Nowadays, it's almost normal for a 7, 10 or 14 year old child to have their own mobile phone, and that means they carry it in their pocket. The entire digital world at your fingertipsFrom games and social networks to questionable websites, the range is enormous... and not always innocent.
What are parental controls and why are they so important?
When we talk about parental control, we are referring to any system, function, or application that allows mothers, fathers, or guardians manage how children use their digital devices: mobile phones, tablets, computers, consoles, Smart TVs, etc.
Most current parental control solutions offer a fairly similar set of key features that cover the main concerns of families, so that the level of supervision can be adjusted to the child's age and maturity level. without needing to be a technology expert.
- Limit screen time: set schedules, daily maximums or “sleep hours” in which the device is locked or only allows essential calls.
- Filter and block content: prevent access to websites for adults, gambling, explicit violence, dangerous downloads and other sensitive categories.
- Restrict apps and games: deciding which apps can be used, at what age, during what time slots and for how long.
- Monitor digital activity: see which pages are visited, which apps are used most, how much time is spent connected or even, in more advanced solutions, what messages are sent.
- Geolocate the device: know at all times where the child's mobile phone is, configure safe zones and receive alerts when it enters or leaves certain places.
All of this has a very clear objective: to help children enjoy the internet and apps while minimizing risks. We're talking about threats such as pornography, hate speech, online scams, casinos, malware, dangerous viral challenges, or cyberbullyingAmong many others. At early ages, the impact of this type of content can be very profound on an emotional, social, and academic level.
Various studies, including reports from organizations such as UNICEF, have long warned that early and unfiltered exposure to certain types of content, as well as excessive screen time, It is related to attention problems, mood disorders, learning difficulties, and conflicts in social relationships.That's why establishing clear rules and relying on parental control tools has become so important.
Parental controls built into Android: Google Play and Family Link
In the Android ecosystem, the first controls to consider are not external, but those offered by the system itself: on the one hand, the content filters of Google Play, and on the other, the family monitoring application. Google Family Linkdesigned to manage children's accounts remotely.
Content and purchase restrictions on Google Play
From the Google Play app you can activate parental controls for limit what types of apps, games, movies, TV shows, or books can be downloaded or purchased depending on the child's age. The system uses content ratings (e.g., PEGI or local equivalents) and it lets you set a maximum allowed level.
It's important to know that these filters only apply to the Android device where they are activated and are not automatically shared with other phones or tablets. In fact, If multiple users share a device, each can have their own parental control settings. with a separate PIN.
The setup process is simple: from your Google Play profile, go to Settings, then Family, and then Parental Controls. There, activate the feature, create a secret PIN, and choose the type of content to filter (apps and games, movies, TV shows, books) along with the maximum rating allowed for that specific device. thus adjusting the appropriate level of maturity.
It's important to keep in mind one key limitation: even if restricted content can't be downloaded, it may still appear in search results or via direct links. In other words, Play's parental controls filter downloads and purchases, but they don't always hide app listings or titles..
Troubleshooting PIN and locked apps
If you forget the PIN that protects Google Play parental controls, there's no magic button to recover it. The solution is to clear the Play Store app data from your device settings, which resets the configuration and It forces you to reconfigure the filters and the new code from scratch.Therefore, before doing so, it is advisable to note the current settings.
It is also possible that, after activating certain restrictions, Some games or applications may stop updatingThis usually happens when the new version has a higher age rating than the filter allows. In that case, the update will not be offered until the restriction is relaxed or the controls are temporarily disabled.
Another typical situation: content already installed before activating the settings may remain visible and accessible, even if it doesn't meet the new rating. For child accounts supervised with Family Link, parents can choose to manually block these types of apps on their child's devices. thus reinforcing the initial filter offered by Google Play.
Family Link: Google's "control panel" for children's accounts
Beyond Google Play, Android offers a much more complete solution for families: Google Family Link, Google's official parental control appIt is designed to allow adults to remotely control Android phones and Chromebooks associated with the child's account.
The system works by linking the child's or teenager's Google account to the adult's family group. Once linked, all monitoring settings (screen time, app permissions, content filters, location, etc.) are managed through the adult's account. They apply to all devices where that account is used.However, if the minor changes accounts, the controls will no longer be effective and will need to be configured again.
Family Link allows you to see how much time your child spends using their mobile phone and which apps they use most, set daily usage limits, set a nighttime schedule when the phone is locked, and authorize or block specific apps. manage sensitive permissions such as access to camera, microphone, contacts or geolocation and also locate the device on a map.
Among its additional features are the ability to force a password reset for the child's account, adjust the security of searches on Google and YouTube Kids, and review all devices where the same account is being used. In this way, Parents have a global view of the digital ecosystem surrounding the child..
