Everything under control? How parental control apps want to ensure greater safety

Whether on the way to school or online: Parents want their children to be safe. Parental control apps promise support in everyday digital life. They offer functions such as location monitoring, content filters and time limits. But how helpful are these digital tools really? And where is the line between protection and control?

What can parental control apps do?

Parental control apps are installed on the parent’s and child’s smartphone or tablet. Depending on the provider, they offer different functions:

• App control: Certain apps can be blocked or time-limited.
• Screen time: The daily usage time can be set flexibly.
• Content filter: Websites with inappropriate or problematic content (e.g. violence, pornography) are blocked.
• Further parental control functions: Set up child accounts or make age-dependent parental control settings.
• GPS tracking: Shows the child’s location in real time when tracking and mobile data are activated.
• Geofencing: Parents define virtual zones such as “home” or “school”. If they leave this zone, they receive a message.
• Remote access: Some apps allow you to lock or restart the device remotely.

Examples of well-known apps

• Google Family Link (Android, iOS): Free of charge, offers location sharing, time limits, content filters and app control. Age-appropriate parental control settings for Google services (search engine, YouTube). Management via the Google account.
• Apple Screen Time and Family Sharing (iOS): Integrated directly into the system. Age filters, time limits, app sharing, location. Family sharing enables joint control.
• JusProg (Windows, iOS, Android): Youth protection program, certified by the FSM and officially recognized by the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM). Free of charge, without registration, ad-free. Age-differentiated content filter for the internet.
• Kidgonet (Android, iOS): Focus on time management and media balance. No tracking, no content monitoring – data-saving and child-friendly.

Tip: Look out for privacy-friendly, ad-free apps – and avoid tools that access the camera, microphone or personal content without the child’s knowledge.

What can be problematic?

Data protectionMany apps transmit location data, messages or photos unencrypted to foreign servers – often without the child’s consent.

Intrusion into the privacyChildren – the older they get – have a right to privacy. Too much control can jeopardize the relationship of trust and affect self-esteem.

Normalization of surveillance: If children learn at an early age that they are being watched, this can affect their self-perception and autonomy.

Fake security: Technical control can be deceptive: If the device is off or the child has no connection, the app won’t work either. Trust, conversations and agreements are often more reliable.

Beware of in-depth monitoring: Some commercial apps offer far-reaching access options – for example to call lists, text messages, photos, social media activities or even the microphone. These functions are highly questionable under data protection law – and are only permitted if the child actively agrees. Such far-reaching intrusions into privacy can even be legally problematic.

Parents have a duty to protect their children (Section 1626 BGB). However, as children get older, their right to privacy and informational self-determination also grows. Excessive or secret surveillance can jeopardize trust – and may even be unlawful.

There is also a risk that sensitive data such as location or images will be stored and processed on foreign servers – often without transparency or effective protection.

What parents should consider

Parental control apps can support – but not replace – what really counts: Relationship, trust and media literacy.

Tips for everyday family life:

• Trust instead of monitoringTalk to your child regularly about apps, games and social networks. Listen without judging directly.
• Rules together: Discuss media-free times, permitted content or screen time together. This will help your child learn to take responsibility.
• Technical settings use: Smartphones usually have integrated protection functions – e.g. in Android under “Digital well-being“.

Tip: Practical step-by-step instructions at medien-kindersicher.de.

• Consciously organize offline times: Create screen-free zones, for example when eating, reading aloud or before going to bed. Shared rituals help you switch off.
• Strengthen media literacy Strengthen media literacy: Also talk about advertising, misinformation, influencers and data protection. This will teach your child to critically question their media environment.
• Use teen accounts: Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or YouTube offer special teen profiles with automatically activated protection functions and privacy settings.