Playing, chatting, researching – children are out and about in the digital world from an early age. While parents can still closely supervise children of kindergarten or early primary school age, children from the age of around 10 often have their own devices. So how can parents know what their children are doing online and protect them from unsuitable content and dangers? Many families use parental control apps for this purpose.
Parental control apps come in a variety of flavors. They help to regulate usage times, make settings on the child’s device or block certain websites and content. GPS tracking of the device – and therefore the child – is also possible. This should not be about monitoring and control, but about protecting and guiding your child. Below we present some apps and their advantages and possible limitations.
Before you decide on an app, it is important to discuss the framework conditions and requirements with your child. Do you primarily want to set the screen time or use GPS functions for the way to school, for example? Or is it about choosing the content that your child can use? Be sure to discuss such questions together and then select an app and suitable settings that you have agreed on together – because only if your child understands the rules and your reasons will they accept them and stick to them.
The app, which regularly receives good ratings from Stiftung Warentest, costs around 15 euros a year for one device and works on Android smartphones and Windows PCs. Parents can set individual time limits and restrictions for individual apps and websites. Unwanted sites can also be blocked using filters. The app also provides insight into the child’s usage behavior. However, anonymized data is forwarded to third parties – this could potentially be misused through possible data leaks.
This free app from Google can be used on Android and iOS devices as well as PCs. Parents link it to their child’s Google account. App downloads, internet usage and screen time can be managed centrally. Parents can track which apps and content their child is using via a reporting area. The settings are valid across all devices. However, a Google account is required to use the app and personal data is stored in the Google Cloud. Older children can sometimes find instructions online on how to bypass protective functions.
On Apple devices, the parental control settings are integrated directly into the operating system. Parents can approve downloads and purchases, set usage times and filter content such as websites or apps based on age ratings. A location check is also possible. An Apple ID account is required for this. The data is stored in the Apple Cloud, just like Google.
The service works on Windows PCs and Android devices. A Microsoft account is required for use, which is used to link the family members. Schedules, content filters and purchase restrictions can be set for the entire children’s account. In addition, locations can be shared and whereabouts can be saved – although this is very intrusive in terms of privacy. Microsoft emphasizes data protection, but parents should carefully consider which functions are really necessary.
This app works across all devices and costs between 30 and 40 euros per year as a subscription. Parents can set screen time, set up media breaks and locate the devices. There is a separate app for children with an overview of their own usage behavior and an emergency button for problematic content. The app does not provide detailed content reports and only transmits general usage data, but promises to reliably filter harmful content. Those who want more control and insight may reach their limits here.
JusProg is the only state-approved youth protection program in Germany. The app runs on all common operating systems, is free of charge and ad-free and places particular emphasis on data protection. The focus is on filtering Internet content according to age. Usage times can also be restricted. However, it is not possible to monitor or locate the child with JusProg – the app clearly sees itself as an educational tool, not a control tool.
JusProg cooperates with fragFINN, among others. The children’s search engine app also only shows verified child-friendly content – and can also be used without registration.
Important for all apps: control and technical protective measures are no substitute for media education. First and foremost, children need guidance, open discussions and support in learning how to use digital media competently. Talk to your child about rules for media use, fears and experiences. Decide together what content is allowed and explain your decisions. Show an interest in what your child uses – and how it makes them feel. This way, you will also notice early on if your child is confronted with risks such as cyberbullying, abusive contacts or problematic content. Because it can happen – despite all the technical precautions.