Setting up Family Link step by step
The setup process takes place in two phases: first on the parent or guardian's device, and then on the child's. Family Link is installed on the adult's mobile phone, the "Parent or Guardian" role is selected, and their Google account is designated as the administrator of the family group. following the instructions shown by the app itself.
Next, it indicates whether the child already has a Google account. If not, a specific one is created for their use; if they already have one, it is linked to Family Link. The application generates a multi-character code that must be entered on the child's mobile phone when installing the Family Link version for children. so that the pairing between both devices is completed.
On the child's phone, when they log in with their account, screens will appear informing them of what parents can see and manage: activity monitoring, the ability to block apps, usage control, etc. It is necessary to accept these conditions and authorize Family Link to manage the device. After which, you can disable any already installed apps that are considered inappropriate..
Once this process is complete, the adult app displays all management options organized by sections: location, app usage, screen time, app list, device settings, and other supplementary sections. From there, limits, schedules, permissions, and blocks are configured according to the child's age and the family dynamics. being able to modify the settings at any time from the adult's own mobile phone.
Other parental control apps for mobile phones and tablets
In addition to Google's official options, there is a whole range of ecosystem of third-party applications focused on parental controls. Some specialize in web filters, others in location tracking, and still others in monitoring social media and messaging. They typically offer freemium models (a free basic version and a paid plan with extra features). And it's advisable to carefully review how they handle data before entrusting them with your family's digital activity..
The variety is enormous: from security suites with integrated parental modules to dedicated apps, and also more aggressive tools that border on extreme surveillance. This allows you to adjust the level of control to the child's age: more automatic blocking and powerful filters for young children, and more focus on reporting, dialogue, and digital education for teenagers.
Notable examples: Qustodio, FamilyTime, Kaspersky SafeKids, and Norton Family
family time It focuses primarily on managing screen time and blocking adult content, social media, or inappropriate games. It also includes geolocation, alerts when the child enters or leaves defined areas, SOS alerts, and the ability to review certain SMS messages. thinking about teenagers who already have more freedom of movement.
Kaspersky Safe Kids It combines app and website control with time limits and geolocation. The free version allows you to block apps, filter most adult content, and define lists of allowed websites. The paid plan extends protection to more devices, offers monitoring of some social networks, and provides more reporting and alert options. so that parents can see in detail where their child is going online.
Norton familyIntegrated into some Norton 360 subscriptions, this feature focuses on monitoring browsing and searches, with filters to block access to dangerous categories. It also allows users to limit screen time, monitor which apps are being used, and locate the device. with the addition of specific modes to reduce distractions during study hours.
More options: location tracking, "safe zone" and advanced monitoring
There are options on the market to suit all tastes. For example, locationgy It combines GPS locator with parental control of mobile phone use, content blocking and zone entry/exit alerts. SecureKids It is geared towards simple management from a web panel, allowing you to block apps, filter the Internet (including explicit sexual content), activate safe searches and view usage statistics.
Other solutions, such as Kids placeThey opt to create a kind of "kids mode" within the phone itself, with a home screen where only authorized apps appear. This protects the adult's personal information and Accidental downloads or purchases, as well as unwanted calls or messages, are avoided. when you lend your phone to a small child.
There are also more extreme tools such as Eyezy or MspyThese devices offer features akin to spying: keystroke logging, access to deleted messages, camera and microphone control, stealth mode, file analysis, calendar and Wi-Fi network access. They are typically designed for teenagers and raise many ethical debates. because the level of privacy invasion is very high and can damage parent-child trust.
In any case, the choice of one app over another should be made by considering compatibility (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Kindle, etc.), features that are actually needed (geolocation, app blocking, reports, call control…), ease of use and, above all, the company's privacy and security policy behind it.
Parental controls built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac
In the Apple ecosystem, parental controls come integrated in the form of “Use timeand the "Family" system. Through these functions, very detailed limits and rules can be established regarding What can minors do with their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and when can they do it?.
The first step is set up “Family” and add the child's account to the family group. Once done, the adult's device activates content and privacy restrictions for that account, enabling the entire battery of Usage Time controlsboth to manage access to content and to define schedules and limits.
In the settings iOS or iPadOSBy going to Screen Time and selecting the child's name, you can set a specific passcode to prevent unauthorized changes. From there, you can activate content and privacy restrictions and configure elements such as App Store purchases, access to specific apps, media services, web content, Game Center, and even advanced options such as explicit language in Siri and Intelligence.
Apple allows you to disable the installation or removal of apps, block in-app purchases, require a password for every transaction, and restrict built-in features like Mail, Safari, or FaceTime. It's also possible to block the use of apps with certain age ratings, or limit music, movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts based on their ratings. differentiating, for example, between explicit content and content suitable for all audiences.
