Monitoring what children (and not so young children) do with their mobile phones, tablets, or computers is no longer an option, it's almost a necessity. Parental control apps and app update management They have become the best tool for setting clear rules, limiting screen time, and blocking content that may be dangerous or simply inappropriate for their age.
Furthermore, nowadays it is not enough to simply block a website with explicit content. It's key to be able to manage which apps are installed, how much they are used, what they watch on YouTube, what they write on social media, and how they use Google Play.Luckily, there are very powerful solutions like Qustodio, Google Family Link, Google Play's own parental controls, and a good number of alternative apps that help you keep everything under control without going crazy.
What are parental controls and app management?
When we talk about parental control We are referring to all those tools that allow mothers, fathers and educators to monitor and limit the digital activity of minors: websites they visit, applications they use, time they spend online, location and, in some cases, even messages and social networks.
The call administrative control of app updates and downloads It adds another layer: managing which apps can be downloaded or updated, based on their age rating, and what type of content is allowed (games, movies, books, etc.). This is especially important in Android environments, where Google Play offers millions of apps with very different maturity levels.
In practice, all this translates into three main blocks of functions: firstly, content filtering and app blocking; for another, screen time management and usage schedules; and finally, activity and location monitoringEach family decides how far they want to go, depending on the age of their children and their level of autonomy.
Qustodio: advanced and multi-device parental control
Qustodio is one of the most comprehensive parental control apps available right now. It has received the Editors' Choice award from PC MagAnd it's clear that it's designed to make life easier for parents who want to seriously control their children's digital activity, without needing to be technology experts.
Its operation is based on two applications: Qustodio Parental Control App, which is installed on the adult's device (usually a mobile phone or laptop), and Qustodio Kids Appwhich is installed on the child's device. From there, everything is managed from a very visual panel, either from the parent app itself or from the Qustodio Family Screen Time web panel.
Content protection features in Qustodio
One of Qustodio's greatest strengths is its ability to filter and block inappropriate content automatically. As soon as you complete the initial setup, the tool starts blocking dangerous websites without you having to do anything else.
Among its key functions for protecting navigation are the following: blocking games, pornography websites, gambling sites and other inappropriate content; possibility of receiving alerts when the child tries to access a blocked website; activation of safe searches in the main search engines to reduce exposure to sensitive content; and blocking of specific apps that you do not want them to use.
In addition, Qustodio integrates with services like YouTube for monitor activity and video historyThis is key considering the amount of ambiguous or outright adult content that slips onto the platform.
Screen time management and digital habits
Another of Qustodio's strengths is the part about usage time managementYou can set daily screen time limits for the entire device, so that when the time runs out, the system automatically blocks access.
In addition to those general limits, it is possible Configure specific restrictions for certain apps or games.For example, you can limit social media use to half an hour or set a specific time for video games. You can also pause internet access instantly, literally with the touch of a button, if you need your child to disconnect at a specific time.
Qustodio allows you to create custom routineswith different schedules depending on the day of the week or time slot (school hours, night, weekends), which is very useful for adapting the rules to the family calendar without having to change things every day.
Full visibility of online activity
There's a difference between having limits and not knowing what's happening. Qustodio offers a high level of visibility into what minors do with their devicesFrom its dashboard you can review searches, visited pages and app usage, as well as receive alerts if it detects anything unusual.
Among these advanced monitoring functions, the following stand out: AI-based alerts about suspicious searches and contentWarnings about potentially harmful SMS messages and social media monitoring such as WhatsApp, Instagram or Line (in plans that allow it); daily, weekly and up to 30-day activity reports, also sent by email; notifications when the child downloads a new app; call and SMS control to block unwanted contacts; and detailed information on the usage time of each app.
One very interesting feature is the possibility of Invite another parent or guardian to share supervisionThis is ideal in cases of shared custody or when several people are in charge of the child's care.
Location tracking, panic button, and multi-platform support
In the area of physical security, Qustodio incorporates a system of GPS location It lets you see where your child's device is located on a map. You can mark favorite places and track their movements, which is very useful for checking that they've arrived safely at school or a friend's house.
In addition, it offers a panic button The child can activate this feature from their device if they need urgent help; it sends an immediate alert with their exact location. This feature is available on multiple systems: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Kindle, facilitating unified control even if there are devices from various brands in the home.
Qustodio has a basic plan with limited features and a premium plan with all features unlocked, including the ability to control up to 15 devices in the case of large families.
Qustodio technical requirements, permissions and support
To function correctly, Qustodio requires certain advanced permissions in Android, such as Device Administrator, which prevents the app from being uninstalled without adult authorization, or the use of accessibility services to effectively monitor device usage.
In some manufacturers, such as Huawei, it is necessary disable aggressive battery saving modes to prevent Qustodio from closing in the background. The tool is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, and offers web and email support to answer any technical questions.
Google Family Link: Parental controls integrated into your Google account
If Android phones or Chromebooks are the most common devices at home, Family Link is probably the easiest way to get into parental controls. This is Google's official free solution to monitor minors' accounts, especially designed for children under 13 years old (or the corresponding age in each country).
