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App options are out there if you want more layers of guidancem, this is one of them

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App options are out there if you want more layers of guidancem, this is one of them

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Bark monitors your child’s devices, social media, and texts for signs of cyberbullying, depression, inappropriate content, and more.

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to AI Companions and Relationships - Learn more and get Common Sense Media’s research-backed tips.

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI

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Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI - Learn more and get Common Sense Media’s research-backed tips.

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Thorough Resource Curation-"Wait unit 8th"

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Thorough Resource Curation-"Wait unit 8th"

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This website connects to many valuable resources you can use to make informed decisions for your child and technology use.

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The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until the end of 8th grade.

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"What to Consider Before You Allow Your Kid TO Text-Wait Until 8th" an informed blog. 

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"What to Consider Before You Allow Your Kid TO Text-Wait Until 8th" an informed blog. 

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What To Consider Before You Allow Your Kid To Text — Wait Until 8th

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Kids get interested in sending text based messages pretty early these days. Text Based Messaging is likely one of the first forms of digital communication a kid will try. Consider these dangers, tips and the unexpected places texting can happen.

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Is Instagram safe? How does it work? How do teens use the app? Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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What is TikTok?
How safe is TikTok?
How does TikTok work?
Is TikTok appropriate for kids?
What age is TikTok recommended for?
Can kids under 13 use TikTok?
How can you make your TikTok account private?
How can I use TikTok with my kids?
How do you do a duet on TikTok?
What are TikTok challenges?
Does TikTok have parental controls?
How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok?
What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok?
Should I be concerned about TikTok's security?
What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. Users can create and upload their own videos, many of which feature people lip-synching to popular songs. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events (like #pandemiclife).

How safe is TikTok?

Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). TikTok has different rules for different ages:

Users under age 13 can't post videos or comment, and content is curated for a younger audience.

For kids age 13 to 15, accounts are private by default. Only friends can comment on videos, and other users can't duet (explained below) with your videos.

Only users age 16 and over can livestream and use direct messaging, and only users over 18 can buy, send, or receive virtual gifts.

In March 2023, TikTok announced a time limit of 60 minutes/day on users under 18, requiring a password to be entered for further access to the platform.

TikTok also offers some tools for parents and caregivers to further limit how much time kids spend on the app and what kids can see. Parents and caregivers can also use Restricted Mode to reduce mature content, or Family Safety Mode to pair their account with their kid's account to control settings completely.

How does TikTok work?

TikTok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, or a third-party account such as Facebook and Instagram. Once logged in, you can find videos by searching for popular creators, categories (like comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Many kids on TikTok like to create videos, but plenty of people don't post themselves-they just use the app to find and follow content creators.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids?

TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience if you supervise your kids, use safety settings, and stick to songs you already know. But TikTok's emphasis on popular music means many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own. Even with limits, it's easy to find people wearing revealing clothing and dancing suggestively, although TikTok won't let you search for objectionable content such as "porn."

As with social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat, TikTok has a commercial element that encourages people to buy stuff. Users can also earn TikTok Reward points by inviting friends to download the app, and then they can redeem those points for coupons from brands like Sephora and Uber.

What age is TikTok recommended for?

Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the basic TikTok features, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.

Can kids under 13 use TikTok?

A section of the app that includes additional safety and privacy features is available in the U.S. for kids under 13. In this section, kids can only see curated, clean videos, and aren't allowed to comment, search, or post their own videos. However, the lack of these features makes it unappealing for most kids. And bypassing that section only requires entering a false birth date, so it's not perfect.

How can you make your TikTok account private?

To make your TikTok account private, go to your profile page and select the three-dot icon in the top-right corner. On the "Settings and privacy" page, tap Privacy. That takes you to the Discoverability page. Toggle the switch for Private Account. On this page, you can also control other safety and privacy features, such as who can send you comments and direct messages, and who can do a duet with you. Using the Friends setting or turning those features off completely limits contact with strangers.

How can I use TikTok with my kids?

You can provide a buffer between kids and iffy content by watching with your kids and making videos together. Offer to hold the camera or turn it around to do a selfie duet. You can post it or save it as "private" so only you can see. The app also lets you share videos by email, text, or other social media apps, where you can better control who sees it.

TikTok introduced the Family Pairing mode in 2022, which lets parents link their account to their kid's account. It includes the ability to set daily viewing time limits, put a kid's account on Restricted Mode to limit their exposure to content that may not be appropriate, and turn off their ability to send and receive direct messages. Parents can also disable their kid's search functionality and prevent other users from seeing which videos their kid has liked.

How do you do a duet on TikTok?

TikTok has a feature that allows two users who aren't in the same place to perform a duet. One user creates and posts a video, and then a mutual follower can tap the three-dot icon at the bottom right of the video and select "start duet now!" The second user can then lip-synch along with the first person, either swapping back and forth or in a split screen.

What are TikTok challenges?

Challenges are any idea that goes viral. They can be songs, activities, or dances that start trending and then get copied by users on the platform. Sometimes they're spontaneous, but sometimes they're planned out by brands, musical artists, or influencers for marketing purposes.

Most of the popular challenges, such as the intricately choreographed dance number Renegade and pranks such as the backwards hoodie fridge mixup are harmless. But some, such as the skull-breaker, are really dangerous. Learn more about viral internet stunts and how to talk to your kid about them.

Does TikTok have parental controls?

TikTok offers a few ways for parents and caregivers to manage kids' accounts. You can enable time limits and the content filter on your kid's phone and protect the settings with a passcode. Or you can download TikTok, create your own account, and use the Family Pairing feature to manage your kid's TikTok settings using your phone. (If you choose Family Pairing, you'll need your kid's phone to sync the settings.)

Here's how to enable screen limits and filter content on your kid's phone: Go to your kid's TikTok account within the app and tap the three dots at the top right of the user profile. Then select "Digital Wellbeing" next to the icon of an umbrella. From there, select the features you want to enable:

Screen Time Management. This setting limits users' time in the app per day. If you're only enabling this on your kid's phone, choose a passcode to lock the setting.

Restricted Mode. This blocks mature content, but even with the filter on, kids using the app on their own might come across age-inappropriate videos. Lock the setting with a passcode.

To set up Family Pairing so you can manage the above settings, plus safety and privacy, first download TikTok onto your phone and create an account. Then, make sure you have your kid's phone and their TikTok login handy.

Family Pairing. On both phones, tap the three dots next to the user profile. Then tap Family Pairing and sync your account with your kid's via the QR code.

Keep in mind that kids can always re-download TikTok and create a new account using a different phone number or email address, so any controls you enable aren't foolproof.

How can I monitor my kid's activity on TikTok?

The app's controls seem to be geared more toward limiting kids' access to virtual gifts that can be bought with real money, instead of giving parents regular monitoring capabilities. Restricted Mode was designed to prevent kids from seeing mature content-provided they don't independently try to seek it out-and adults can sign up for an account and then link it to their kid's account via the Family Pairing mode. Kids will need to accept their parents' request to connect the accounts. If they do, parents can set up a number of limitations, such as disabling the direct message option and setting daily time limits.

What if my kid wants to get famous on TikTok?

While the safest way to use TikTok is with a private account, the social nature of the app and the rapid success of some of its stars -- including Charli D'Amelio, a dancer whose TikTok fame led to a TV deal -- might have your kids begging to go public. There's huge enticement to get famous, including TikTok houses where groups of young creators live, make videos, and potentially reap big-money endorsements and sponsorships. Kids familiar with these examples might be persuaded to do or share things they wouldn't normally do to get a larger audience. They may also become obsessed with likes and virtual approval, which isn't healthy for their emotional well-being. Parents can manage this by encouraging and modeling safe behavior, and putting limits on the type of information that kids share.

Should I be concerned about TikTok's security?

Many people and organizations-including the U.S. government and companies like Wells Fargo-are worried that TikTok's parent company ByteDance (based in China) is using the app to spy on users in other countries. Investigations of TikTok found that the app's privacy policy and data collection practices aren't actually any worse than other social media apps, and that the concerns about spying are probably overblown. (However, the company does surveil users of the app in China.)

That said, TikTok doesn't necessarily have a perfect record when it comes to privacy and security. For example, they only recently fixed a bug that allowed the app to access users' clipboards (where things you copy and paste are stored) every three seconds, even when they weren't using the app. They also illegally stored minors' data.

Read Common Sense Media's full review of TikTok, and learn more about this popular platform.

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Is TikTok safe? How does it work? And can I do a duet with my kid? Everything you need to know about this popular musical singing and sharing app. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Snapchat is a popular messaging app that lets users exchange pictures and videos, called snaps, that are meant to disappear after they're viewed. The essential function is to take a picture or video, add filters, lenses, or other effects, and share it with friends. The app is free to download, and also has a premium subscription plan called Snapchat+.

How does Snapchat work?

All you need to sign up is your name, an email address or a phone number, and your birth date. To add friends, you can upload your contacts or search for people you know. You can also automatically add someone by taking a picture of their "Snapcode," a special QR code unique to each user.

After that, things get a little confusing. On Snapchat, you usually start the communication by sending a photo or video, not a text message. To begin a conversation, you tap the big camera circle and take a snap. There are all sorts of photo-editing tools, as well as filters to decorate your images and videos. Once you customize your "snap," you can send it to anyone on your friends list, add it to your story (which is a record of the day that your friends can view for 24 hours), and add it to Snap Map (which displays your photo on a map of your location that can be viewed by anyone on Snapchat).

