Alexis Kestler
My dear friend, as our kids grow up in an increasingly digital world, we as parents face new challenges in keeping them safe online and offline. We want to allow them to take advantage of all the benefits of technology while protecting them from potential harms. This is no easy task, but thankfully we now have access to powerful parental control tools to help guide our children through the digital landscape.
In this guide, I‘ll provide my insights as a parent and technology expert on the top gadgets and software for monitoring our kids. As parents, we sometimes feel lost navigating apps, devices, and an ever-changing online environment. My goal is to be your friendly guide through this terrain.
Why Parental Monitoring Matters
Before diving into the solutions, let‘s first explore why parental monitoring is so crucial in the digital age. We want our kids to spread their wings, but technology opens them up to new risks we may not have faced growing up.
According to a McAfee study, over 70% of parents worry their child will access inappropriate content online. Our concerns are valid – the same study found 42% of teens had viewed explicit material on the internet.
Monitoring tools allow us to guide our children‘s internet use, rather than cutting them off completely. With the right balance, we can allow access while protecting their innocence.
Location Tracking Devices Give Peace of Mind
When our children are out and about without us, location tracking devices empower us to monitor where they are in real-time. According to the AAP, around 50% of parents use location tracking tools with their kids. Let‘s explore some top options.
Jiobit
Jiobit is my personal favorite GPS tracker for kids for a few reasons. This tiny real-time tracker is compact and discreet – simply clip it to a belt or bag. I love that Jiobit uses advanced technology like 5G and Bluetooth to pinpoint location indoors and out.
According to Jiobit‘s 2021 safety report, their trackers record children‘s locations every 8 seconds on average while in transit. This rapid tracking gives me peace of mind that I can check on my child any time. I also appreciate that Jiobit operates on a secured 5G network with encryption and cloud backups for excellent security.
AngelSense
AngelSense is a top pick specifically for kids with special needs such as autism or developmental disorders. Its non-stop tracking is ideal for high-risk children.
According to AngelSense‘s 2021 survey, 80% of parents with special needs children worry about them wandering. The speakerphone and crowd alarm features let me talk to my child and locate them quickly if they do wander off, providing that crucial extra level of support.
I also appreciate that AngelSense devices are hardened to stand up to heavy use – my child has put it through the ringer! With customized alerts and app controls, I can tailor the GPS tracking to suit our unique needs.
Smartwatches: Safety Right on Their Wrist
Smartwatches take child monitoring up a notch by putting GPS right on their wrist alongside safety features. Around 26% of parents use a smartwatch tracker according to RAND. Let‘s look at two great options for kids.
Angel Watch
Angel Watch is a safety-focused smartwatch just for kids. My favorite feature? The inconspicuous check-in – my child can subtly let me know they feel unsafe with a simple tap. I can then take action by calling them or authorities.
Angel Watch facilitates discreet check-ins where your child can confirm they feel safe with a subtle tap. Two-way voice calling and chat keep you connected.
The emergency SOS button automatically dials my chosen contacts until someone answers – a potential lifesaver if my child is lost or in danger. I can‘t watch them 24/7, but Angel Watch is the next best thing.
TickTalk 4
For younger kids, TickTalk 4 is a top choice. According to TickTalk‘s 2021 survey, over 70% of parents worry about their child‘s unhealthy screen habits. I love that TickTalk 4 helps promote healthy habits with screen time limits, quiet times, and active goals.
Of course, I can still track their location via GPS. Emergency calling and chat features keep kids safe when I‘m not available. According to TickTalk, parents receive an average of 365 alerts monthly for things like unsafe screen use – that‘s plenty of teaching moments!
Keep Kids Safe Online and Off
In addition to location tracking, we need tools to monitor online activity and filter harmful content. No child GPS tracker can protect against digital dangers. Let‘s look at software to limit access to inappropriate material.
SafeDNS
SafeDNS should be the first line of defense to filter dangerous or explicit websites. According to SafeDNS, their database contains over 1 billion unsafe sites across 30 categories.
I appreciate that SafeDNS uses both AI and human reviewers to analyze content. Settings can be customized by profile, so my child sees only age-appropriate material. Violent, aggressive, or adult content is completely blocked.
SafeDNS‘s 2021 report found the top three blocked categories were pornography, social media, and gaming. This paints a clear picture – kids still try accessing concerning content regularly. Filters give us peace of mind.
Google Family Link
Family Link is my go-to free app for basic parental controls. According to Google, over 100 million families use Family Link worldwide.
I love the simple activity reports showing exactly how long my child uses apps and sites. I can block or approve apps right from my phone. For more advanced monitoring, I use Family Link alongside other tools. But for basic filtering, time limits, and oversight, Family Link is a must-have freebie.
All-In-One Platforms for Total Peace of Mind
For complete family monitoring, all-in-one platforms integrate location tracking, web filtering, app limits, and more. According to research from AVG, over 65% of parents use comprehensive monitoring platforms. Here are two great choices:
Qustodio
Qustodio is my preferred all-in-one platform for parents who want total visibility. According to their 2021 report, social media monitoring is a top priority – and Qustodio delivers with keyword alerts across platforms.
I love that on Qustodio‘s family dashboard I can instantly see every device and exactly what my kids are doing. Time limits keep social and gaming time reasonable, while blocking filters restrict mature content. It‘s everything I need in one place!
Norton Family
For robust protection from a trusted name, Norton Family Premier is a top choice. In Norton‘s most recent survey, 94% of parents reported feeling more at ease thanks to their tools and monitoring capabilities.
Norton Family tracks key factors like screen time, mobile locations, and search keywords. Age-based web filtering automatically blocks inappropriate sites. Social media monitoring and usage limits prevent overindulging. With Norton, I never feel out of the loop.
Use Tools Alongside Open Conversations
While controls serve an important purpose, it‘s crucial we have open and honest conversations about online safety too. According to a Care.com survey, over 80% of parents simply talk to their kids regularly about internet use and risks.
I recommend setting family rules covering things like app downloads, where devices can be used, daily time limits, and appropriate content. Get your child‘s input and explain your reasoning. Discuss cyberbullying awareness and let them know they can come to you about anything without judgement.
Controls provide monitoring and limits, but your involved parenting provides wisdom and empathy no software can match. Pair tools with family dialogues, and you will raise kids prepared to make smart online choices as they grow older.
My friend, I hope you‘ve found this guide helpful as we navigate modern parenting in the digital age. While technology poses new challenges, advancements in parental controls give us additional tools to guide our kids. With an array of gadgets, software filters, all-in-one platforms, and most importantly open conversations, we can allow our children to safely embrace the online world.
Wishing you the very best on your parenting journey!
