At WWDC 2026, Apple unveiled a few new parental control features in iOS 27 designed to let parents better manage what their kids can see and do on the iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks.

Here's a quick rundown of the new parental control features coming to iOS.

Better app management

When setting up a child account, parents will be able to select which apps their kid will have access to; you can either whitelist certain apps, or blacklist ones that you find questionable.

If a child wants to use a new app, they can ask you for permission, so that you can review it before granting access.

Browser management

Similar to apps, parents will be able to block or whitelist individual websites; it's being expanded so that kids will be able to ask their parents for permission to browse a site, so that an adult can check it before approval.

Questionable content

Currently, if a kid attempts to receive or send nude photos or videos— be it via text or FaceTime — they'll receive a warning about questionable content. Apple is expanding this feature to include both gore and violent content.

Screentime

Lastly, Apple is expanding ScreenTime so parents can better see and manage how their kids are using apps and other features of their phones. You'll be able to see how much time they spend on entertainment, games, and social media, and can set specific time limits for each.

In addition, you'll be able to set custom limits for each day, block specific apps, and more, so that your kid isn't using Instagram while they should be at school.

For decades, the world followed a safe pattern: technology was invented, people used it and then — eventually — the government regulated it. With AI, at least in the U.S. that safety net has collapsed.

Today, children are interacting with AI at every turn — through chatbots, "educational" apps, toys and YouTube channels. But while the colors are bright and the songs are catchy, there is a dark side to this automated content that most parents haven't noticed yet.

The rise of 'AI slop'

Investigators are sounding the alarm on a new phenomenon called AI Slop. These are mass-produced videos generated in seconds with AI by algorithms designed to do one thing: keep kids watching. As a mom of young kids, I am all too familiar with this problem since it isn't just pulling screens out of our kids' hands, it's AI-generated content flooding YouTube.

A recent report from the New York Times found AI-generated content showing characters walking into traffic or ignoring basic safety rules. Even "educational" facts that are completely made up (AI hallucinations). These surreal, disturbing imagery that blurs the line between reality and fiction.

Why this is different than "bad TV"

I grew up in the 1980s and my parents owned video stores (long before Blockbuster existed). I definitely saw my fair share of inappropriate content, mostly by default of being in the same environment of movies like "Sixteen Candles," "Police Academy" and "Splash."
In the past, even the cheapest cartoons required a "human bottleneck." A writer had to script it; an editor had to check it. There was a layer of human judgment.

But AI has removed the human checkpoint. Now, a single user can flood a platform with thousands of videos in minutes. There is no teacher reviewing the lesson, no editor checking the message and no moral compass guiding the output. Just infinite, automated "engagement."

The 'credibility' trap

Children are developmentally vulnerable to AI because they can't yet distinguish between a real person and a confident-sounding AI. Plus, an authority bias exists. If a character looks like a "teacher" or a "police officer," a child assumes that what they say is true. Especially if they go from shows with a real script like Bluey and Sesame Street.

But when it comes to YouTube, shows "of value" are in the same algorithm as those created by AI. For a kid just scrolling, that line is blurred. AI doesn't optimize for accuracy; it optimizes for the "click." If a dangerous video performs well, the system will show it to millions more.

The takeaway

As parents, we are already juggling a lot. I'm guilty of handing my kid a tablet and saying, "Just give me 15 minutes." I could parent without screentime, but I could also churn my own butter. Neither of which is happening. But this is a wake up call to at least know what our kids are watching on their screens.

Since credibility can't be automated and lawmakers still debate whether to regulate AI at the state or federal level, it's our job to be aware so technology doesn't raise the next generation.

Because the tech is already here, the safeguards are not.

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Australia's "world-first" social media ban came into effect on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Hundreds of thousands of under-16s have been barred from having accounts on certain social media platforms, and interest in the best VPNs has spiked.

10 social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, and X, are required to take "reasonable steps" to stop children from having accounts on their apps.

Supporters welcome the measures taken to protect children from experiencing harmful content and the dangers associated with social media use. Critics argue the law creates cybersecurity risks and negatively impacts online privacy – most notably due to the introduction of age verification checks.

Both sides make passionate arguments – here, we'll examine what cases are being made.

Protecting children at a critical stage

The Australian government has said its "world-first social media age restrictions" will protect Australian children "at a critical stage of their development."

It cited the "pressures and risks" users can be exposed to when logged into social media accounts. This includes "content that can harm their health and wellbeing," and features that encourage more screen time.

At a press conference taking place on the morning of the ban's implementation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was proud of the law, and called those who had championed it "heroes."

The ban has been supported by both parents and children. Speaking to BBC News, parents in Sydney called the ban "fantastic," and despite potential workarounds, they'd "rather have something than nothing."