With Family Link you can create a specific Google account for your child or add supervision to an existing account, and from your own device manage usage times, allowed apps, content filters and location of the child's device.
Requirements to use Google Family Link
To manage your child's account with Family Link, you need to meet some basic requirements: have a Google account as an adult, be over 18 years old (or the age of majority in your country), have a compatible device (Android 6.0 or higher, iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or higher, or a Chromebook that supports Android apps) and live in the same country as the minor.
The child, for his part, will have to have your own Google account and use a compatible device: an Android phone with version 6.0 or later, a Chromebook with ChromeOS 71 or higher, or, in certain cases, a compatible Fitbit device. All of this allows Family Link to consistently apply monitoring rules.
Control of usage time and schedules in Family Link
One of the most practical features of Family Link is the screen time managerYou can set a daily limit in hours and minutes and configure rest periods, for example at bedtime or school, during which the device is partially blocked.
These limits can adjust for each day of the weekso that weekends are more flexible and weekdays have stricter rules. If you need to extend the time on a specific day, you can grant extra minutes without changing the entire scheduleeither from your own device or using a parental access code directly on the child's mobile phone when time is about to run out.
It must be taken into account that the Daily limits apply per deviceIf your child uses two Android devices or an Android and a Chromebook with the same account, they will have the established time on each one, unless you manage it differently.
Allow or block apps with Family Link
Family Link allows approve or block individual applications on the child's device. When you block an app, it can no longer be opened, and after a few minutes or when the device has an internet connection, the change is applied to all devices associated with that account.
If the child is using an app when you block it, a [unclear] will appear. warning indicating that you have one minute to close This shows what the system is doing before the blocking is applied. Keep in mind that some applications cannot be blocked because they are necessary for the system's operation and monitoring parameters.
Family location and management
You can also use the Family Link app check the location of the Android device of your child. Just go to the location section, choose which children share their location, and activate the feature. From there, you'll be able to see on a map where each device is located.
The Family Link interface is designed for families with multiple children, so you can Switch between profiles by swiping at the top of the screenThis makes management much easier when you're monitoring multiple devices at once.
Google Play: Parental controls and content ratings
Beyond Family Link, Google Play includes its own system of parental controls based on age classification of the apps, games, movies, series and books available in the store.
These settings allow you to limit what can be downloaded or purchased from the child's device, based on their maturity and the rating assigned by the store and official bodies such as the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) or the International Coalition for Age Ratings (IARC).
How ratings work on Google Play
Google Play ratings were designed to to inform the user which audience each piece of content is aimed at and what level of maturity it hasAspects such as violence, sexual content, drugs, gambling, explicit language, and user interaction are taken into account.
On each app's page you can Tap on the rating to see more details And often, you can access a link with additional information about why that level was assigned. Apps that haven't yet been rated are treated as highly mature for parental control purposes until they are officially assigned a rating.
The Google Play ecosystem is enormous: over 2,5 million apps and growingIt is estimated that about 88% are classified as "for all ages", while around 3% are aimed at adults, which is equivalent to tens of thousands of apps with clearly mature content (including, for example, Reddit).
Activate Google Play parental controls with Family Link
If you already use Family Link to manage your child's account, you can adjust the settings directly from there. Google Play controlsIn the parents' app, you just have to select the child, go to the settings section, and look for the Google Play option.
Within that menu you will be able to filter by content type (apps and games, movies, music, books, etc.) and set the allowed level for each category according to the child's age. This way, even if the device is in the child's hands, what they can download or buy will be limited.
Setting up parental controls on Google Play without Family Link
If your child is over 13 and manages their account without Family Link, you can still Activate parental controls directly in Google Play of the device itself, provided you have access to it to configure it.
The steps would be: sign in with the student's Google account on the device, open the Google Play app, tap the profile icon in the upper right corner, go to Settings, find the Family section, and then Parental Controls. Once there, you need to Activate the switch and create a PIN which will be used to change the configuration in the future.
From that moment you will be able to define age-based content restrictions For apps and games, movies, TV, and books. Keep in mind that on devices managed by schools or organizations, parents may not have access to these settings and should coordinate with the school administrator.
Teacher-approved apps on Google Play
Google has created a specific section called “Kids” within the Play Storewhere only apps that have been reviewed and validated by teachers and educational specialists appear.
These applications are evaluated based on criteria such as design, child interest, educational value, age appropriateness, appropriateness of advertising, and in-app purchasesIn theory, both ads and in-app purchases must comply with Google's strict family policies.
For each app included in this section, you will find a section that explains it. why it has been considered appropriate by teachersThis is very helpful when choosing safe content for children without having to check every detail individually.
Beyond filters: involving minors
Although Google Play and Family Link's parental controls are powerful, they are not foolproof. Social networks and user-generated content platforms (such as TikTok, forums or video apps) can slip in vulgar language, nudity or violent situations even if the app itself has a moderate rating.