Snapchat provides several options for sharing and managing snaps. In addition to individual messaging, Snapchat offers group chats that everyone in a group can contribute to. You can delete the text messages you send, though in a group chat the other people will see that you've deleted something.

How old do you have to be to use Snapchat?

According to the terms of service, users must be 13. You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data.

Do messages really disappear on Snapchat?

It depends. If you set a time limit on a snap, it will disappear after it's viewed. However, recipients can take a screenshot of an image using their phones or a third-party screen-capture app. If someone uses their phone to take a screenshot of what you sent, you will be notified. But screen captures from third-party apps don't trigger a notification. For these reasons, it's best for teens to understand that nothing done online is really temporary. Before sending a snap of themselves or someone else, it's important to remember that it's out of their control after it's shared.

What are Snapstreaks?

A Snapstreak represents the number of days users snap each other. To achieve a Snapstreak, two users must have snapped back and forth with one another in a 24-hour period for three days in a row or more. Once you've established a streak, special emojis and statistics display next to your names to show how long you've maintained a streak. Why do they matter? For one thing, they most likely add to your overall Snapchat score (basically a number that reflects how much you use the app).

Because of the intense bonds that children can form over social media, they can feel that a Snapstreak is a measure of their friendship...and that if they don't keep it up, they'll let the other person down. Teens have even been known to give friends access to their Snapchat accounts to keep a streak going if they can't do it themselves (for example, if their phone gets taken away for being online too much). This can lead to feelings of pressure, anxiety, and compulsion, so it's a good idea to talk with your kids about how they use the app.

What's Snap Map?

Snap Map displays your location on a map in real time. Only your Snapchat friends can see where you are. If your friends have opted into Snap Map, you can see their locations, too. You can turn this off or use it in Ghost Mode, which allows you to see the map but not be seen by others. Snap Map also features news and events from around the world. Kids can submit snaps to the Snap Map, and their name and location could appear on a public map. But the bigger risk with Snap Map is a teen having their location seen by all their friends -- since some of their Snapchat contacts may not be real friends. Unless there's a specific event where it's easier for friends to know each other's location, it's best to leave Snap Maps off or use it in Ghost Mode.

What's a Snapchat story?

A story is a collection of moments in the form of pictures and videos. On Snapchat, stories appear as circles, and when you tap them, they autoplay the pictures or videos the user collected. You can create personal stories that your friends can view for a 24-hour period. Snapchat+ subscribers can set them to expire after anywhere from an hour to a week. Or, if you think your snap is particularly interesting or newsworthy, you can submit it to be featured in the Spotlight section, which features a mix of snaps that have been identified as entertaining viewing. Snaps are curated and compiled by the company. While it's cool to have your story added to the Spotlight roundup, it's also very public, so kids should think carefully before submitting one.

What's a Snapcode?

When you sign up, Snapchat gives you your own unique QR code. When you meet a fellow Snapchat user and want to become friends on the app, you can just take a snap of the other person's code and they're automatically added to your friends list. Because it's so easy to find friends on Snapchat (depending on your settings) or exchange codes, teens may end up with virtual strangers on their friends list. For a variety of reasons, that can be risky, so it's best to talk to your teen about when it's safe to add people.

What's Snapchat Discover?

The Discover area of the app offers content created by celebrities, news and entertainment outlets, and other users. You can subscribe to specific Discover sources to receive their feeds. While Discover offers some legitimate news from publishers including the New York Times and Vice Media, the offerings can be promotional and are frequently mature or outlandish (such as people with extreme plastic surgery or rare medical conditions). But if your kid has signed up with their correct birth date, they'll miss the alcohol ads and other adult content that Snapchat filters out for underage users. Discover stories often feature promos that prompt kids to "swipe up" to learn more (which usually leads to ads) or take a quiz (which is usually a marketing tool). This section runs the gamut from harmless to shocking, so it's good to look around and get a sense of what your kids are seeing.

What are Snapchat's other features?

The more you use the app, the more points you get and the higher your Snapchat score goes. Snapchat awards high scorers with trophies and other perks. Here are a few other Snapchat features:

Cameos: These are animated GIFs featuring your selfie that you can send in a chat. Snapchat offers dozens of video options to add your image to, including "duets" where you and a friend appear together.

Face lenses and world lenses: If you've seen photos of people with cartoon cat ears and whiskers on their faces, those are face lenses. World lenses are augmented reality elements, such as rainbows, that look like they're part of the photo. Technically, lenses are "overlays" -- and they cost money on Snapchat.

Geofilters: These are location-specific elements that can only be unlocked by visiting a specific place. Businesses use geo-filters as a way for customers to check in and advertise for them. A kid could create a special geo-filter for their sweet-16 party for attendees to add to their photos.

Memories: If you don't want your snaps to disappear, you can store them to send and view again later. My Eyes Only is a way to save Memories behind a passcode so that no one else can see them.

Snap Store: This is exactly what it sounds like: a place to buy Snapchat-related items.

Scan: Users can find out what song is playing, scan a dog to identify its breed, and use this feature to locate other information.

Snap Games: Co-play games with voice/text chat and ads, launched from the chat section to play with friends.

Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps.

Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that collects snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform.

Is Snapchat safe for preteens and teens?

Most kids use Snapchat to goof around and stay in contact with their friends-end of story. Yes, there's some mature content, but it's appropriate for most teens 16 and up. That said, there are three key risky areas:

The myth of disappearing messages. When Snapchat first started, it was labeled " the sexting app" because people sent intimate photos, assuming they'd self-destruct. Any app can be misused, but a lot of kids mistakenly believe that Snapchat has a built-in safety valve. Teens really need to understand that the content they share can be saved and shared and may never go away. It's best to have this conversation before they download Snapchat, but it's never too late. Talk about whether any of their friends have ever pressured them to send a sexy image, and discuss why someone who would do that does not have your best interests at heart. Kids should also ask permission before sharing a picture of someone else.

The time distraction. Snapchat is a ton of fun to use, and there's lots to discover on it. Snapstreaks and Stories add a time-pressure element that makes kids feel like they have to check in. If it ever seems like your kid is stressing out and not using the app for fun, it's time to step in.

Privacy and safety. Since it's so easy to add friends on Snapchat, you can end up with lots of people you don't know well on your friends list. And depending on your settings, the app can collect a ton of data about your habits in-and outside of-the app. Snapchat also works with a lot of third parties that they share your data with.

How do I monitor Snapchat and use the settings?

The app's Family Center gives parents and caregivers some visibility of their child's usage, including who their child has been communicating with. Adults have to install the app and link their accounts by adding their child as a friend. Their child then needs to accept an invitation to opt in to the Family Center functionality. You won't be able to see specific content your child has sent or received-just their friend list and who they've sent messages, photos, or videos to in the last seven days.

In January 2024, the app announced some new Family Center features. Parents and caregivers will now be able to view their child's privacy settings. Additionally, families will have the option to restrict their kids from using My AI, the app's AI chatbot.

If your kid uses Snapchat, talk with them about the privacy settings. Sit down with your child and together go into the app's settings. This is a perfect time to chat about using their Snapchat account safely and responsibly. Discuss when and how often you'll check in on how they're using it, and how they're feeling about it. Explain that you understand that social media is important to them, and that, at the same time, your role is to protect them. Don't forget to ask your teen to show you some of their snaps and some of the cool features they like in the app. That'll make it a little less scary for you-and send the message that you're on the same team.

Read Common Sense Media's full review of Snapchat to learn more.
Christine Elgersma, senior editor of learning content, contributed to this article.

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Is Snapchat safe for kids? How does it work? And what's with Snapstreaks? Everything curious parents need to know about this ultra-popular app. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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By Common Sense Media | February 8, 2024

What is Discord?

Discord is a free app for mobile and PC that lets people chat via text, voice, or video in real time. Combining the internet-calling features of Skype with Reddit-like discussion boards, it's broadened from gamers-only to a social networking site for communities of all types. Users include those with non-gaming interests like anime, TV series, music, and more. It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends.

How old should you be to use Discord?

Discord requires that users be at least 13 years old, although they don't verify users' age upon signup. Common Sense Media also recommends that Discord users be at least 13 due to its open chat.

Because it's all user-generated, there's the potential for plenty of inappropriate content, like swearing and graphic language and images (though it's entirely possible to belong to a group that forbids these). Discord also has "NSFW" channels and servers that require users to be 18 or older to join (but it's easy to click through the verification). (Note: If you're looking for more parental insights on your kids' favorite things online, sign up for our family movie night newsletter.)

What are servers on Discord?

Servers are the main communities on Discord, often focused on a single game or topic. Anyone on the app can create a server upon signup. Servers can be private and require an invitation to join, or public, which anyone can take part in.

Servers are broken up into text channels and voice channels. Some have bots (computer programs that mimic human interaction) that do automatic moderation, welcoming, and community management. Discord doesn't have an in-app way to search for servers unless you've already joined them, so users have to be invited directly or else find out about them from other sources.

Is Discord safe?

With the right privacy settings and monitoring, it's easy to use Discord safely. However, there's always a risk when it comes to sites and apps with open chat. The safest way to use Discord is to only accept friend requests and participate in private servers with people you already know.

Although it's rare, predators have targeted kids by using Discord's public servers to send direct messages (DMs). Even though most server moderators (and other users) are often quick to patrol this kind of behavior, kids and adults should know how to recognize and deal with creeps and online predators.

