Does your child have access to a cell phone? With the amount of inappropriate content on the internet, it is understandable that parents are concerned about the content accessed and the amount of screen time. It is in this context that the need for apps to block children's cell phones arises.
They work as a tool that offers control and security to those responsible. In addition, these applications help to create a healthy screen time routine, avoiding excessive screen time that is harmful to children's physical and mental health.
Read on to find out how these apps can be useful and how to choose the best one for your family's needs.
Why monitor and use apps to block children's cell phones?
With children using cell phones at an increasingly early age, taking care of their security online becomes essential – you need to be aware of the risks of unmonitored browsing. This includes accessing inappropriate content and contact with strangers, which can have serious consequences.
Continuous and uncontrolled exposure to screens can interfere with children's social and emotional development, and even harm their sleep routine, for example. Specific apps help protect children from sexual predators and other virtual dangers.
Using apps to block children's cell phones allows you, as a guardian, to monitor and guide their use of technology in a conscious and safe way, establishing healthy limits.
Google Family Link
Monitoring and Control with Google Family Link
The Google Family Link app is an excellent tool for monitoring your child's smartphone usage. It offers a range of features, such as activity reports, app usage time, device location management, and even control over purchases on the Play Store.
Its interface allows, in a simple and interactive way, to configure basic digital rules for the family, being able to approve or block the applications that the child wants to download from the Play Store, monitor the time spent using the cell phone and set times for studying and sleeping.
It is available for both Android and iPhone devices, accessible through the Play Store or App Store, respectively. To get started, simply download the app and set it up on your supervised Google accounts.
Remember that every family has its own rules, and with Family Link, you can customize the settings based on your specific needs. Now it’s up to you: install the app and set it up to keep your child’s smartphone safer.
AppBlock
App blocking and usage control with AppBlock
With AppBlock, you can block other apps and calls that you consider inappropriate for your child, as well as control screen time – essential functionality so that he doesn't spend hours and hours connected.
It offers the possibility of configuring different blocking profiles, which can be activated automatically at specific times, such as at bedtime or during class hours, for example.
You also have control over the downloads that can be made, preventing unauthorized applications from being downloaded without your knowledge, thus ensuring your little one's online safety.
The app is available for download on the Google Play Store for Android users and on the App Store for iPhone users. Installation is simple and configuration is intuitive, allowing you to quickly add the restrictions you want to apply to your child's phone.
Life360
Location Sharing and Security with Life360
Life360 lets you see the real-time location of your family members and receive automatic alerts whenever your child arrives or leaves pre-defined locations, such as school or home.
In addition to tracking, it offers other features to increase safety. In an emergency, your child can use it to make emergency calls to selected contacts.
Available for both Android and iPhone, the app can be found on the Google Play Store or Apple Store respectively. After downloading and installing, you need to set up a “family” by adding the members’ details in the app.
It's an easy-to-use tool: with just a few taps, you can start monitoring and protecting your child's cell phone, as well as ensuring a little more peace of mind when you're not around.
KidsControl
GPS tracking and alerts with KidsControl
To make sure your child is safe when you are not around, KidsControl can be a great help – application uses the system of GPS to track your child's cell phone location.
If you set up geographic boundaries, called “geofencing,” the app will automatically send alerts if your child enters or leaves these designated areas. One important aspect of the app is the ability to send alerts, such as alerts about a child’s low battery on their phone.
This way, you can remind your child to charge their device so they don’t lose touch. You can also add dangerous locations to the app’s map, allowing you to teach them about safety and responsibility.
The KidsControl app is available for both Android on the Google Play Store and iPhone on the Apple Store. To start monitoring, simply download and set up the app on your family's supervised Google accounts.
Screen Time
Online Content Monitoring with Screen Time
When talking about apps to block children's cell phones, Screen Time deserves to be highlighted – with it, You can not only monitor what online content your child is accessing, but also limit the amount of time they spend using the device..
One of its interesting features is the tracking of searched keywords, so you can see what your child is searching for on the internet and, if necessary, block specific content.
Screen Time is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. The initial setup is simple: after downloading the app, you add your account and that of your child – then just adjust the permissions and limits according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Deciding to use one of the apps to block children's cell phones is an important step towards ensuring your peace of mind and the well-being of your child in the digital environment. After all, they offer a series of benefits: from ensuring that your child do not access inappropriate content to help you form healthy digital habits.
They give you, as a parent, the opportunity to monitor cell phone usage, set bedtimes, limit screen time, and even block specific apps.
Once you have chosen, simply add the app of your choice, configure the permissions and enjoy the benefits that these apps can bring to your family's digital routine!
