Spring Branch ISD

Parental Controls

Native Parental Controls

Ensuring the online safety of our children is crucial in today's digital age. One effective way to help safeguard your child's digital experience is through the use of parental controls. Parental controls can help manage and protect your child's online activities, whether they're using an Apple or Android device. Here's a detailed guide on how to set up these controls on both platforms using the native platform:

For Apple Devices (iOS):

Screen Time for iOS Devices: Apple's Screen Time feature, available on iOS 12 and later, allows you to monitor and limit your child's device use, including app access, content restrictions, and privacy settings.

  1. Go to Settings: Open the 'Settings' app and tap on 'Screen Time.'
  2. Set Up Screen Time for Your Child: If it's your first-time using Screen Time, select 'This is My Child's [device].' If you've already set up Screen Time, you can tap 'Turn on Screen Time' and then 'Continue,' choosing 'This is My Child's [device].'
  3. Create a Passcode: You'll be prompted to create a passcode. This passcode allows you to adjust settings and grant more time when limits are reached.
  4. Content & Privacy Restrictions: You can restrict iTunes & App Store Purchases, block inappropriate content, and manage privacy settings through 'Content & Privacy Restrictions' within Screen Time.
  5. App Limits and Downtime: Set daily limits for app categories with 'App Limits' and schedule downtime for periods when you want your child to be away from the screen.

For further details click here, for Spanish click here.

For Android Devices:

  1. Google Family Link for Android Devices: Google Family Link allows you to set digital rules, such as managing apps, keeping an eye on screen time, and setting device bedtime.
  2. Download Google Family Link: Install the Google Family Link for parents app from the Google Play Store on your device and on your child's device.
  3. Set Up Your Child's Account: Follow the in-app instructions to set up your child's Google Account. If your child already has an account, you can link it through Family Link.
  4. Choose the Right Settings: Once set up, you can customize various controls, including managing apps, viewing activity, and setting time limits and bedtimes.
  5. Manage Content Restrictions: You can also manage the Google Play Store on your child's device to approve or block apps your child wants to download. Additionally, you can control in-app purchases and hide specific apps.

For further details click here, for Spanish click here.

We encourage you to explore these settings and configure them according to your family's needs and values. Remember, open communication with your children about the use of these controls and the reasons behind them is crucial to fostering a positive digital environment.

3rd party Options

There are several other third-party parental control options available that offer a variety of features to help parents manage their children's online activity and ensure their safety. Here's a brief overview of some popular alternatives:

1. Qustodio: https://www.qustodio.com

Features:

  • Comprehensive Filtering: Qustodio offers detailed web filtering options that categorize and block harmful content in real-time, ensuring children are protected from inappropriate material.
  • Screen Time Management: Parents can set daily or weekly screen time limits for their children's devices, promoting healthy usage habits.
  • Social Media Monitoring: Qustodio provides insights into children's social media use, including time spent on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, although the depth of monitoring varies by platform.
  • Location Tracking & Panic Button: The app includes a location tracking feature for keeping tabs on children's whereabouts and a panic button for emergencies.
  • Call & SMS Tracking: Available on Android, this feature allows parents to see who their children are communicating with, enhancing safety and oversight.

Pricing: Qustodio's pricing structure is based on the number of devices you wish to monitor. Plans start from around $54.95/year for 5 devices, with options for more devices at higher price points.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros include robust web filtering, detailed activity reports, and cross-platform compatibility.
  • Cons might include limited monitoring capabilities on iOS compared to Android and the need for a subscription for full features.
2. Kaspersky Safe Kids: https://usa.kaspersky.com/safe-kids

Features:

  • Internet Content Filter: Kaspersky Safe Kids helps in blocking harmful content by categorizing and filtering web pages, ensuring that children are exposed only to age-appropriate material.
  • Screen Time Management: This feature allows parents to manage how much time their children spend on their devices, including setting up specific time limits for device usage and scheduling.
  • Application Control: Parents can regulate access to applications, either blocking unwanted apps or limiting the use of certain apps to ensure that children focus on important tasks like homework.
  • Safe Search in YouTube: Kaspersky Safe Kids enhances children's safety on YouTube by filtering search results to exclude inappropriate content, although it doesn't monitor viewed videos directly.
  • Social Network Monitoring: The software offers some level of monitoring on popular social networks, helping parents understand their children's social media habits and potential exposure to risky content.
  • Location Tracking & Geofencing: Kaspersky Safe Kids includes location tracking features and allows parents to set up safe zones, sending alerts if the child enters or leaves these areas.

Pricing: Kaspersky Safe Kids is priced competitively, with a free version offering basic controls and monitoring. The premium version, which includes advanced features like location tracking and real-time alerts, is typically available for around $14.99/year, making it an affordable option for many families.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros of Kaspersky Safe Kids include its affordable pricing, comprehensive feature set across various platforms, and ease of use.
  • Cons might include limitations in social network monitoring capabilities and the effectiveness of content filtering, which can vary based on the specific websites and platforms children use.
3. Net Nanny: https://www.netnanny.com

Features:

  • Real-Time Internet Filter: Net Nanny uses dynamic filtering technology to analyze and block harmful content as it appears, adapting to the context of the web page.
  • Screen Time Management: Parents can manage and schedule the amount of time children spend on their devices, encouraging balanced usage.
  • App Management: This feature allows parents to see which apps are being used and for how long, with the option to block or allow apps.
  • Location Tracking: Net Nanny includes a feature for tracking the location of children's devices, offering peace of mind about their whereabouts.