Fortnite and Pokémon Go are two games with particularly big followings on Discord, especially for older kids and teens. Lots of public servers focus those games, but users also create private servers to chat with friends while they play together. For example, a team on Fortnite could create a private server on Discord to chat and strategize together in order to avoid the public chat on Fortnite itself.

Discord also allows an in-game "overlay" for Fortnite and other PC games so gamers can use Discord to chat directly within those games (instead of having the app open in the background or using the in-game chat).

Are there privacy settings for Discord?

Discord has privacy and safety settings that allow users to control who has the ability to send them direct messages or add them as a friend. Its "Safe Direct Messaging" feature can automatically scan and delete direct messages that contain explicit content (although this isn't foolproof, and it doesn't apply outside of DMs).

Discord also lets its users decide whether the app can collect and use their data for customization or analytics purposes. To view and change your privacy settings, select the "User Settings" gear icon by your username, then choose the "Privacy & Safety" menu item.

Are there parental controls for Discord?

Family Center is a Discord feature that allows parents and caregivers to monitor their kids' activity on the app. Parents will now be able to know what servers their kids have joined or participated in, everyone they've messaged, new users they connect with, and more.

The process for accessing and setting up the Family Center supervision may feel daunting for adults (Discord's site has step-by-step guidance) and is likely to garner some resistance from teens. Also, the feature isn't really a parental control setting as much as it is a usage tracker. Yes, parents can see the usernames and server names their kids are interacting with, but they don't have access to the content in the chats or what they're talking about on video or audio calls. Sure, they can look at the user profile to try to see who's behind the username (which is not likely to be the user's real name), but they may not know who that user is or if it's someone their teen actually knows. Also missing is any in-app limitation on the amount of time teens can spend on the app, so this will have to be done within the iOS or Android settings.

The information the Family Center offers is a great way to monitor any changes in behavior or interactions that might seem suspicious. It also gives parents enough insight to ask informed questions and talk to their kids if they feel concerned. It may not be a set-it-and-forget-it protection measure, but it can help facilitate conversations between parents and kids about their digital habits.

How does Discord chat work?

Each server on Discord has both text and voice channels. Text channels allow people to type messages to each other, while voice channels let people use the microphone and speakers on their device to talk with each other. Users can directly invite friends to a specific chat channel, or you can join a channel after being invited to a server.

Some channels have limits on how many people can join, which are set by the server owners. Server owners can also set their own rules for what is or isn't allowed (for example, swearing or hate speech) and block from chat any users who break the rules.

You can share images, video, and GIFs on Discord, either in text channels or direct messages (voice channels are audio only). Discord also allows for video chat and screen sharing in direct messages.

Is Discord just for gaming content?

You don't have to play video games or even discuss them to use the app. Just about any topic is represented on Discord, although gaming, music, anime, and memes tend to be the most popular categories. The app can also be used for friends and groups to chat with each other directly. Discord has started to lean into more educational content. There are several educational servers and as well as Student Hubs, a feature that has users enter their student email address and then connects them with their classmates in a private server where they can create study groups and interest clubs.

Read Common Sense Media's full review of Discord - Chat for Gamers and learn more about how it works.

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Parents' Ultimate Guide to Discord (2024)

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Is Discord safe? How does it work? Here's everything you need to know about this popular chat app. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Helping Kids Build Character Strenghts with Quality Media

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Helping Kids Build Character Strenghts with Quality Media

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How to Help Kids Build Character Strengths with Quality Media

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Turn screen time into a chance to build your child’s character and life skills. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Aritcle on Parent Controls over various devices

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Aritcle on Parent Controls over various devices

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"The Best Technology-Screen Time Contract for Kids" Psychology Today Blog

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"The Best Technology-Screen Time Contract for Kids" Psychology Today Blog

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Battles over screen time disrupt families every day. Eavesdrop on most homes and you're likely to hear:

Parents are frustrated and concerned for their kids-and they should be. Numerous studies have suggested that unlimited use of technology can have a negative effect on a child's emotional intelligence, temperament, and social development (See " How Technology Lowers Emotional Intelligence in Kids"). In fact, there is a national movement, supported by top technology innovators, that strongly recommends children do not have smartphones until age 14 (8th grade) and are not given a data plan until age 16. (To join the movement, visit " Wait Until 8th.")

Technology can be highly addictive, particularly for children and teens. In therapy sessions with me, many of them admit that they want to put their screen down but they just can't, thereby forcing parents to become the dictators of screen time.

In my parenting workshops, parents always ask: I'm tired of policing my kids' screen time-what should I do?
How to Create a Family Culture for Screen Time
Kids crave structure, consistency, and leadership from parents. So rather than go to war over screen time, I recommend establishing a family culture around technology by sitting down and creating a Family Screen Time Contract.

The contract below provides a basic framework, allowing for flexibility and customization based on your kids' ages and your family's use of technology. Set aside a time to fill it in together, edit it, or use it as a jumping off point for discussion. Each family is different, so each contact will be too.

Remember, the contract is not a punishment but a way to set healthy screen time boundaries for everyone in your family, including parents. Screen time devices include smartphones, computers, laptops, televisions and all game systems. (To print or download a copy of the contract, click here.)
THE ________________ FAMILY SCREEN TIME CONTRACT 1. School Nights & Weeknights
Our family shuts down all our devices at __________ o'clock. The devices remain off until the next morning. Devices will not be turned back on until everyone has finished breakfast, and is dressed and ready to leave.
2. Weekends & Holidays
Our family limits screen time on weekends and holidays to _______ hours/minutes per day.
3. Travel Vacations
After arriving at our destination, everyone in our family limits screen time to _____ minutes in the morning and ______ minutes in the evening. We leave our devices in our hotel or vacation homes and don't take them on activities, such as hiking, going to the beach, cycling, etc. If needed, one device may be designated to be used for directions, photos ,or emergency calls.
4. Screen Time Blackouts
Our family does not use our devices when we have: (check all that apply)

___ Meals together

___ Family gatherings

___ Friends visiting

___ Playdates

___ Sleepovers

___ To walk or drive

Add your personal family guidelines here:

________________________________________________________________________
5. Device Storage & Charging
Our family does not store or charge tech devices in our bedrooms or playrooms. Instead, we keep our devices in a communal space, which is ______________________.
6. Screen Time Privilege
Devices aren't available after school until homework and chores are completed. Chores may include:

___ Making beds

___ Tidying up rooms

___ Doing dishes

___ Taking care of pets

___ Helping prepare dinner

Add your additional family chores here: _________________________________________
7. Alternatives to Screen Time
Our family recognizes that too much screen time is unhealthy. As a family, we each have weekly physical and creative activities such as (check at least three):

___ Exercise

___ Sports

___ Musical instruments

___ Art

___ Dance

___ Reading for pleasure

Add your own special activities here: ___________________________________________
8. Web Use and Passwords
To protect our children from inappropriate material and frightening images, members of our family under____ years old are not allowed to surf the web unsupervised. Parents also keep records of all passwords, including social media passwords, and don't allow secret accounts.
9. Social Media Behavior
Our children agree never to use social media to be hurtful or mean to others.
10. When the Contract Is Broken
Our family recognizes that screen time is a privilege not a right. If someone in our family repeatedly breaks the family contract, devices will be taken away. Parents will decide for how long.
Healthy Structure Is the Key to Screen-Time Management
Parenting is full of challenges, but one thing is certain: Technology is here to stay. Structuring screen time helps to limit parent/child battles by setting clear guidelines for everyone. Remember, technology is a tool, not a way of life. Help your kids manage screen time better, and enrich their lives with quality bonding time and greater self-mastery.

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The Best Technology-Screen Time Contract for Kids

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Battles over screen time disrupt families every day. Eavesdrop on most homes and you're likely to hear: Parents are frustrated and concerned for their kids-and they should be. Numerous studies have suggested that unlimited use of technology can have a negative effect on a child's emotional intelligence, temperament, and social development (See " How Technology Lowers Emotional Intelligence in Kids").

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Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement Template

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Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement Template

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By Caroline Knorr | March 9, 2021

Even if you've talked to your kids about screen-time limits and responsible online behavior, it's still really tough to manage what they do when you're not there (and even when you are). Parental controls can support you in your efforts to keep your kids' internet experiences safe, fun, and productive. They work best when used openly and honestly in partnership with your kids -- not as a stealth spying method.

Figuring out what kind of parental control is best is entirely based on your own family's needs. Some families can get by with simple, free browser settings to filter inappropriate content. Some families need help clamping down on screen time. Some folks are cool with spot-checks on their kids' devices. Wherever you are in your search, this guide can help you make sense of the wide array of options for managing your family's devices. Find the answers to parents' most frequently asked questions about parental controls.
What are the best parental controls for blocking websites?

What are the best parental controls for blocking websites and filtering content?

What are the best parental controls for setting limits and monitoring kids?

What are the best parental controls for kids' phones?

What are the best parental controls for tracking location?

What are the best network parental controls?

What are the best parental control options for iOS phones and tablets?

What are the best parental control options for Android devices?

Can I set parental controls in specific apps, such as Snapchat and TikTok?

Do I need to worry about my kid disabling parental controls?

Will my kid know that I'm using parental controls?
What are the best parental controls if I want to:

Block websites. If you just want to limit what your kids can search for, your best option is to enable Google SafeSearch in whichever browser or browsers you use. First, you need to make sure your browsers use Google as their default search engine, and then you need to turn on SafeSearch. This is a good precaution to take as soon as your kids start going online and you want to make sure they don't accidentally stumble across something yucky.

