Is Monitoring Your Child an Invasion of Privacy?
This is a tricky question I often get from parents. I answer with an analogy that social media and digital technology is almost like driving a car. Do you just hand your kids the keys when they are of age to drive? Nope. They have formal training through Drivers Education and then you as a parent have to sit in the passenger seat helping and guiding them. Why? Because although a car is a powerful and amazing tool, if used irresponsibly, you can crash, hurt yourself or someone else.
Social media is similar to a car — if used irresponsibly, you can hurt yourself or others. Do NOT feel bad monitoring them, especially early on. You have to see what they are doing from a distance so you can step in and give guidance when needed.
As Your Child Gets Older
As your child gets older, you may start trusting them more to make the smart decisions with their devices. You can choose not to monitor them or monitor them less frequently. Let them know that you trust them, but if that trust is ever broken, the frequent monitoring will return and they will need to earn your trust back.
NOTE: Regardless of their age, I think it’s important for parents to ALWAYS have the logins/passwords for all of your child’s devices. If there was ever an emergency situation and you needed access to those devices, you want to be able to access them.
Top Apps for Managing & Monitoring Screen Time
Finding the best tools to manager screen time and monitor activity can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, we’ve compared the top apps and tools for managing screen time, monitoring social media, and keeping your kids safe across devices. Check out the table below to find the best option for your family’s needs!
*NOTE* Below the comparison chart you can find more details about each tool.
| Tool | What It Does | Pros | Cons | Compatibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark | Monitors social media & texts, blocks apps and websites, sends alerts | Multi-platform, non-invasive alerts | Limited Snapchat monitoring on iPhones | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebooks | $14/month or $99/year |
| Qustodio | Tracks screen time, blocks apps | Multi-platform, detailed activity reports | Pricey for families with many devices | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle | $54.95–$137.95/year |
| Disney Circle | Controls Wi-Fi usage, filters content | Covers all devices on Wi-Fi | Limited outside home | All Wi-Fi devices, Circle Go for mobile phones | $129 + $9.99/month |
| Net Nanny | Filters web, limits screen time | Great content filtering | No social media monitoring | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle | $39.99–$89.99/year |
| Microsoft Family | Limits time, filters apps and games | Syncs across Xbox and Windows | Limited on non-Microsoft devices | Windows, Xbox, iOS, Android | Free ($9.99/month premium) |
| Apple Screen Time | Limits screen time, blocks apps | Built-in, free | Apple-only | iPhone, iPad, Mac | Free |
| Google Family Link | Tracks app usage, sets time limits | Free, Android-friendly | Limited on iPhones | Android, Chromebooks, limited iPhones | Free |
| FamilyTime | Blocks apps, tracks location, SOS alerts | Affordable for families | Limited social media monitoring | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | $27–$109/year |
| KidsGuard Pro | Tracks social media, texts, GPS | Advanced monitoring (Android) | Requires jailbreaking for iPhone | Android (full), iPhone (limited) | $29.95/month; $99.95/year |
| mSpy | Tracks texts, calls, social media, GPS | Advanced monitoring, discreet | Requires jailbreaking for iPhone | iOS, Android | $11.66–$48.99/month |
| Gaming Controls | Sets time limits, blocks purchases | Free, console-specific | Only monitors gaming | Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch | Free |
Key Takeaways
- For Non-Invasive Monitoring: Bark provides issue-based alerts without full content access.
- For Advanced Monitoring: mSpy and KidsGuard Pro are best for in-depth social media and messaging tracking but are more invasive.
- For Screen Time Management: Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link, and Microsoft Family Safety are simple and effective.
- For Home-Wide Controls: Disney Circle is excellent for managing all devices on Wi-Fi.
- For Gamers: Use Gaming Console Controls (free and built-in).
More Detailed Overview Below
1. Bark
What It Does: Monitors texts, emails, and 30+ apps (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok) for bullying, predators, and inappropriate content. Includes screen time management and web filtering.
Pros:
- Monitors multiple platforms and apps, including Snapchat (notifications only on iPhones).
- Alerts parents about potential issues without being overly invasive.
- Includes content filtering and screen time tools.
Cons:
- Limited Snapchat monitoring on iPhones (no disappearing messages).
- Doesn’t offer real-time activity viewing.
Compatibility: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebooks.
Cost: $14/month or $99/year (Bark Premium); $5/month or $49/year (Bark Jr.).
2. Qustodio (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle)
What It Does: A comprehensive tool for managing screen time, app usage, and web filtering across multiple devices. Provides ability to block apps and gives detailed activity reports.
Pros:
- Works on almost all major platforms.
- Detailed activity reports for parents.
- Allows app and website blocking.
Cons:
- Limited social media monitoring (no Snapchat or direct messaging).
- Premium plans can get expensive for large families.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle.
Cost: $54.95/year (5 devices); $96.95/year (10 devices); $137.95/year (15 devices).
3. Disney Circle Home Plus (All Devices at Home + Mobile via Circle Go)
What It Does: A physical device that pairs with your home Wi-Fi to manage all devices on the network. Includes screen time limits, pause internet access, and content filters. Mobile access is extended with Circle Go.
Pros:
- Covers all devices connected to Wi-Fi (phones, gaming consoles, tablets, etc.).
- Allows parents to pause internet access for specific devices.
- Easy to manage through a mobile app.
Cons:
- Limited functionality outside the home without Circle Go.
- No monitoring of social media or individual apps.
Compatibility: All Wi-Fi devices (Circle Go for mobile phones and tablets).
