Parental control software is a type of software aimed at safeguarding minors from accessing inappropriate content for their age. It enables users to block access to various types of content such as pornography, violent material, and websites promoting alcohol sales.

Parental Control Software – How does it work?

Parental control apps function similarly, typically requiring installation on both your child’s device and your own. Once installed, you can access the app via a password-protected dashboard on your device. From there, you can monitor browsing history, block or allow specific websites, and even track your child’s device location, depending on the app’s features.

To manage shared computers effectively, you can apply parental controls to specific user accounts, ensuring that only you and other adults have unrestricted access while your child’s account remains safeguarded. Remember, while parental control software is beneficial, it shouldn’t replace ongoing conversations and education about online safety with your child. It’s essential to teach them the fundamentals of safe internet behavior and maintain open communication about their online activities.

The prevalence of internet usage among children and teenagers has increased over the years, with many starting at a young age. A study from 2001 revealed that 59% of children aged 5-17 in the United States used the internet. This usage begins as early as 5 years old, with around 25% accessing the internet, rising to 50% by age nine.

Recent data from the NCES indicates that 93% of children aged 3 to 18 now have internet access. This underscores the widespread presence of internet usage among young children in our society.

The statistics concerning internet safety for young children are concerning, to say the least.

• Over half of children aged 11 to 16 have encountered explicit material while browsing the internet.
• One-third of children aged 12 to 15 have come across content online that is sexist, discriminatory, or racist in nature.
• One in ten children between the ages of 8 and 11 have encountered online content that they perceive as unpleasant or concerning.

Restricting a child’s internet access entirely isn’t feasible as it can negatively impact their social interactions and future job prospects. Parental control software offers a solution by enabling you to supervise their online activities, filter out inappropriate content, and set time restrictions, ensuring a balance between safety and freedom online.

Each parental control application varies in its offerings, but they should all encompass certain fundamental features.

Content Filtering: A parental control application should provide content filtering capabilities, allowing you to regulate the type of content accessible to your child online. This feature typically offers customizable settings, enabling you to specify the categories of content to block, such as explicit, suggestive, or violent material.

On a personal note, having grown up with such software, I advise against setting the filters too restrictively, especially if your child needs internet access for school assignments. It can be challenging to conduct research or write papers when essential information is blocked. However, most programs offer solutions like whitelisting websites or making exceptions for academic content.

Time access: Most parental control apps offer time management features, allowing you to regulate your child’s internet access. You can set broad restrictions, like blocking internet access during certain hours, or specific limitations, such as restricting access to particular apps at designated times.

However, it’s essential to use these features judiciously, especially with older children. A complete internet shutdown might be perceived as overly restrictive or punitive, potentially causing resentment or encouraging attempts to bypass the controls. Moreover, it could hinder your child’s academic endeavors. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply such restrictions cautiously and with consideration for your child’s age and needs.

Message and text management: Some parental control apps provide the option to monitor a child’s messages, although not all offer this feature. While it can be a valuable tool for ensuring your child’s safety online, it’s essential to tread carefully as it may raise concerns about privacy invasion. We suggest using message monitoring sparingly and only if there are genuine concerns about your child’s interactions with potentially harmful individuals. It’s best reserved for situations where you suspect your child may be at risk of grooming or cyberbullying. Otherwise, it’s advisable to respect your child’s privacy unless there are compelling reasons to intervene.

Location tracking: Some parental control apps offer location tracking as a stealth feature, meaning it operates discreetly without notifying your child. However, it’s important to communicate openly with your child about using this feature. Location tracking is particularly useful for mobile devices and is commonly included in modern parental control systems. It can provide peace of mind for parents by allowing them to monitor their child’s whereabouts, especially in situations where safety and security are concerns. As with all monitoring features, transparency and communication with your child about its usage are key.

Additional features you must look for

• Invisible installation: Numerous parental control tools have the capability to install themselves discreetly onto the system, making it challenging for even tech-savvy teenagers to find ways to uninstall the program and bypass the filtering mechanisms.
• App blocking: This feature grants parents the option to completely block certain programs, regardless of the time of day or the amount of usage.

The price of parental control apps varies widely, ranging from free options to yearly subscriptions costing several hundred dollars. The cost depends on factors such as the number and type of devices you want to monitor. For example, software for Windows PCs usually starts at $40 per month, while Google offers a free parental control service for up to 8 devices. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a parental control solution.

A parental control app is most beneficial when employed collaboratively with your child, serving more as a means of education and protection rather than strict control. Over time, your child will mature and encounter the unfiltered internet. Think of parental control software as akin to training wheels on a bicycle, providing support and guidance until they’re ready to navigate independently.

Encourage your child to explore the internet in a secure environment while fostering independence and responsible decision-making. Adjust the settings of parental control software as your child matures, allowing for increased privacy and autonomy as they grow older.

Collaborate with your child to choose an app that meets both of your needs. Take advantage of free trials offered by most apps to test various programs until you find the right fit. Keep in mind that while parental control apps are valuable tools, they should complement, not replace, ongoing education about online safety. Use these tools as part of a comprehensive approach to teach your child responsible online behavior.