Block websites and filter content. If you want to prevent access to specific websites and limit your kid's exposure to inappropriate content such as mature games or , you can use the parental controls that are built into your device's operating system. Every major operating system -- Microsoft's Windows, Apple's Mac OS, and even Amazon's Fire -- offers settings to keep kids from accessing stuff you don't want them to see. To get the benefits, you need to use the most updated version of the operating system, and each user has to log in under his or her profile. The settings apply globally to everything the computer accesses. Each works differently and has its own pros and cons. This is the best solution if your kids are younger and are primarily using a home device. Check out each one's features: , , .

Block websites, filter content, impose time limits, see what my kids are doing. A full-featured, third-party parental control service such as Bark, Qustodio or will give you a lot of control over all of your kid's devices (the ones they use at home as well as their phones). These can be pricey (especially if you have several kids to monitor), but the cost includes constant device monitoring, offering you visibility into how kids are using their devices. These parental controls can only keep track of accounts that they know your kid is using, and for some apps, you'll need your kid's password in order to monitor activity. If your kid creates a brand-new profile on Instagram using a friend's computer without telling you, for example, the parental controls won't cover that account.

Monitor my kid's phone. To keep tabs on your tween or teen's phone, your best bet is to download an app to monitor text messages, social networks, emails, and other mobile functions -- try Bark, Circle, TeenSafe, or WebWatcher. These are especially helpful if you're concerned about potentially risky conversations or iffy topics your kid might be engaging in. Bark, for example, notifies you when it detects "alert" words, such as "drugs." To monitor social media, you'll need your kid's account information, including passwords.

Track my kid's location. You can use GPS trackers such as Find My Friends and FamiSafe to stay abreast of your kid's whereabouts. Your kid's phone needs to be on for these to work, though.

Manage all devices on the network, limit screen time, filter content, turn off Wi-Fi. There are both hardware and software solutions to control your home network and your home Wi-Fi. To name a few popular ones: is a download that works with your existing router (the device that brings the internet into your home) to filter internet content. Circle Home Plus is a device and subscription service that pairs with your existing router and lets you pause access to the internet, create time limits, and add content filters to all devices on your home network (including Wi-Fi devices), plus manage phones and tablets outside the home. Some internet service providers such as Comcast and Verizon offer parental control features that apply to all devices on the network, too. Network solutions can work for families with kids of different ages; however, mucking around in your network and Wi-Fi settings can be challenging, and the controls may not apply when kids are on a different network.

What are the best parental control options for iOS phones and tablets?

If you have an iPhone or iPad, Apple's Screen Time settings let you manage nearly every aspect of your kid's iOS device, including how much time kids spend on individual apps and games and what they download. You can even turn the phone off for specified periods, such as bedtime. There are two ways to enable Screen Time: You can either set it up on your kid's device and password-protect the settings, or you can set up Family Sharing through your Apple account and manage the features from your phone.

What are the best parental control options for Android devices?

Android devices can vary a lot in what they offer, so check your device's settings to see what options you have. If your kid is under 13, you can download Google's Family Link to track and control online activity, including text messaging and social media, using your own phone. (You can use Family Link on teens' devices, but you can't lock the settings.) You can also use Android's Digital Wellbeing settings, which are built into the latest version of the OS. These can help kids become more mindful of the time they're spending online -- and hopefully help them cut down. You'll want to help your kid enable the settings that will be most useful on the road to self-regulation.

Can I set parental controls in specific apps, such as Snapchat and TikTok?

In addition to blocking specific people, most social media apps let you disable features that could pose some risks for kids. For example, you may be able to turn off chat, restrict conversation to friends only, and hide your child's profile so that it won't show up in search results. Some apps go a step further by letting users control their own use of the app. Instagram's Your Activity feature, for example, shows you how much time you've spent in the app and lets you set limits for yourself. YouTube has a similar feature that reminds users to take a break. TikTok even allows parents to set limits and remotely manage their kids' TikTok account from their phone using its Family Pairing feature. To find out if your kids' favorite apps offer any types of restrictions, go to the app's settings section (usually represented by the gear icon). Unless an app offers passcode protection for its settings (and most don't), your kid can easily reverse them.

Do I need to worry about my kid disabling parental controls?

Yes, kids can undo parental controls. In fact, the directions on how to get around them are easily available on the internet. Depending on your software, you may get a notification that the parental control was breached -- or not. Kids can figure out all sorts of ingenious methods to keep doing what they want to be doing -- talking to friends, staying up late playing Fortnite, and watching videos you don't want them to see. If you notice something fishy such as a steep drop-off in your parental control notifications, Wi-Fi or data activity after you've turned off the network, or anything else that indicates the parental control isn't working the way it's supposed to, your kid may have figured out how to get around it. It could be for another reason, though, since parental controls can be affected by system updates, power outages, and other technical issues.

Will my kid know that I'm using parental controls?

It really depends on the type of controls you install and the devices you have. Some parental controls can be installed without your kids knowing, but Common Sense Media doesn't recommend it (unless you have a really serious issue with your kid and you need to monitor discreetly). In fact, be cautious with companies that promise covert monitoring, as they tend to prey on parents' fears. Parental control companies that encourage open dialogue will most likely be more helpful anyway, because at some point you'll need to discuss what you find. And that's a lot easier to do if your kid already knows you're monitoring them. If you decide to use parental controls, talk to your kids about why you're using them (to help keep them safe) and how your ultimate goal is for them to learn how to interact online responsibly and regulate their own usage independently. Check out our talking points for building trust with your kid when you're using parental controls.

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Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls

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Do you need parental controls? What are the options? Do they really work? Here's everything you need to know about the wide array of parental control solutions, from OS settings to monitoring apps to network hardware. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Set schedule-based limits on a family member's Apple Watch with Schooltime, or use it on your own watch whenever you want to focus.

What you need

To use Schooltime schedules on a family member's Apple Watch, first set up the Apple Watch with Family Setup. This requires one of these Apple Watch models with watchOS 7 or later:

Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular*

Apple Watch SE (1st generation) or later with cellular

Apple Watch Ultra

You also need an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later for the initial watch setup.

To use Schooltime on your own Apple Watch, you need watchOS 7 or later.

* A cellular plan isn't required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member, but is necessary for some features.

How to set a Schooltime schedule

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Tap All Watches, then tap your family member's watch.

2. Tap Done, then tap Schooltime.

3. Turn on Schooltime, then tap Edit Schedule.

4. Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be active.

5. Tap Add Time if you want to set up more than one schedule in a day. For example, you can set up one schedule for morning classes and another for after lunch.

To change the Schooltime schedule, open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the information button next to the managed watch. Tap Schooltime, then tap Edit Schedule.

Exit Schooltime temporarily

Your family member can exit Schooltime temporarily to do things like check messages. To exit Schooltime, press and hold the Digital Crown, then tap Exit to confirm.

If a Schooltime schedule is active, Schooltime mode resumes automatically.

See Schooltime reports

The starting and ending times of all temporary Schooltime exits are reported in the Watch app on your iPhone. To see when Schooltime was exited, open the Watch app, tap All Watches, tap your family member's Apple Watch, then tap Schooltime.

The report also appears on your family member's Apple Watch. To see it, open the Settings app on their watch, then tap Schooltime.

Focus with Schooltime on your Apple Watch

You can use Schooltime on your own watch any time you want to focus. You might use Schooltime as an alternative to Do Not Disturb or Theater Mode when you want to silence notifications and check the time easily with fewer visual distractions.

First, add the Schooltime button to Control Center:

1. Touch and hold the bottom of the Apple Watch screen, then swipe up to see Control Center.

2. Scroll to the bottom, then tap Edit.

3. Tap the add button on the Schooltime button , then tap Done.

In Control Center, tap the Schooltime button to turn it on. To exit, press and hold the Digital Crown, then tap Exit to confirm.

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Set schedule-based limits on a family member's Apple Watch with Schooltime, or use it on your own watch whenever you want to focus.

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Set up a family member's Apple Watch (Screen time and other)

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Set up a family member's Apple Watch (Screen time and other)

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Use Screen Time to configure controls for a family member's Apple Watch. With Screen Time you can schedule time away from the screen, and limit both contacts and the apps your family member can use to communicate with those contacts. You can also impose limits on iTunes Store and app purchases, explicit content, and location information.

To set up Screen Time, follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on the iPhone used to manage the watch.

2. Tap My Watch, tap Family Watches, tap a watch, then tap Done.

3. Tap Screen Time, tap Screen Time Settings, then tap Turn On Screen Time.

4. On the following screens, configure options for allowable content, communication safety, time away from screens, and app and website limits.

5. Create a Screen Time passcode.

Alternatively, you can open the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Screen Time, tap your family member's name below the Family heading, tap Turn On Screen Time, then configure Screen Time settings.

For more information about Screen Time, see the iPhone User Guide.

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You can set up and manage Apple Watch for someone who doesn't have their own iPhone.

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On your Mac, turn on Screen Time to control and monitor a child's time on their devices.

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Common Sense Media Parenting in a Digital Age playlist

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Common Sense Media Parenting in a Digital Age playlist

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Parents and caregivers are looking for resources and advice on all things media and technology. This playlist includes four videos addressing many frequently...