The law has been described as "government protection" rather than "government control," and support has been strong from parents whose children have suffered from online bullying, and those whose children have died by suicide as a result of their experiences on social media.

Australian children have also come out in support of the ban. Teenagers have called social media "dangerous and addictive," and said the ban is "necessary" to stop cyberbullying.

Australians aged 18 to 20, who grew up with social media, have also expressed their opinion on the ban. Some think the ban is a good thing, and feel they'd have been better off without social media growing up. Implementing age restrictions up to 14 years old, with 15 and 16 year olds free to use social media, was also suggested.

Mistakes, privacy concerns, and community

As well as vocal supporters, Australia's social media ban has vocal critics. Privacy advocates have highlighted the cybersecurity risks of age verification. Users may need to verify their age to continue using some social media platforms and this requires them to submit various forms of personal information.

Although the Australian government has said the legislation "builds on the existing privacy protections contained in the Privacy Act," experts are still concerned. UK-based age verification company Yoti is playing a leading role in the process, and some are worried that the overseas tech companies involved may not comply with Australian data privacy laws.

Reddit users have cited potential data breaches as their reason for opposing the law. Concerning personal data, one user asked "can I be confident it's secure?" Yoti's age verification privacy policy says it deletes age check data "as soon as the check is complete," but in some cases – depending on the needs of the client – data will be processed for 28 days.

This data has the potential to be a gold mine for hackers. When discussing the UK's age verification implementation, experts called potential hacks "a disaster waiting to happen."

Children who are against the ban have said it's "insulting" and believe they can tell right from wrong. Children – especially those living in remote parts of Australia – have said they would lose their "communities." They say social media plays an important role in their social lives and is how they communicate with friends.

Some have also said that the ban could have a negative impact on LGBTQ+ and disabled children. Online communities can have an incredibly positive effect on the lives of these children. A 15-year old quadriplegic told BBC News that banning social media would make his world "smaller."

Two teenagers are challenging the law in court. They argue social media companies should use their resources "to get rid of the predators and harmful content out there."

Parents have reported errors with age verification checks, and gave examples of under 16s passing age checks when uploading selfies.

There is a concern that children will be pushed towards more harmful or less regulated platforms. The use of VPNs has been discussed as a potential way of bypassing the ban and/or age verification checks, and children may seek out suspicious or risky free VPNs to attempt this.

Only the best free VPNs are safe, and dodgy free VPNs may collect and monetise your data. Tom Sulston, Head of Policy at Australia-based Digital Rights Watch, warned about this possibility. He said suspicious free VPNs would open children up to "more harms than if they didn't need to use a VPN in the first place."

What happens next?

The law is still in its infancy and more social media platforms could join the current 10. It's clear that strong opinions exist on both sides of this debate and these won't disappear anytime soon.

Top10vpn.com reported VPN demand peaking at 103% above the baseline in the days leading up to the ban's implementation. Google Trends data shows the search term "VPN" peaked on December 9 and, despite a slight drop, remains fairly high.

We will continue to monitor the law's developments and expect supporters and critics to remain vocal.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Perplexity just rolled out a major update for 2025 Samsung TVs that grants users access to its immense AI answer engine. It gives Samsung TV owners more ways to experience AI in their daily lives.

The new Perplexity app functions a lot like other AI chatbots available on some of the best TVs, including Google's Gemini and Amazon's Alexa+. Perplexity can not only answer a wide swath of questions, but also do a host of other tasks, like plan out a vacation or design the perfect fantasy football lineup.

You can do this all via the new Perplexity app or through the Samsung Vision AI companion on your TV. If you're looking to try Perpexity AI on your Samsung TV, here's how you can dive into all of its features.

What can you do with Perplexity on your Samsung TV?

Perplexity AI broadens your knowledge by answering various questions directly on your TV screen. Beyond simply using the app in conjunction with on-screen entertainment or discovering which one of the best streaming services has access to the entire "Friends" catalog, you can also ask Perplexity to perform a wide range of different tasks.

For instance, you can ask Perplexity to help find nearby bars that offer fish and chips on the menu. Alternatively, you can use Perplexity to help plan a vacation to Japan by asking it to check airline prices and to recommend a Japanese-English dictionary.

One thing to keep in mind before proceeding is that Samsung's new Perplexity app is currently only available on its 2025 TVs, such as the Samsung S95F and Samsung S90F OLEDs. Samsung did state that the app would be rolled out to older sets from 2024 and 2023 later this year, but didn't give a definitive timeline.

What makes its integration worthwhile to Samsung TV owners is that you can get a full 12-month subscription to Perplexity Plus for free. You'll just need to access the app on your Samsung TV first.

