net, etc. While using cell phones and the internet brings countless opportunities for learning and entertainment, it can also expose them to various risks. Exposure to inappropriate content and breaching personal information are some examples of the mentioned threats. As a responsible parent, it’s crucial to ensure your child’s online safety and protect them from potential dangers.

Parental control apps for Android devices are powerful tools that help you monitor and manage your child’s online activities. These apps allow parents to set screen time limits, block harmful websites, and more. So, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your child is using their device responsibly.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 parental control apps for Android, discussing their features, effectiveness, and functions. So first, let’s learn what features are required for a parental control app, making them stand out among the others.

What Factors Should You Look for in a Parental Control App?

When choosing a parental control app for your child’s Android device, you only need to look for several factors to make sure you choose the right app. Every parental control app needs to provide you with features that allow you to monitor your kids’ different online activities. For example, you should be able to:

• Filter your child’s search
  
• Block websites and apps
  
• Track their location
  
• Block some keywords
  
• Limit screen time
  

These are the basic requirements of these apps. Some may offer additional features that you may find helpful based on your conditions. So, by checking these factors and the features each app offers, you can understand which is best for you. Finally, consider their pricing plans and decide how much you’re willing to pay for them.

Top 5 Best Parental Control Apps on Android

Considering all the important factors, we have taken the time to make a list of the most helpful parental control apps that you can install on Android. These apps have been tested and proved to be effective for those parents concerned about their children’s online safety.

Qustodio

Qustodio offers various useful features, allowing parents to have control over their kids’ activities on the internet. The most outstanding features of Qustodio are activity reports and panic buttons for emergencies. Here are the other features of this parental control app:

• Setting Time Limits
  
• Web Filtering
  
• Games & Apps Blocking
  
• Limiting Social Media Use
  
• Location Tracking
  
• Pausing the Internet
  
• Tracking Calls & SMS
  
• Providing reports, Alerts & SOS
  
• Panic Button
  

One special thing about the screen time limit option is that you can set different time limits for different apps. Imagine you have limited the time of using the phone to 10 hours. At the same time, you can set another time limit for Instagram or YouTube. 

There are two packages to purchase: basic and complete. The basic pack includes the standard features, such as games & apps blocking, daily time limits, web filtering, location monitoring, and pausing the internet. So, if you need the other additional features mentioned earlier, you need to purchase the complete pack. 

Norton Family

Norton Family provides you with affordable plans while offering useful features. Its precise location tracking makes this app distinct from others. Here are the features you can find in Norton Family:  

• App and Web Filtering
  
• Time Supervision
  
• Location Tracking
  
• Limiting Screen Time
  
• Monitoring Web Searches
  

The app gives parents supervision on the apps their children install. Moreover, its location tracking feature lets parents know about some details, like favorite locations. Additionally, parents can automatically get an alert about their child’s location. It makes it easy for children to send locations to their parents as well. 

Kaspersky Safe Kids

Apart from monitoring and protecting children in the online world, Kaspersky Safe Kids specifically focuses on enhancing digital habits by offering screen time limits, app use control, and device scheduling. You can see other features of this app on the list below:

• Web Filtering
  
• Preventing Apps
  
• GPS Tracking
  
• Time-Limit Controls
  
• Getting Reports from Apps, Web, and YouTube
  
• Getting Battery-low Alerts
  

Besides all of the features above, you will have age-appropriate settings to change the app features based on your child’s age. Moreover, in case you are not happy with the app, you will have the option to get a full refund within 30 days. 

Net Nanny

Net Nanny is your best bet if you want to have ultimate control over the sensitive content exposed to your child. Apart from that, this app includes other required features such as:

• Screen Time Management
  
• Blocking Apps and Websites
  
• Tracking Location
  
• Internet Filter
  
• Blocking Pornography
  
• YouTube Monitoring
  
• Alerts and Reporting
  

Net Nanny contains 14 content categories with which parents can set filters and limits. For example, based on your child’s age or characteristics, you can decide to block any content that includes nudity, drugs, pornography, suicide, strip clubs, etc. Another great feature of this app is the parent dashboard. So, you can access your dashboard with any device and check your child’s activities.

Safes

Created by responsible and concerned parents, Safes has a special focus on children’s well-being in the online world. This parental control app offers all the required features along with additional ones to ensure a child’s online safety and educational performance. This app includes: 

• Screen Time Limit
  
• Activity Reports
  
• Location Services
  
• Smart Schedule
  
• Web Filter
  

If you have a big family, are busy with your daily tasks, are a single mom/dad, or are considered a legal guardian, Safes is all you need! The app has put lots of effort into protecting your children from cyber threats, such as adult content, cyberbullying, sexual predation, and other harmful content. 

Moreover, Safes is not only perfect for parents; teachers looking for Android parental controls can also make the most out of this app! Safes School includes everything a teacher needs to monitor students’ activities, manage classes, and track their studying development. 

How Much Do Parental Control Apps Cost?

In the chart below, you can check the pricing plans of every parental control app introduced earlier. So, you can make an informed decision about which one perfectly fits your child’s situation and your budget. 

Final Word

Parental control apps for Android are valuable tools for protecting your child’s online experience. By setting limits, monitoring activities, and blocking harmful content, you can rest assured that your children use their cell phones and surf the net without exposing to cyber threats. 

Furthermore, the most important factor is having open communication with your kids about the dangers of the online world and discussing the benefits of using parental control apps. Talk to your child about why you’re using these apps and involve them in setting appropriate boundaries for their online behavior.

Choose the right parental control app that perfectly meets your and your child’s needs. This way, you can provide them with the freedom to explore the internet safely, knowing you have the control to guide and protect them.