Pricing: Net Nanny offers various plans, starting at around $39.99/year for a single device, with family plans covering up to 20 devices for a higher fee.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros encompass its cutting-edge content filtering technology and extensive device coverage.
  • Cons might include the cost, especially for families needing to monitor multiple devices, and limited social media monitoring capabilities.
4. Circle Home Plus: https://meetcircle.com

Features:

  • Content Filtering & Time Limits: Circle allows parents to set up filters for different content categories and establish time limits for both individual apps and overall internet use.
  • Pause the Internet: With a single button, parents can pause internet access on their child's device, useful for dinner times or bedtime.
  • Rewards: Parents can reward their children with additional online time for good behavior.
  • Location Tracking: The service includes the ability to track family members' device locations.

Pricing: Circle Home Plus requires the purchase of a device, priced at around $129, which includes a 1-year subscription. After the first year, the service costs approximately $9.99/month.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros are its user-friendly interface and comprehensive control over home network devices.
  • Cons include the need for a physical device and the ongoing subscription cost after the first year.
5. FamilyTime: https://familytime.io

Features:

  • Dashboard Monitoring: FamilyTime offers a central dashboard to monitor and manage all child devices, providing insights into app usage, call logs, and more.
  • Time Limits & Schedules: Parents can set up schedules for study, sleep, and play, ensuring children have a balanced digital lifestyle.
  • SOS & Pick Me Up: Children can send instant SOS alerts or pick-me-up requests from their devices, enhancing safety.
  • Geofencing & Location Tracking: This feature allows parents to set up safe zones and receive alerts when their children enter or leave these areas.

Pricing: FamilyTime's pricing starts at around $27/year for a single device, with various packages available to cover more devices.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros include its intuitive interface, emergency features, and affordable pricing for single-device monitoring.
  • Cons might focus on the varying functionality across different platforms and additional cost for multi-device plans.
6. Bark: https://bark.us

Features:

  • Content Monitoring: Bark specializes in monitoring texts, emails, and over 30+ social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying, adult content, suicidal ideation, and more, providing parents with alerts.
  • Screen Time & Web Filtering: Parents can set screen time schedules and filter access to websites, managing online exposure.
  • Location Tracking: Bark includes location tracking and check-in features, helping parents stay informed about their children's whereabouts.

Pricing: Bark offers a premium plan at around $99/year, which includes all monitoring and management features.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros of Bark are its comprehensive social media and messaging monitoring capabilities, making it a strong choice for digital safety.
  • Cons might include the annual pricing model, which might be higher upfront compared to monthly options, and the potential for privacy concerns given the extent of monitoring.
7. Norton: https://us.norton.com/products/norton-family

Norton offers a comprehensive parental control solution called Norton Family, which includes a variety of features to help parents monitor and manage their children's online activities. Here's a summary of what Norton Family offers and the pricing information:

Features:

  • Web Filters: Norton Family provides 47 filter categories to block inappropriate content based on the child's age. Parents can customize these settings to block, warn, or monitor their child's web activity.
  • Search Supervision: It enforces safe search options on popular search engines and is recommended to use the Norton Family app as the web browser on mobile devices for effective filtering.
  • Application Rules: The service offers detailed control over app usage, particularly on Android, where it's possible to block any app. This feature is limited on iOS devices.
  • Social Media Monitoring: Norton Family's capabilities to monitor social media are somewhat limited. For instance, it can monitor Facebook only on Windows, and parents need to use workarounds on mobile devices.
  • Age Filters and Time Limits: The software allows setting filters and screen time limits based on the child's age, with customizable settings for allowable and blocked hours.
  • Location Tracking: Available for both Android and iOS, Norton Family can track the child's location.
  • Device Compatibility: Norton Family works on Windows, Android, and iOS devices, with more comprehensive features available on Android.

Pricing:

  • Norton Family Premier: Available for $49.99/year, this standalone program offers the full suite of parental control features.
  • Norton Premium Security: Priced at $59.99/year, this package includes Norton Family Premier along with additional security features.
  • Special Offer: Norton 360 Deluxe, which includes parental controls as part of a 5-device protection package, is available for $49.99, offering a $50 saving.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros include comprehensive activity tracking, no limit on the number of monitored devices, flexible content blocking, and location tracking.
  • Cons highlight the limited support on iOS, lack of Mac compatibility, and less effective social media tracking.

Disclaimer: SBISD does not endorse or recommend any specific native or third-party parental control solution over another. The information provided is intended to serve as a resource for parents and guardians to make informed decisions about their children's online safety. It is crucial for parents and guardians to review and evaluate the features, capabilities, and terms of service of any parental control tool to ensure it aligns with their family's needs and values. While the use of parental control software can be an important component in safeguarding children's online experiences, it is just one aspect of promoting a safe and responsible digital environment. We encourage parents and guardians to engage in open and ongoing conversations with their children about online safety, respect, and responsible internet use.