Regarding browsing, you can choose not to apply filters, limit access to adult sites only, or allow only websites approved by parents. In this last mode, everything not on the list is automatically blocked, which can be useful for young children. although it requires more maintenance from adults.
Game Center also has its own settings: you can prohibit or restrict multiplayer games, the "add friends" feature, voice and text chats, the option to connect with nearby friends, as well as make changes to the player's profile, avatar, or nickname. These details help reduce the risk of Unwanted interaction with strangers in online gaming environments.
In the privacy section, parental controls allow you to decide which apps can access location, contacts, calendars, reminders, photos, microphone, voice recognition, Bluetooth, media library, and more. You can also prevent apps from requesting permission to track your child's activity. blocking certain advertising tracking models at their root.
Finally, you can block changes to other sensitive settings, such as your passcode, Face ID or Touch ID, cellular data, safe volume limits, driving mode, TV provider, or background activity. All of this, when properly configured, means that the Apple ecosystem offers a fairly granular control of what a child or teenager can touch and change on their device.
How to choose a parental control app based on age
Supervising an 8-year-old is not the same as supervising a 15-year-old. Their needs, perceived risks, and ability to communicate change significantly, and this should be reflected in the choice and configuration of parental controls. so that they do not become a constant source of conflict.
Independent testing labs have analyzed numerous parental control solutions, evaluating their filters, ease of use, and extra features. Reviewing these studies reveals that some apps very effectively block websites with inappropriate content, but also tend to block too much harmless content, while others are They are finer with the "suitable" pages but let more undesirable material slip through..
To test these systems, experts use dozens of website categories and thousands of addresses, some clearly dangerous and others suitable for minors (for example, car dealerships, online stores, educational websites). The challenge lies in the filtering logic. Do not excessively block pages that do not pose any real riskbecause that ends up frustrating children and may push them to try to bypass the controls.
There's a general consensus that, for children between 7 and 10 years old, a more automatic and strict blocking approach is best: if a useful website is blocked by mistake, the child will usually quickly turn the page and move on to something else. However, with teenagers, a more flexible approach to filters is better, supported by good logging and reporting features, and above all, in open conversations about what they see and do on the Internet.
In addition to filters, many parents value the ability to set schedules for device usage, internet access, or specific apps. Not all parental control apps include these schedules, and they are often limited to a single blocking method (the entire phone, the network, or certain apps). Therefore, it's worth carefully reviewing what type of Time tracking offers every tool before you decide.
Another differentiating factor is the web portals or online control panels: approximately half of the apps on the market include them, allowing users to view reports, lists of visited or blocked pages, search history, attempts to circumvent rules, and even locate the device. These centralized views greatly facilitate supervision in families with several children. because they allow you to monitor all devices from the same place.
Configure parental controls on the most used platforms
Beyond mobile operating systems, almost all major platforms where children spend time have added their own parental control mechanisms. Sometimes these are quite basic, but when combined with a central app or system controls, They help to close more flanks.
En YouTubeFor example, you can activate "Restricted Mode" from your account settings or the app, which filters out much of the potentially inappropriate content. It's not perfect, but it greatly reduces exposure to problematic videos, and it can be complemented by YouTube Kids and filters applied by tools like Family Link. to strengthen protection.
En AndroidIn addition to Family Link, the "Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls" section of the settings includes simplified options for limiting screen time and managing notifications, helping to reduce the feeling of being glued to the screen all day. iPhoneThe equivalent is the Screen Time block, which can also be used even if you don't have children, to self-monitor the use of apps and the mobile phone in general.
Messaging and social media apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok or similar platforms have introduced privacy and monitoring settings geared towards children: private accounts by default, limits on who can message them, who can see their information, and in some cases, parental control panels. These don't replace full parental controls, but They are a very interesting additional layer to always activate..
Even consoles have joined in: in Nintendo Switch There is a specific parental control section in the system settings where you can restrict games by age, limit daily playtime, block purchases, and review game history. Other consoles and video game platforms have similar sections. Therefore, it's worth reviewing them carefully when a new device arrives at home..
Taken together, all these options—from native Android and iOS settings to specialized apps and built-in controls within specific services—form a powerful toolbox for each family to build their own strategy. The key is finding a balance between security, privacy, and trust. adapting the level of control to the age, explaining the reasons for the rules, and periodically reviewing the settings as the children grow..
With a little planning, some patience, and the right tools, children can enjoy video games, social networks, and mobile apps much more safely, while adults have peace of mind knowing that there are reasonable limits and barriers against the most dangerous content and contacts. without having to monitor the screen 24 hours a day.
