Parental Controls are software that restricts viewing or access to certain websites. It is a tool that helps parents monitor their children’s computer and internet use. Monitoring computers, mobile phones, tablets or laptops, filtering adult content and setting restrictions on such sites are some parental controls. Children today arguably have more access to digital technology than any generation in human history. Many children are exposed to technology from an early age, be it computers, tablets and smartphones, on average for about six and a half hours a day.
The best free parental control apps for Android
There are many parental control apps (free and paid) on the market. However, they all have paid membership tiers, but for the most part, the free tier only offers the basic features of parental control apps. There are very good parental control software available online that charge a monthly fee, but in this article we will only focus on parental control software that is available for free.
Fenced.ai:
Fenced.ai is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and best parental control apps on the market. The free version it offers is also noteworthy. Fenced.ai allows you to monitor your child’s online activities and restrict access to certain sites.
It helps you develop a digitally friendly home environment. You can enjoy it by simply installing it on your devices and registering the device you want to control. It also offers a demo so you can check out its working mechanisms.
Note: Only basic features are available in the premium version, additional features require a subscription.
Functions:
- Monitoring of calls, text messages and contact details
- Image and Video Surveillance Features
- Social media monitoring (Facebook, Instagram, Viber, Skype, WhatsApp, Snapchat).
- Monitor and set a time limit on the screen
- Track location
- Key sequence registration
- Warning System
Professional:
- A free version with basic features is available
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Quick and easy installation
- It offers a wide range of functions to track online activities
- A reasonable price considering the range of solutions it offers
- Against:
- The basic package offers fewer features
- Some advanced features require root access
- The number of monitored devices is limited
- Price:
- Fenced.ai offers three flexible pricing plans.
- Free subscription
- Basic plan $9.99 per month
- Premium plan for $19.99 per month
- Visit: fenced.ai
Kaspersky Safe Kids:
Kaspersky Safe Kids is another good parental control option. This powerful application provides you with all the features you need to protect your child in real time and while surfing the web.
The free version of Kaspersky Safe Kids offers a block list option that prevents your child from viewing inappropriate content online and allows you to set a time limit on your child’s devices. Apart from this, you can also take advantage of other advanced features such as battery monitoring of your kid’s device, GPS tracking and many more but you need to purchase their subscription.
Functions:
- App and screen time management
- Available for multiple platforms
- Comprehensive warning system
- Strong network filtering
- Track phone calls and text messages
- Low battery warning
- Block contacts
- Geofences
Professional:
- Budget friendly
- Simple and easy to install
- It offers a wide range of functions
- Free basic plan available
- Free seven-day trial
- No restrictions on device or child profiles
- Against:
- iOS platforms have some limitations
- Content filtering is limited to certain browsers
- Confused UI
- Sometimes a slow online portal
- It can slow down Windows computers
- Price:
- It offers two pricing plans.
- Free version
- Premium version $14.99 per year
- Visit www.kaspersky.com/safe-kids
Nanny Net:
Net Nanny is one of the oldest names in the parental control industry and a popular parental control software. It offers a full suite of powerful internet management features that a responsible parent needs.
It has an excellent web filtering feature and artificial intelligence to narrow down questionable or inappropriate content/videos before your child sees it. It allows you to create different profiles for each of your children and automatically filter content based on your child’s profile.