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How Parents Can Address Social Media Challenges

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How Parents Can Address Social Media Challenges

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How Parents Can Address Social Media Challenges

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How Parents Can Address Social Media Challenges

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Selecting Quality Content for Your Family

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Selecting Quality Content for Your Family

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Selecting Quality Content for Your Family

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What Parents Need to Know About Social Media and Anxiety

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What Parents Need to Know About Social Media and Anxiety

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What Parents Need to Know About Social Media and Anxiety

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Learn to recognize the warning signs of anxiety disorder and help your kid keep social media use healthy and productive. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between, articles by Common Sense Media

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Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between, articles by Common Sense Media

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Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between

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Get expert advice and tips on parenting in the digital age with our recommended media for kids, movie reviews and ratings, and conversation topics.

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SEL in Digital Life by Common Sense Media

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SEL in Digital Life by Common Sense Media

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Grades 6-8 Family Conversations Packet

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6-8 - SEL in Digital Life - Family Conversation Starters Packet.pdf

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Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying, Digital Drama, and Hate Speech

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Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying, Digital Drama, and Hate Speech

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Help Kids Fight Cyberbullying and Other Mean Online Behavior

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Help Kids Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly

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Help Kids Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly

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Help Kids Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly

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Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online

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Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online

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Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online

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Help Boost Kids' Safety, Privacy, and Security

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Help Boost Kids' Safety, Privacy, and Security

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Help Boost Kids’ Safety, Privacy, and Security_grades 6-12

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Child Mind Institute: Mental health resources

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Child Mind Institute: Mental health resources

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"An organization exclusively dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere."

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Whether you’re investigating your concerns or researching a particular diagnosis, we offer advice from experts and families who’ve been through it.

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For many tweens and teens, social networking is practically synonymous with social life. Now that they've hit middle and high school, it may be unrealistic to expect our kids to be open books about what they do online. But talking to them frankly about the real risks of social networking is more important than ever. Get the conversation started with these five tips:

1. Keep It Real: It may sound totally lame to a teen's ears, but following the Golden Rule when social networking is the best way to keep from being bullied or harassed. Research has shown that those who harass others online often become victims of harassment themselves. Encourage your kids to avoid trouble by being themselves, being honest, and treating others with respect - just like they would in the real world.

2. Protect Your Passwords: Kids are never too old to be reminded that passwords should never be shared with anyone, even friends. The strongest passwords are combinations of letters and numbers and don't include names or other identifiable information that can be easily guessed. Promote safety while respecting your kids' privacy by inviting them to seal their passwords in an envelope and promise to open it only in an emergency.

3. Post With Caution: Posting personal information or inappropriate messages can put kids at risk with strangers as well as friends. Once a message or picture is e-mailed or posted, it's almost impossible to get it back. Friends break up, but a picture on the Internet is forever. If they have profiles on networking sites like Facebook or Tumblr, remind your kids that whatever they post becomes public. Anything they wouldn't want a stranger - or their college advisor - to see should be kept offline.

4. Keep It Clean: Talking about sex or sharing explicit images online may sound like fun, but it can lead to anything from embarrassment among friends to a predator's "grooming" (online stalking). And in the case of photos, it's actually illegal. If your kids are on the receiving end of sexual messages or images, the first thing they should do is tell you or another adult. Together you can contact the police and/or report it to CyberTipline.com.

5. Don't Meet Online Friends Offline: The fact is, there's no way to be sure that someone your child met online is really who they say they are. And once they meet in person, your child can be in actual real-world danger. So why do it? If you know your kids are going to do it anyway, however, remind them to always bring friends along and let you or another trusted adult know where they'll be.

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5 Internet Safety Tips for Tweens and Teens

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For many tweens and teens, social networking is practically synonymous with social life. Now that they've hit middle and high school, it may be unrealistic to expect our kids to be open books about what they do online. But talking to them frankly about the real risks of social networking is more important than ever.

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Keeping kids safe online means staying informed and getting involved to make sure your child knows the risks, as well as the rewards, of the Internet.

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Snapchat, Kik, and 6 More Iffy Messaging Apps Teens Love

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Cool new apps give teens lots more opportunities to overshare (or worse). Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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Dealing with Devices: The Parent-Teen Dynamic | Common Sense Media

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Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media.

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Dramatic, disturbing news events can leave parents speechless. These age-based tips on how to talk to kids about the news -- and listen, too -- can help. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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We’re continually designing new features and parental controls to help make sure children use their devices in the ways their parents want them to.

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Microsoft Family Safety

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Microsoft Family Safety: Location Sharing & Screen Time App | Microsoft 365

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Create a safe and healthy environment for your family with digital content monitoring, limiting screen time and location tracking with Microsoft Family Safety.

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Step-by-Step Tips to Set Up Your Kid's iPhone

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Learn how to set a passcode, block apps, share media, and more. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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When you see a teen taking a selfie, chances are that picture will end up on social media. Often, that means Instagram, one of the most popular social image-sharing platforms in the world. What's all the fuss about?

Teens love Instagram for a lot of reasons, but most importantly, that's where their friends are. They can also keep tabs on their favorite celebrities, follow accounts that align with their interests, and, of course, maintain their own profile (or profiles) that present an image of themselves to their friends -- and sometimes to the world.

As with all social media, the elements that make teens love Instagram can also be breeding grounds for trouble. Depending on whom you follow or what you search for, you can find lots of mature content. And the comments on posts can be downright vicious, especially if an account is public. Then there's the pressure. Lots of kids feel that they have to maintain a perfect profile, so they're constantly scanning posts for likes and deleting ones that don't measure up. And they have to check their feeds all day (and sometimes at night) for updates from friends. Instagram also has a commercial aspect. Embedded ads, celebrity endorsements, and links to buy products are all over kids' feeds.

Still, with some guidance around settings, limits on use, and ongoing conversations about content and comments, Instagram can be a place for kids to connect and be creative. Check out our full review to get even more info.
What is Instagram?

How does Instagram work?

How old should kids be to use Instagram?

What kinds of content will my kid see on Instagram?

How can I monitor my kid's activity on Instagram?

What's the deal with "rinstas" and "finstas"?

Is there any way to limit or restrict my kid's activity on Instagram, including connecting with strangers?

How can my kid block or report other users on Instagram?

What should I do if it seems like my kid can't stop looking at Instagram?

What are some other risks associated with kids using Instagram?

Are there any potential benefits to my kid using Instagram? What is Instagram?
Instagram is a popular, free social networking app that lets users post photos and videos, follow celebrities and friends, and send messages. It's owned by Facebook but has a photo-forward format that's more appealing to teens.
How does Instagram work?
Once you create an account, you get your feed going by following friends and celebrities (Instagram helpfully suggests some for you). When you're ready to share a post, tap the plus sign and select what you want to share from your recent photos and videos. Depending on the media type you're sharing, you can choose from all sorts of filters and image-editing tools to make your post look cool. Then you add a caption and a hashtag if you wish (which categorizes all posts on the same topic together). You get the option of adding a location to your post, but it's not recommended that kids and teens use this function. Instagram offers a lot more features, too, including:

Direct messages (DMs). You can send direct messages to one or more people -- including people you don't follow and who don't follow you.

Disappearing messages. This is a Snapchat-like feature that lets you send timed photo or video messages that recipients can only view once before they disappear.

Stories. These are 15-second videos or slideshows that live in a circle separate from other posts. To create one, tap Your Story, tap the camera or scroll through your media, and swipe through the filters to add effects. Then select Send To to share your post on Instagram or Facebook, or with specific people or groups.

Instagram TV (IGTV).

These are longer-form videos programmed by Instagram (i.e., they're not by your friends or followers). Kids can also create their own IGTV channels and broadcast themselves, sort of like on YouTube.
How old should kids be to use Instagram?
According to the terms of service, you have to be 13, but there's no age-verification process, so it's very easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense rates Instagram for age 15 and up because of mature content, access to strangers, marketing ploys, and data collection. Check out our social media rules for high schoolers.
What kinds of content will my kid see on Instagram?
The kinds of content kids will see mostly depends on whom they follow: If they only follow friends and don't search for anything, they may see only pictures of their friends having fun. But kids rarely limit their feeds to people they know, so it's likely they'll see mature content (including sexy stuff, swearing, and substance use), mean or sexual comments, and hashtags about suicide, anorexia, and other concerning topics. If they follow celebrities, they'll probably also see marketing.
How can I monitor my kid's activity on Instagram?
You can ask your kid to give you a tour of their Insta. Ask them to walk you through their account, explain memes and comments, discuss friends, and share whatever comes up. Or try one of these ideas:

Create your own Instagram account and follow your kid. You'll see what they post (unless they block you), but you won't see their DMs (direct messages).

Follow their friends. It's not unusual for parents to be friends with their kids' friends online (but you should hold back on comments). If you're close with your kids' friends, you can follow each other and keep tabs on your kid's doings.

Ask for your kid's Instagram username and password. Then, you can log in as them and review their accounts.

Do spot checks. Either random or scheduled, these check-ins give you time to sit down together and go through your kid's feed.

Install a third-party monitoring app. Parental controls such as Bark give you a lot of visibility into what kids are doing online. Learn more about parental controls.

What's the deal with "rinstas" and "finstas"?
Rinstas and finstas are additional Instagram accounts that are completely separate from each other. Finsta stands for "fake Instagram," and these accounts reflect a kid's true self and are only meant for very close friends to see. Rinsta is a kid's "real" Instagram that's public-facing and highly curated, and they project the type of ideal online persona that's hard to achieve in reality. In other words, their "real" account is the public one everyone can find and see.

Not every kid maintains more than one account, but don't be alarmed if your kid does. Instagram allows users to keep up to five accounts. As long as they follow responsible social media practices such as using privacy settings, not posting things they'll regret, and limiting their audience, finstas and rinstas can be useful tools as kids go through the natural process of figuring out their identities.

