Good evening, my fellow fabulous parents.
I’m the first to admit that I’m no tech wizard. Actually, setting up Wi-Fi sometimes feels like an accomplishment worthy of applause, lol. So, when my own kids started venturing into the vast and sometimes overwhelming world of the internet, I knew I needed help. Enter parental control apps: a lifesaver for those of us who might accidentally call our laptops “the computer thingy.”
These apps are more than just helpful—they’re a game changer. They provide a way to monitor your child’s online activity, set healthy limits, and filter out harmful content without hovering over their shoulder. For me, they were a practical tool for finding balance. They take some of the pressure off and make it easier to focus on the important stuff, like talking to my kids about why limits matter and how they can use technology safely. The top 5 apps are (as per Cyber security experts) Aura, Bark, Qustodio, mSpy, & Norton. Also, I recommend parents and caregivers use CommonSenseMeida.org as a great resource.
The need for these tools is growing, too. In Australia, a new ban on social media for children under 16 highlights the challenges kids face online. The research behind this decision is sobering, showing links between excessive social media use and anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in kids and teens. While such measures are one way to address the problem, many of us live in places without these restrictions—so the responsibility falls squarely on parents’ shoulders.
Parental control apps don’t solve everything, but they make navigating this digital jungle a bit more manageable. They’re like a digital safety net for parents who can’t always keep up with the latest TikTok trends (guilty!) or decode slang-filled texts. With these tools, you can focus on being the parent—offering guidance, support, and the occasional mom joke—while letting the app handle the tech side of things.
xoxo,
Dr. Marnee