Cost: $129 for the device (includes 1-year subscription); $9.99/month after.
4. Apple Screen Time (iPhones, iPads, Macs)
What It Does: A built-in tool for Apple devices to set app limits, downtime schedules, and content restrictions. You can monitor usage and apply controls across all devices signed into the same iCloud Family Sharing account.
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Free and easy to use.
- Remote management via Family Sharing.
Cons:
- Apple-only; doesn’t work with other devices.
- No monitoring of social media or messaging apps.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, Mac.
Cost: Free (included in Apple devices).
5. Google Family Link (Android and Chromebooks)
What It Does: Lets parents manage screen time, approve app downloads, and set daily limits on Android devices and Chromebooks. Includes real-time location tracking.
Pros:
- Free and easy to set up.
- Includes location tracking.
- Controls app downloads and in-app purchases.
Cons:
- Limited functionality on iPhones.
- Doesn’t monitor social media or messaging apps.
Compatibility: Android, Chromebooks (limited features on iPhones).
Cost: Free.
6. Microsoft Family Safety (Windows, Xbox, Android, iOS)
What It Does: Offers screen time limits synced across devices. Filters web content, manages/restricts app/game usage across Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, and mobile devices.
Pros:
- Works seamlessly with Xbox and Windows systems.
- Syncs time limits across multiple devices.
- Includes location tracking (premium feature).
Cons:
- Limited features on non-Microsoft devices.
- Doesn’t monitor social media activity.
Compatibility: Windows PCs, Xbox, Android, iOS.
Cost: Free (premium features like location tracking: $9.99/month).
7. FamilyTime (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
What It Does:
Best for parents who want flexible controls across devices. Lets parents set daily screen time limits, enforce app blocking, apply geofencing, and provides SOS alerts. Includes a “time-out” feature to pause all activity.
Pros:
- Affordable and flexible pricing.
- Includes emergency features like SOS and geofencing.
- Easy to manage multiple devices.
Cons:
- Limited social media monitoring.
- Call/text monitoring is Android-only.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac.
Cost:
- $27/year for 1 device.
- $69/year for 5 devices.
- $109/year for 10 devices.
8. KidsGuard Pro
What It Helps With: Tracks social media (e.g., Snapchat, WhatsApp), calls, texts, GPS location, and browsing history.
Pros:
- Advanced monitoring of social media activity (especially on Android).
- Tracks calls, messages, and real-time GPS.
- Runs discreetly in stealth mode.
Cons:
- Requires jailbreaking/rooting for full iPhone functionality.
- More invasive than other tools.
Compatibility: Android (full features), iPhone (limited without jailbreaking).
Cost: $29.95/month; $49.95/quarter; $99.95/year.
9. mSpy
What It Helps With: Tracks calls, texts, social media activity (e.g., Snapchat, WhatsApp), and GPS location. Focused on detailed monitoring rather than screen time limits.
Pros:
- Advanced tracking of social media, texts, and calls.
- Works in stealth mode for discreet monitoring.
- Real-time GPS location tracking.
Cons:
- Requires jailbreaking/rooting for full functionality on iPhones.
- More invasive than other tools, which can erode trust.
- Expensive compared to less invasive apps.
Compatibility: iOS (limited without jailbreaking), Android.
Cost: $48.99/month, $27.99/month (3-month plan), or $11.66/month (1-year plan).
10. Net Nanny (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle)
What It Does: Limits screen time, blocks inappropriate content, and monitors internet usage on phones, tablets, and computers. Provides alerts for questionable activity.
Pros:
- Excellent content filtering for web browsing.
- Simple interface and easy setup.
- Customizable settings for each child.
Cons:
- No social media monitoring.
- Doesn’t track text messages or calls.
Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle.
Cost:
- $39.99/year for 1 device.
- $54.99/year for 5 devices.
- $89.99/year for 20 devices.
11. Canopy (iOS, Android, Computers)
What It Does: Canopy is a parental control app focused on real-time content filtering to protect kids from explicit content (e.g., pornography, violence) while browsing or using apps. It also prevents sexting by analyzing and blocking inappropriate photos.
Pros
- Real-Time Filtering: Automatically scans and blocks explicit content (webpages, images, videos) on apps and browsers.
- Sexting Prevention: Detects and blocks inappropriate photos on the device, even in messaging apps.
- Customizable Settings: Parents can block specific apps, categories, or websites.
- Safe Browsing: Ensures kids can browse safely without being exposed to harmful material.
- Ease of Use: Straightforward setup and intuitive parental dashboard.
Cons
- Limited Features Beyond Filtering: Unlike other parental control apps, it doesn’t monitor social media activity, calls, or texts.
- No Gaming Console Support: Doesn’t work on systems like Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.
- Cost: More expensive compared to tools with broader functionality.
Compatibility: iOS (iPhones and iPads), Android devices, Windows and Mac computers.
Cost
- Monthly Plans:
- $7.99/month for 3 devices.
- $9.99/month for 5 devices.
- $15.99/month for 10 devices.
- Annual Plans:
- $79.99/year for 3 devices.
- $99.99/year for 5 devices.
- $159.99/year for 10 devices.
12. Gaming Console Controls (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
What It Helps With: Manages time limits, restricts purchases, and monitors interactions on gaming consoles.
Pros:
- Free, built-in parental controls for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
- Simple to set time limits and block purchases.
- Doesn’t require additional software or apps.
Cons:
- Only controls gaming activity—no broader monitoring.
- Settings must be adjusted separately for each console.
Compatibility: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch.
Cost: Free.
