What Are the Potential Limitations of Using Parental Control Apps?

Esther Bailey, ParentalControlNow.org

Esther Bailey

October 1, 2024

What Are the Potential Limitations of Parental Control Apps?

Parental control apps are becoming increasingly popular among parents as a way to monitor and control their children's online activity. These apps allow parents to set time limits, block inappropriate content, and monitor social media activity. However, while parental control apps can be a helpful tool for parents, they also have some potential limitations that should be considered.

Here are some of the potential limitations of parental control apps:

Limited effectiveness

Parental control apps are not foolproof and may not be able to catch all instances of inappropriate online behavior. For example, if a child is using a device that does not have the parental control app installed, they may be able to access inappropriate content or engage in inappropriate behavior without being detected.

In addition to relying solely on parental control apps, it's crucial for parents to actively engage in open communication and education with their children about responsible online behavior.

Over-reliance

Parents may become over-reliant on these apps and neglect other important aspects of parenting, such as spending quality time with their children or fostering open communication and trust.

Parental control apps should not replace the need for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about online safety especially with the following:

Personal information

Strangers and online friends

Cyberbullying

Inappropriate content

Online scams and phishing

Reporting and seeking help

False sense of security

Relying solely on parental control apps can create a deceptive perception of complete online safety for parents, as these tools may not catch every instance of potential risks and inappropriate behavior that children can encounter on the internet.

It's important to remember

No app can completely protect a child from all online risks, and that ongoing communication and education is key to keeping children safe online.

Resistance from children

Children may feel that their privacy is being invaded or that they are being punished unfairly if their online activity is monitored too closely. This can lead to resistance or pushback, which may make it more difficult for parents to effectively use parental control apps.

Technical issues

Parental control apps can sometimes have technical issues that can interfere with their effectiveness. For example, the app may not work properly on certain devices or may be blocked by other security software.

Parental control content blocking
Parental control content blocking

Cost

Some parental control apps require a subscription or may have additional fees for certain features. This can be a potential limitation for parents who may not have the financial resources to pay for these services.

Here's some good news: Not all providers have expensive plans. Listed below are the brands that will only cost you around $12 to $14 a month to use their premium services.

Parental Control Cost (Per Month)
Bark $14
eyeZy $14.27
Qustodio $12.99

Ethical concerns

There are some ethical concerns associated with using parental control apps, particularly in terms of invading a child's privacy. It is important for parents to consider the potential impact of monitoring their child's online activity on their relationship and trust.

The Bottom Line?

While parental control apps can be a useful tool for parents, they also have some potential limitations that should be considered. It is important for parents to carefully weigh the pros and cons of using these apps and to remember that no app can completely replace ongoing communication and education about online safety.

By using parental control apps in conjunction with open communication and trust, parents can help keep their children safe online.

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Parental control software is an app that is downloaded to a master phone (usually a parent’s phone), with other apps either secretly (or not so secretly) downloaded to the target (usually, your children’s) phones. The apps then track, monitor and even secretly screenshot or record the target phone’s, with a variety of features to ensure you're kept in the loop of what your children might be doing with their devices.

Because there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and you get what you pay for. To our knowledge, any parental control software that has a free plan either isn't worth the time, or will be so severely limited in what it can do that it becomes useless as a parental control tool.

It depends on the specific parental control software you use, but otherwise, yes. Most devices and operating systems are supported, including our remember parental control software for you, above.

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