To see whether your kid has more than one account, you'll need access to their phone. Go to their profile page by tapping the person icon at the bottom of the screen. Then tap the username at the top of the screen. If they have another account, you'll see it there. Another option is to stay logged in to their account(s) on your device so you can see all their activity. While you're at it, it's a good idea to make sure your kid's account names aren't too racy or revealing. Lots of kids include their ages, personal details, or even physical characteristics in their handles, but that can make them a target for predators as well as brands. Also, check to make sure your kid didn't create an account that's meant for a business. You'll know if the account information contains a phone number and an email address.
Is there any way to limit or restrict my kid's activity on Instagram, including connecting with strangers?
Instagram accounts are public by default, so the first thing to do is make your kid's private. To do this, go to Settings from your profile page. Select Privacy and toggle on Private Account. With a private account, only people you approve can see what you post. You get a lot of options in the Privacy section -- and you should spend some time here if you're helping your kid set up their first account. You can't lock Privacy settings, though, so be aware that kids can change them back. A few more key Instagram privacy settings:

Comment controls. You can limit comments to followers, block comments from specific people, hide "offensive" comments, and create specific filters for words and phrases.

Resharing to stories. You can control whether or not other people can reshare your posts.

Photos and videos. You can prevent people from automatically adding pictures of you to your profile without your approval and hide photos and videos so they don't display in your feed.

How can my kid block or report other users on Instagram?
Tap on the three dots next to the account name. You'll see options to report, mute, or unfollow that person. Another way to minimize interactions with someone is to use the Restrict option (in the Privacy settings) to screen someone's comments without them knowing. If a person is really determined, however, it's not hard for them to create a new account and start making contact with your kid under a different name.

Unfortunately, there are no easy fixes for some of Instagram's other bullying issues. The app tries to reduce potential problems by flagging comments that sound mean-spirited before they're posted -- which may make the person being aggressive think twice. But kids can still create "hate pages" that are designed to make fun of specific people or even imposter accounts that drag someone's reputation. You can report these types of accounts, but it can turn into a game of whack-a-mole -- and Instagram is notoriously unresponsive to reporting. Teach your kids when and how to use blocking and reporting (and make sure they know that they'll remain anonymous if they use any of Instagram's protective features). If you can't get rid of a bully, you may need more support from the school or other parents.
What should I do if it seems like my kid can't stop looking at Instagram?
All social media uses persuasive techniques to keep users engaged, and while it can help kids feel connected to friends and family -- especially during times of isolation like extended school breaks -- it's easy to get sucked in for longer periods than is healthy. If your teen has trouble logging off when they have other stuff to do or they just need a break, you can try using Instagram's Your Activity feature, which the company introduced to help people be more aware of the time they're spending on the app and to set limits for themselves. To get to Your Activity, go to the profile page, tap the three horizontal lines, select Your Activity, and then tap Time. You'll see your daily average, and you can set a time limit and get a reminder to stop. If your kid has mastered self-regulation, Your Activity may work to curb their use. If not, you can try using the parental controls built into your phone's operating system ( Screen Time on iOS or the Family Link app on Android) to block access and set time limits on all the apps on your kid's phone. A few other tricks: Adjust or turn off notifications completely to calm the need to check the phone every few minutes; and tell kids to stop scrolling once they see the "You're all caught up!" message that tells them there's no new content to see since the last time they checked.
What are some other risks associated with kids using Instagram?
Because Instagram is so image-based, kids who focus on external validation can get preoccupied with perfection, image, and status, which can negatively affect their well-being. It's not uncommon for some users to curate their feed for public consumption by uploading only photos and videos that show them at their best and by deleting posts that don't get a certain number of likes. And with so many filters and celebrities and posts of people having fun, it can definitely affect a teen's body image and sense of self. Some people even take risks to get the perfect shot, all for Instagram. To keep up, teens may post sexy pictures or reveal too much personal information. The effects of "influencers" are real, so knowing whom your kid follows and why might give you insight into who they admire and what products that person might be pushing (note that there's often a way to buy right from the app). As with any other social media app that includes likes and follows, some teens use those as a measuring stick and compare themselves to others. If your kid's activity on the app takes a turn from connection and fun to perfection and anxiety, it's time to take a break. Using it to scroll through other people's fabulous photos for long stretches every day without using it to joke with friends or send messages can make teens feel worse than when they opened the app.
Are there any potential benefits to my kid using Instagram?
Teens who use Instagram as a way to express themselves -- for example by posting art, poetry, and videos that showcase their talents -- tend to have positive experiences with the app. When used in balance with other activities and with purpose (not just endless, mindless scrolling), kids can come away from the app feeling connected and supported.

If you decide to let your teen use Instagram, there are some steps you can take to help them get the most positives and fewest negatives. You can sit down and go through the app and its settings with them, note your concerns, lay out the expectations and potential consequences, talk through whatever controls you might use (including spot checks), and set boundaries around when, where, how, and whom they can communicate with to get off to a solid start.

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When you see a teen taking a selfie, chances are that picture will end up on social media. Often, that means Instagram, one of the most popular social image-sharing platforms in the world. What's all the fuss about? Teens love Instagram for a lot of reasons, but most importantly, that's where their friends are.

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If you have tweens or teens, you know about Snapchat. And if you can't figure out how it works, you're like many parents. One of the most popular social media apps out there, Snapchat gives kids and teens what they really want: a simple way to share everyday moments while simultaneously making them look awesome. And unlike Facebook and Twitter, which record and broadcast everything you do, Snapchat uses messages that are meant to disappear (learn more about how they actually don't). Like so many social media apps, Snapchat is a mixed bag, so it's a good idea to understand how it works, how your kids use it, and how much time they spend on it so you can make sure their experiences are positive.

Something about snapping, sharing, and then quickly moving on from life's little moments has massive appeal for kids. And for the most part, that's what they use Snapchat for. But the app offers a lot more stuff, including games, news and entertainment, quizzes, and even serialized shows from top pop-culture brands.

With a constantly updated supply of photo filters, effects, and fun features, Snapchat feels like a party. But the app poses some risks: Snap Map lets friends see each other's location on a map, which isn't always safe; Snapstreaks requires kids to exchange messages for as long as possible, which is a major time-suck; Discover offers some age-inappropriate content; and Quick Add allows kids to connect with a wide circle of strangers. With your guidance on privacy, safety, social media pressure, and marketing, though, Snapchat can be a fun way for teens to connect. Check out our full review to get the whole scoop.

What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular messaging app that lets users exchange pictures and videos (called snaps) that are meant to disappear after they're viewed. It's advertised as a "new type of camera" because the essential function is to take a picture or video, add filters, lenses, or other effects and share them with friends.

How does Snapchat work?

All you need to sign up is your name, an email address, and your birth date. On Snapchat, users go by a handle, and Snapchatters gravitate toward silly names. To add friends, you can upload your contacts or search for people you know. You can also automatically add someone by taking a picture of their " Snapcode," a special QR code unique to each user.

After that, things get a little confusing. On Snapchat, photos -- not text -- usually start the communication. To begin a conversation, you tap the big camera circle and take a snap. There are all sorts of photo-editing tools (you have to experiment to figure out what they do) as well as filters to adorn your images. Once you customize your snap, you can send it to anyone on your friends list, add it to your story (which is a record of the day that your friends can view for 24 hours), and add it to Snap Map (which displays your photo on a map of your location that can be viewed by anyone on Snapchat).

Snapchat provides several options for texting and managing photos. In addition to individual texting, Snapchat also offers group texting and group stories that everyone in a group can contribute to. You can delete the text messages you send, though in a group chat the other people will see that you've deleted something. In terms of Snaps, you can delete unopened ones that use a saved picture (not taken on the spot). You can't delete snaps that include pictures you just took (and didn't save).

How old do you have to be to use Snapchat?

According to the terms of service, users must be 13. You have to enter your birth date to set up an account, but there's no age verification, so it's easy for kids under 13 to sign up. Common Sense Media rates Snapchat OK for teens 16 and up, mainly because of the exposure to age-inappropriate content and the marketing ploys, such as quizzes, that collect data.

Do messages really disappear on Snapchat?

It depends. If you set a time limit on a snap, it will disappear after it's viewed. However, recipients can take a screenshot of an image using their phones or a third-party screen-capture app. A phone screen-capture will notify the sender that the image was captured. But third-party apps don't trigger a notification. For these reasons, it's best that teens understand that nothing done online is really temporary. Before sending a sexy or embarrassing snap of themselves or someone else, it's important to remember that the picture could circulate the school by tomorrow morning.

What are Snapstreaks?

With a Snapstreaks, two users have snapped back and forth within a 24-hour period for three days in a row. Once you've established a streak, special emojis and statistics display next to the streakers' names to show you how long you've maintained a streak. Why do they matter? For one thing, they add to your overall Snapchat score (basically a number that reflects how much you use the app). For another, they can occasionally become the most important thing in a kid's life. Because of the intense bonds kids can form over social media, they can feel that a Snapstreak is a measure of their friendship, and if they don't keep it up they'll let the other person down. Teens have even been known to give friends access to their Snapchat accounts to keep a streak going if they can't do it themselves (for example, if their phone gets taken away for being online too much). This can lead to feelings of pressure, anxiety, and compulsion, so it's good to know if your kid has streaks going to get a window into why that selfie might feel really important.

What's Snap Map?