That's why it's essential to accompany technology with education and dialogue at home or in the classroomIt is advisable to explain to children why they are not allowed to access certain types of content, what to do if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable, and to create together a list of trusted adults they can turn to if they have any questions.
It's also a good idea frequently check which applications they have installedAsk them to show you how they use them and show genuine interest, instead of simply prohibiting them. Keep in mind that apps downloaded before you activated the controls will still be on the device, so it's a good idea to review and, if necessary, uninstall anything that doesn't comply with the established rules.
Other recommended parental control apps
In addition to Qustodio, Family Link, and Google Play controls, there is a good range of Parental control apps with different approachesSome are more focused on screen time, others on web security or geolocation.
Screen Time
Screen Time is a tool designed primarily for monitor how much time children spend with the device and what kind of use they make of it. The free version allows users to review daily reports with web browsing history and basic activity.
If you choose the premium plan, you will be able to pause the device instantlyIt allows you to manually approve which apps users can use and set detailed usage schedules. It's available for both iOS and Android and has a high rating on Google Play, around 4,2 stars.
Kids place
Kids Place is geared towards the youngest children, when they are not yet able to navigate the mobile device on their own. Create a safe, "kids mode" environment where only the applications that the parents have previously chosen appear.
This app adds a lock layer that can only be deactivated with a keyThis prevents the child from making calls, opening other apps, taking photos, or sending messages without permission. It's a very useful solution when you want to let a young child use your phone without worrying about them messing up the settings. It's available exclusively for Android and typically has a rating of around 4,1 in the app store.
ESET Parental Control
ESET Parental Control is the well-known cybersecurity company's offering for the family sector. It allows monitoring web browsing, installed apps, and the use of each one.in addition to applying content filters based on age.
It also includes the possibility of send direct messages to the child's device While they're using it, it's useful for sending reminders or alerts without having to call. It focuses on Android and has a Google Play rating of around 3,7.
Family time
Family Time is another fairly comprehensive solution, which combines app locking, screen time control, and family location trackingEven if an app is installed, you can prevent it from opening, and review the browsing history to see which pages the child has visited.
It includes a location system that shows the places the child has beenIt also includes a panic button similar to Qustodio's, designed so the child can call for help in an emergency. It's available for both iOS and Android, with an approximate rating of 3,8 on Google Play.
Qustodio as an invisible alternative on mobiles and computers
Although we have already discussed Qustodio, it is worth emphasizing its focus on the discretion and compatibility with multiple platformsIts system works almost invisibly on smartphones, tablets, and computers, blocking apps and websites using configurable time limits.
In its premium version you can Monitor activity on up to 15 different devicesThis makes it a competitive option for large families or small educational settings that want to centralize control. Its rating on Google Play hovers around 3,1 stars, partly because it's an app with many restrictions that aren't always popular with teenagers.
Other popular parental control solutions
In addition to the ones we've seen, there are a number of widespread solutions that are worth keeping an eye on, especially if your technology ecosystem is very specific or if you're looking for very specific functions such as social media control.
Family Link and Apple's parental controls
If you're already in the Apple ecosystem, the easiest thing to do is usually to use the native parental controls for iOS, iPadOS, and macOSFrom the "Screen Time" section you can set limits per app, restrict explicit content, control who the child can communicate with, and manage everything centrally through the Family Sharing feature.
On Android and Chromebooks, Google Family Link fulfills a similar role by acting as main control panel of the minor's accountallowing you to approve or reject app downloads, review activity, and adjust time limits according to age.
Norton family
Norton Family is the offering from one of the major antivirus brands. It focuses on monitor and block inappropriate content on the web, with the ability to manage multiple devices simultaneously from a single account.
Its functions include: Configure alerts when the child attempts to access restricted sites and the generation of detailed reports on digital activity, which are very useful for detecting problematic usage patterns.
Bark: Focus on social media and messaging
Bark has become known for her specialization in monitor conversations on social media and messaging appsIt analyzes messages and posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat, looking for signs of cyberbullying, suspicious interactions, depression, drug use, or risky activities.
It works through specific permissions that allow analyze the content without parents having to read everything in detailIt only sends alerts when it detects something concerning. It's a good option for families with teenagers who are very active on social media.
FamilySafe
FamiSafe combines digital and physical security with a special emphasis on real time geolocationYou can see where the linked devices are located, set up safe zones, and receive alerts if the child enters or leaves certain areas.
Also offers app blocking, content filtering, and usage restrictions to avoid distractions during class time or bedtime. Its interface is quite well-designed and suitable for families with children of different ages.
The current landscape of parental control and app management tools offers solutions for almost every taste: from free and integrated options like Family Link and Google Play controls, to advanced suites like Qustodio, Norton Family or Bark, as well as alternatives focused on screen time or safe environments for children.
The key is to combine technical filters, active supervision, and open dialogue with minors.so that technology serves to educate and protect, not just to prohibit, and so that each family can adapt these tools to their reality, their values and the changing needs of their children. Share this guide so that more people can learn about the topic.