In 2025, the smartphone is no longer just a communication tool — it’s a window into a world of endless information. Children are gaining access to phones at increasingly younger ages, making digital safety a more urgent issue than ever. Parental controls are a set of tools that allow adults to restrict access to harmful content, limit screen time, and monitor children’s activity. This is especially crucial when kids navigate the virtual world without proper supervision. As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle, modern technology makes it easy to set up effective control in just a few minutes — as long as you know where to start.
Why Using Parental Controls Is Important
Today’s digital world is flooded with information that is not always appropriate for children. Without control, a smartphone can become a source not only of learning and communication but also of cyberbullying, scams, or exposure to harmful content. Parental controls help to:
– Protect the child from inappropriate content
– Limit screen time
– Track the device’s location
– Control app installations
– Block in-game or marketplace purchases
These restrictions are not about total surveillance — rather, they are a way to foster healthy digital habits.
Types of Parental Controls on Smartphones
Parental controls can be configured in various ways, depending on the platform and your goals. The most common types include:
Built-in system controls
Most modern smartphones offer built-in control tools:
– Android: “Digital Wellbeing” and “Family Link”
– iPhone (iOS): “Screen Time” feature
Third-party apps
Several apps are designed specifically for parental use:
– Qustodio
– Norton Family
– Safe Lagoon
– Google Family Link
– Kidslox
Controls via mobile carriers
Some mobile providers offer parental safety services:
– Kyivstar “Kid Security”
– Vodafone “Parental Control”
– lifecell “Parental Supervision”
Each option offers different benefits and levels of complexity.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on Android
For parents whose children use Android devices, Google offers its native tool — Family Link.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download Family Link on your smartphone and your child’s device.
- Create a Google account for your child (or use an existing one).
- Link your child’s account to yours.
- Set restrictions for apps, content, and screen time.
- Enable geolocation tracking to monitor the device’s location.
Additional tips:
– Turn on content filtering in Google Play
– Prevent installation of new apps without permission
– Set time limits for games and YouTube
How to Set Up Parental Controls on iPhone
Apple provides a user-friendly system through the “Screen Time” feature.
Setup steps include:
- Open “Settings” → “Screen Time”.
- Select “This is My Child’s iPhone”.
- Set Downtime (e.g., during bedtime).
- Add app limits (social media, games).
- Disable purchases in the App Store without permission.
- Set content restrictions by age and category.
This system is flexible and allows you to manage activity from any Apple device connected to the same family group.
Top Parental Control Apps in 2025
In 2025, several new or updated apps offer even more features to keep your child safe online.
App Name | Platforms | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Qustodio | Android, iOS | App monitoring, web filtering, reports | Free / Premium |
Google Family Link | Android | Easy to use, Google native | Free |
Kidslox | Android, iOS | Time limits, app blocking | From $3.99/month |
Safe Lagoon | Android | Messaging control, GPS, reports | From $4.95/month |
Norton Family | Android, iOS | Trusted brand, full control suite | From $49.99/year |
Choose based on your needs, your child’s age, and your device type.
What to Consider When Choosing a Control Tool
Before installing an app or configuring system settings, keep in mind:
– The child’s age and digital skills
– Device type and OS version
– Needs: content filtering, screen time, location tracking
– Cost and availability in your preferred language
– Data privacy and security
It’s also important to talk to your child about why these controls are necessary to avoid conflict and build trust.
Tips for Communicating with Your Child About Digital Safety
Parental control tools do not replace parenting. Conversations with your child about internet safety should be regular and honest.
Recommendations:
– Explain why screen time should be limited
– Discuss the dangers of cyberbullying and online scams
– Encourage your child to talk to you if something seems suspicious
– Review online content together
– Trust but verify — without excessive pressure
This helps your child develop responsible digital habits.
Alternative Ways to Limit Access to Inappropriate Content
Beyond technical solutions, there are other approaches:
– Use a child-specific smartphone model
– Wi-Fi routers with traffic filtering features
– Browsers with built-in protection (like Kiddle)
– Family rules limiting screen time
Such approaches enhance technical control with emotional and educational support.
In 2025, setting up parental controls is not just a technical matter — it’s part of responsible parenting. Modern tools make it easy to monitor your child’s activity, restrict harmful content, and ensure online safety. However, the best outcomes come from combining technical solutions with open communication and consistent guidance. Striking the right balance between trust and control is key to helping children grow up safely in the digital world.
Earlier we wrote about, how to set personal boundaries with parents.