Snap Map displays your location on a map in real time. Only your Snapchat friends can see where you are. If your friends have opted into Snap Map, you can see their locations, too. (You can turn this off or use it in Ghost Mode, which allows you to see the map but not be seen by others.) Snap Map also features news and events from around the world -- for example, a political rally in Nicaragua, which displays as an icon on a map of the world. Kids can submit snaps to the Snap Map, and their name and location could appear on a public map. But the bigger risk with Snap Map is a teen having their location seen by all their friends -- since some of their Snapchat contacts may not be real friends. Unless there's a specific event and it makes it easier for friends to know each other's location, it's best to leave Snap Maps off or use it in Ghost Mode.

What's a Snapchat story?

A story is a collection of moments in the form of pictures and videos that, taken together, create a narrative. (After Snapchat popularized the format, other social media services, including Facebook and Instagram, offered story-creation tools, too.) On Snapchat, stories appear as circles, and when you tap them, they autoplay the pictures or videos the user collected. You can create personal stories that your friends can view for a 24-hour period. Or, if you think your Snap is particularly interesting or newsworthy, you can send it to Our Story. Our Stories are kind of like mini-documentaries of events, holidays, game championships, or other things happening in the world on a particular day. Snaps are curated and compiled by the company. While it's cool to have your story added to Our Story, it's also very public, so kids should think carefully before submitting one.

What's a Snapcode?

When you sign up, Snapchat gives you your own unique QR code. When you meet a fellow Snapchat user and want to friend each other, you can just take a snap of the other person's code, and they're automatically added to your friends list. Because it's so easy to find friends on Snapchat (depending on your settings) or exchange codes, teens may end up with virtual strangers on their friends list. For a variety of reasons, that can be risky, so it's best to talk to your teen about when it's safe to add people.

What's Discover?

Discover offers content created by celebrities, news and entertainment outlets, and other users. You can subscribe to specific Discover sources to receive their feeds. While Discover offers some legitimate news from publishers including the New York Times and Vice Media, the offerings can be promotional and are frequently mature or outlandish (such as people with extreme plastic surgery or rare medical conditions). But if your kid has signed up with their correct birth date, they'll miss the alcohol ads and other adult content that Snapchat filters out for underage users. Discover stories often feature promos prompting kids to "swipe up" to learn more (which usually leads to ads) or take a quiz (which is usually a marketing tool). This section runs the gamut from harmless to shocking, so it's good to look around and get a sense of what your kids are seeing.

What are Snapchat's other features?

Snapchat is waaaay more than cute photos. The more you use the app, the more points you get and the higher your Snapchat score goes. Snapchat awards high scorers with trophies and other perks. Here are a few other Snapchat features:

Cameos: These are animated GIFs featuring your selfie that you can send in a chat. Snapchat offers more than 150 video options to add your image to, including "duets" where you and a friend appear together.

Face lenses and world lenses: If you've seen photos of people with cartoon cat ears and whiskers on their faces, those are face lenses. World lenses are augmented reality elements, such as rainbows, that you can add to a snap of, say, the Eiffel Tower so it looks like it's part of the photo. Technically, lenses are "overlays" -- and they cost money on Snapchat.

Geo-filters: These are location-specific elements that can only be unlocked by visiting a specific place. Businesses use geo-filters as a way for customers to check in and advertise them. A kid could create a special geo-filter for their sweet-16 party for attendees to add to their photos.

Snapcash: Like PayPal or Venmo, Snapcash lets users transfer money to each other.

Memories: If you don't want your snaps to disappear, you can store them to send later. My Eyes Only is a way to save Memories behind a passcode so that no one else can see them.

Snapstore: This is exactly what it sounds like: a place to buy Snapchat-related items.

Shazam: A feature that helps you identify a song.

Snap Games: Co-play games with voice/text chat and ads, launched from the chat section to play with friends.

Snap Originals: These are short, serialized shows created exclusively for Snapchat in a wide range of formats from docuseries to talk shows, from the likes of BuzzFeed, the E! Network, and MTV.

Sounds: TikTok-like feature that allows users to include music with snaps.

Spotlight: This is another TikTok-like feature that aggregates snaps submitted by users into one giant feed. Once you send in a Spotlight, it's public and can be viewed by anyone on or off the platform.

Is Snapchat safe for tweens and teens?

Most kids use Snapchat to goof around and stay in contact with their friends -- end of story. Yes, there's some mature content, but it's appropriate for most teens 16 and up. That said, there are three key risky areas:

The myth of disappearing messages. When Snapchat first started, it was labeled " the sexting app" because people sent intimate photos, assuming they'd self-destruct. Any app can be misused, but a lot of kids mistakenly believe that Snapchat has a built-in Get Out of Jail Free card. Teens really need to understand that the content they share can be saved and shared and may never go away. It's best to have this conversation before they download Snapchat, but it's never too late. Talk about whether any of their friends have ever pressured them to send a sexy image and discuss why someone who would do that does not have your best interests at heart. Kids should also ask permission before sharing a picture of someone else.

The time suck. Snapchat is a ton of fun to use, and there's lots to discover on it. Snapstreaks and stories add a time-pressure element that makes kids feel like they have to check in. If it ever seems like your kid is stressing and not using the app for fun, it's time to step in.

Privacy and safety. Since it's so easy to add friends in Snapchat, you can end up with lots of people you don't know well on your friends list. And depending on your settings, the app can collect a ton of data about your habits in -- and outside of -- the app. Snapchat also works with a lot of third parties that they share your data with.

How do I monitor Snapchat and use the settings?

The biggest challenge for parents is that there's no way to see your kid's activity in the app in the same way as on other social media platforms. Since there's no feed to scroll through like on Instagram, for example, there's not much to monitor.

IIf you decide to say yes to Snapchat, focus on the privacy settings. Sit down with your kid and together go into the app's settings (the little gear icon next to your profile image). Scroll down to "Who Can..." This is where you can control important safety features such as who can see your location and who can view your story. This is a perfect time to talk to your kid about using their Snapchat account safely and responsibly. Discuss when and how often you'll check in on how they're using it and how they're feeling about it. Explain that you understand that social media is important to them, and, at the same time, your role is to protect them. Don't forget to ask your teen to show you some of their snaps and some of the cool features they like in the app. That'll make it a little less scary for you -- and send the message that you're on the same team.

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If you have tweens or teens, you know about Snapchat. And if you can't figure out how it works, you're like many parents. One of the most popular social media apps out there, Snapchat gives kids and teens what they really want: a simple way to share everyday moments while simultaneously making them look awesome.

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Should I let me tween girl use social media?

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Should I let me tween girl use social media?

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Living during a global pandemic is no joke. And the isolation most of us are experiencing is even tougher for tween girls, who take their blossoming social lives very seriously. So it's no surprise if you're considering TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat sooner than you'd expected, in order to foster the kind of connection and support kids can only get from friends. It's a big decision -- and one that makes sense for lots of tweens and teens (with appropriate precautions). But there's a small subset of young girls who are particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media -- and if yours is one of them, you should wait.

The big question, of course, is how do you know? What makes one kid able to ride out the highs and lows of social media with little negative impact and another likely to feel hurt, threatened, less-than, anxious -- or worse? Research into the link between mental health issues and social media, triggered by the alarming decade-long rise in anxiety, depression, and even suicide among 10- to 14-year-old girls -- especially Black and Latinx girls -- has so far been inconclusive. In fact, most tweens and teens report more positive experiences with social media than negative, and that social media strengthens their relationships.

One tool you can use to help decide whether social media is the right choice for your daughter is to check in on her current sense of well-being. These questions aren't a diagnostic tool, but more of a guide to help you unearth potential markers of emotional vulnerability. If your kid could benefit from having a social media community, by all means, take advantage. But if the answers to these questions lead you down a different path, it's perfectly OK to wait, find other ways for her to connect, and support her entry into social media with more caution and care. (Learn more about social media red flags.)

Does she frequently compare herself to others? If she talks a lot about what friends look like, what they wear, nice things they own, and the like and puts herself down in the process, she may not be ready for the constant stream of perfectly curated lives on Instagram, for example.

Has she been bullied in the past? Online lives are typically extensions of offline lives, so if your daughter has been bullied at school, it's possible it could happen again through comments on TikTok or disappearing messages on Snapchat.

Does she have a history of victimization? Girls who are survivors of abuse could be at a heightened risk of online victimization. Girls who have been sexually assaulted or abused may act out through sexualized social media posts, which can make them a target of pedophiles and traffickers on a variety of platforms.

Does she have trouble making and keeping friends? If the friendship drama is constant in person, using social media means the drama will follow her everywhere her device goes. And if she's socially awkward IRL, it'll probably come off that way online, too (though online communication might be less stressful).

Has she been diagnosed with a mental health disorder? Plenty of kids with anxiety and depression find support online and through social platforms, but for kids with documented struggles, the risks of negative experiences are higher.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to wait. When you do introduce social media, do it slowly, carefully, and with extra protections in place.

Here are some tips for how to introduce social media cautiously:
Hold off, if you can
In pre-pandemic times, this advice might have been easier. But maintaining social connections is super important right now -- and unfortunately, online is the best way to keep them going. Go step by step:

Take it slow. Social media that's less about "likes" -- for example, Zoom, FaceTime, and regular texting -- are probably OK to start. Social apps centered on social comparison, such as TikTok, can be introduced one at a time after you see how your kid does with them.

Find substitutes. Nothing will replace having the cool app everyone's talking about, but finding fun games or quasi-social apps for her to use can help her feel less left out.

Use it together
If you want to give the OK to Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, set up the app on your device first and let her use it with you at her side. This isn't going to work forever but can be a good place to start because you can see what's happening and discuss whatever comes up. Remember:
Create a social media contract
However you decide to introduce social media, it's wise to set rules about when and how she can use it. A few ideas to include:

Waking hours only. Turn in devices before bedtime (or use parental controls to shut them down).

Balance. Cap her daily social media time at a reasonable limit (enough to allow her to connect with friends, but not too much to trigger unpleasant thoughts and get in the way of other healthy activities).

Family bonding. Set aside important family time like at dinner for face-to-face conversations.

Explore settings
Every app has settings you can tweak to work best for your girl. You can usually find them by going to the account profile page and tapping "settings." A few to consider:

Private accounts. Most social media allows you to keep your account private, which prevents strangers from contacting you.

Notifications. Turning off or limiting notifications can relieve the pressure to be "always on."

Mute. If a friend is stirring up drama, you can avoid them for a while by "muting" them in the app.

Check in regularly
Once she starts using social media, make sure to keep checking in about it. Even though you might not be able to track everything she does or sees, you can let her know you're available for when she has trouble. Don't forget:

It's a learning experience. Make sure she knows that just because she brings up a problem to you, it doesn't mean she'll lose access to her devices or her friends.

Find teachable moments. Have open and honest conversations about what activities make her feel good about herself -- and help her figure out how to do more of them.

Tackle challenges holistically
If problems pop up on social media, don't just focus on the app as the source. Research shows that it's more likely that problems are occurring offline and are amplified or extended through tech tools. What to do:

Consider what social media means to her. Resist the urge to shut everything down, because she may be getting more support than problems through her device.

Collaborate. Try to listen openly and work together to find a solution. Add ongoing issues into your social media contract.

To learn more about how young people have been using social media and digital health tools to take care of their mental health during the pandemic, see Coping with COVID-19: How Young People Use Digital Media to Manage Their Mental Health.

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Should I Let My Tween Girl Use Social Media?

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Living during a global pandemic is no joke. And the isolation most of us are experiencing is even tougher for tween girls, who take their blossoming social lives very seriously. So it's no surprise if you're considering TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat sooner than you'd expected, in order to foster the kind of connection and support kids can only get from friends.

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Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives_6th-12th grade

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An independent voice for kids, families, and schools everywhere.

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization giving kids, families, and schools the tools to make informed choices about media and technology. Families know us for our independent, age-based reviews of movies, TV shows, books, games, podcasts and apps. Educators use our free curriculum and edtech reviews to plan lessons and integrate technology into their teaching practice. At our core, we are a children's advocacy group. We draw on original research, industry expertise, and community partnerships to advocate for laws and policies that help kids thrive.

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Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media.

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Endless Fun for Kids.
Peace of Mind for Parents.

Amazon Kids+ is an all-in-one subscription that gives kids access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games on compatible Fire, Fire TV, Android, iOS and Kindle devices. Plus, kids can enjoy hundreds of hours of fun with ad-free radio stations and playlists, and a growing list of premium kid's skills available on compatible Echo devices.

Parents also receive access to easy-to-use parental controls that allow them to find the right balance between education and entertainment. Parents can personalize screen time limits, set educational goals, filter age-appropriate content, and also manage web browsing and content usage based on their preferences.

Starting at $2.99/month after the free one-month trial, Amazon Kids+ gives kids unlimited access to a world of content to explore and parents the confidence that all content is age-appropriate.

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Compare parental control app prices

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*For up to 5 devices
**For 1 device, plus $29.95/yr for additional devices. (Equivalent to $15.81/mo. for 5 devices)

Parental control app similarities

Our top five picks share these features:

App management

App usage history reports

Texting history reports

Screen-time management

Content filter

Website blocker

We've organized the major differences in the chart below. To compare prices, see the chart above.

If you're not sure which features to prioritize, check out our guide to parental controls.

Compare parental control app features

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Video: Bark parental control app review

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More brands we considered

We started out with a list of 30 parental monitoring apps. Here are some that didn't quite make the cut for our top five.

Boomerang's main appeal is its affordability-about $16 a year for one device or $31 a year for ten devices. But most of its features are limited to Android devices, so skip this one if your child uses an iPhone.

We also like that Boomerang doesn't allow new apps to be downloaded until you give the OK. It also has good screen time management features.

Boomerang just squeaked out of our top five. If you're on a budget, give it a closer look by reading our full Boomerang review.

Screen Time (not to be confused with Apple's parental control of the same name) has a free version that covers one Android device. The Premium subscription comes to about $84 a year.

As long as your child uses an Android phone, you can read their full texts with Screen Time, monitor messages sent through WhatsApp, Viber, and Kik, and see all photos your child takes, sends, and receives.

There's no contact management, or call log history, but Screen Time has a nice buffet of other management tools. We especially like that it can block all new app downloads.

Norton Family is best for parents and kids who already have an open dialogue about internet safety, since the dashboard is more for guiding your conversations than instituting a total device lockdown. It lacks the social media monitoring and app management of more comprehensive parental control software like Bark.

You can read more about our experience with our in-depth Norton Family Parental Control Review.

The Circle Home Plus internet filter costs about $130 per year and controls any device connected to your home's Wi-Fi. If that sounds good to you, we recommend Bark Home instead. It costs about $80, and you don't need to pay an annual fee.

You can read more about our experience with our in-depth Circle Home Plus review.

Circle also came out with an app that's now sold with Circle Home Plus, but it didn't knock our socks off. It doesn't monitor texts, emails, or social media messages and doesn't provide call logs or contact management. It's good for regulating screen time and blocking apps or content categories, though.

Mobicip offers a web filter, screen-time management, location tracker, app blocker, website blocker, and history report starting at around $48 per year for five devices. If you use Android devices, Boomerang offers those same features and more at around $31 per year for 10 devices.

If you use iOS, macOS, Windows, Kindle, or Chromebook, then Mobicip is a slightly more affordable alternative to Qustodio (but without the info-heavy reporting dashboard).

OurPact offers a free version that lets you block apps and set up one schedule for screen time. If you want any other functionality, you need to pay nearly $84 per year. At that rate, you might as well pay for Bark and get social media monitoring and email monitoring.

We do think it's cool that this parental control software lets you see a live view of your child's screen, but its reporting dashboard lacks insight into web history, call history, and overall device usage.

Read more about our testing experience in our in-depth OurPact review.

Google Family Link is free and lets you manage apps, control screen time, and track your child's location. Google Family Link's closest competitors are the free versions of Kaspersky or Qustodio, which don't track location but do offer a web filter. We think web filtering is the more useful feature, but you can always install Google Family Link in addition to Kaspersky or Qustodio if you want.

Once upon a time, Net Nanny earned a spot among the top parental controls. We've bumped it down the list because there are more affordable and easier-to-use alternatives on the market now.

In fact, Net Nanny is one of the most expensive parental controls and offers no trial period. It took our tester an hour to set up Net Nanny for one device, and they were able to get around the web filter. We don't see a reason to choose this brand, especially since it offers no message monitoring.

Cocospy helps parents track where their kids are and what they are up to online. Its features include the ability to check WhatsApp, contacts, browser history, and call logs, plus geofencing. At around $70 per year, it's a little on the pricey side.

Kidslox takes the cake for location history. It not only shows your child's current location, but the route they took to get there and how long they lingered at stops along the way. You'll see corresponding addresses and times too.

Location history is saved for 7 days. You can also set up geofences.

Other than that, Kidslox offers average parental controls with no message monitoring.

Canopy offers the basics: web filtering, scheduled screen time, and geofencing. But it stands out in terms of sexting prevention and mature content screening.

Canopy alerts you if it thinks your child has taken a sexual photo, and it also scans websites in real time for suggestive photos and replaces them with white squares. You have the ability to filter images with partial nudity too, like swimsuit photos.

While Canopy's image AI is impressive, make sure this parental control app has all of the other features you want before you buy. Coverage for 15 devices costs over $190 a year-very expensive for large households.

mSpy is an alternative to SentryPC but costs at least twice as much. It's an invasive parental control that shows you almost everything that happens on your child's device-including any captured photos and videos. It also can also monitor emails, texts, Facebook messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, and seven other social media apps.

mSpy is very expensive compared to the competition and charges extra for technical assistance. We'd steer clear.

We think Bark offers the most comprehensive monitoring service if you can spare about $100 per year toward your child's online safety. It's the only parental app that monitors email, and that's just as important as monitoring text messages and DMs.

What is the best app for parental control?

How do I monitor my child's phone?

How we reviewed parental control apps

30+ parental control apps considered

27 data points assessed

8 hours of testing

50 hours of research

To find the best parental control apps, we set up different apps, tested them as both "children" and "parents," and then addressed strengths and weaknesses.

On top of hands-on testing, we dug into each app's features, prices, compatibility, and customer reviews. We also consulted with other online safety experts.

Three members of our team tried out the different apps, looking for how well each performed in these specific areas:

Setup and installation: how easy it was to install on different devices (including iOS, Android, mobile, and desktop), how much time it took, and whether or not there were any issues that came up.

Performance: Did the app do what it was supposed to do? Would it be easy for kids to work around it?

Features: what extra features were available, and did they deliver as promised?

Read more about our methodology.

With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy's pride and joy is her Appaloosa "Chacos." She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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The Best Parental Control Apps of 2023 | SafeWise

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Bark is a parental control app that alerts you when your kids go into dangerous online territory. See how it compares to other choices.