How to get Perplexity app on Samsung TVs

How to get 1 year of Perplexity Pro for free

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NordVPN, the best VPN on the market, is expanding its security suite with a new adult-site blocking feature built into its Threat Protection Pro tool for Android and iOS.

The update lets users automatically block access to thousands of adult domains before they load, adding a family-friendly layer of protection that works across mobile browsers and apps.

The new control introduces DNS-based filtering inside NordVPN's mobile apps. Once switched on, it prevents access to websites flagged as adult content at the network level, meaning those pages never have a chance to open.

NordVPN says the goal of the content filter is to help users take control of their browsing environment, especially when sharing devices with children or simply avoiding explicit material online.

"Mobile devices are central to our daily lives and protecting users from unwanted content is more important than ever," said Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN.

"Our new feature empowers users to take control of their browsing experience, whether they're protecting children on shared devices or want to avoid accidentally accessing inappropriate content themselves."

Content blocking vs age verification

The introduction of content filtering by NordVPN is especially timely considering the rise in age verification laws requiring sites that host adult content to introduce age checks. The justification of these laws is that these age checks will prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.

However, some people have questioned the data safety of age verification, leading to a rise in the use of VPNs to circumvent these age checks. However, for those who have concerns about data safety as well as the potential harm that accessing adult content poses to minors, content blocking is an ideal solution.

By filtering adult sites at a DNS level, users can ensure that access to adult sites will be prevented before the page can even load, preventing access without having to input any personal information into an age checker.

How does NordVPN's new content blocker work?

The adult-site blocker uses DNS filtering, a technique that stops flagged domains before they can be accessed. When a user attempts to visit a known adult site, the DNS request is intercepted, and the page never loads. Because it operates at the DNS level, the protection applies across browsers and most internet-enabled apps rather than relying on per-browser settings or extensions.

Activating the feature is as simple as toggling on Adult site blocking in the Threat Protection Pro settings of the NordVPN app. From then on, the filter automatically screens web traffic for explicit domains while maintaining the privacy and encryption benefits of the VPN connection.

By adding DNS-based filtering directly into its mobile VPN apps, NordVPN aims to offer a more comprehensive, privacy-friendly option that works across different platforms without any extra installation process.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Surfshark, one of the best VPNs on the market, has introduced a new web content blocker designed to help families manage what websites can be accessed, without monitoring or tracking anyone's activity.

The VPN provider says the feature aims to create a safer, more respectful online environment by allowing users to filter web content by category, lock settings with two-factor authentication (2FA), and protect vulnerable users from malicious or inappropriate sites.

According to Justas Pukys, Surfshark's Senior Product Manager, the new tool represents a shift from traditional parental control systems, which often rely on monitoring user behavior.

"No matter whether you want to protect your children, help an elderly relative avoid fraud, or maintain a shared home without disruption, it is important to have clear, fair boundaries that are actually applied," said Pukys. "That's why we created a web content blocker, so people can turn control into care without tracking involved."

How does Surfshark's web content blocker work?

Unlike conventional tracking or filtering tools, Surfshark's approach focuses on blocking unwanted content rather than collecting user data. Users can choose from a set of predefined content categories, apply them to specific devices or profiles, and lock the configuration for added security.

The company says the feature can help households prevent accidental exposure to unsafe or inappropriate content while preserving personal privacy; an approach that aligns with Surfshark's broader focus on data protection and transparency.

To enable this feature, users need to install the Surfshark app on their devices, sign in with the same account, and activate the web content blocker under the app's settings. The system allows customization for each connected device, letting families select which types of sites to block and apply additional safeguards using 2FA.

Currently, the web content blocker is available on Android and iOS for users subscribed to Surfshark One or One+ plans, with the company confirming that support for additional platforms is coming soon.

For more information on Surfshark's other features, check out our Surfshark review.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

One of the best features that both TVs and consoles include nowadays is CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). It's an HDMI feature that allows various connected devices to communicate with your display, allowing you to control these devices using your TV's remote and even power them on in a unified way.

However, Samsung TV owners have noticed one glaring issue with this feature. When turning on their TV, whether they want to use their gaming console or not, the system will turn on alongside the display. This can be a major headache, because it not only means you have to turn off the console separately, but it often switches inputs from your desired destination.

Despite being some of the best TVs, this is a major blunder for Samsung models. It creates a really frustrating cycle of dealing with your connected devices, and it essentially means you can't use one of the best features with them.

I've listed a few ways you can address this issue, both on the PS5 side and through your Samsung TV's settings. I don't own an Xbox Series X, but I can update this page later with further steps on how to address the issue for that particular system.

Disable CEC (Anynet+) on your Samsung TV

Disable HDMI Device Link on your PS5

Disable Universal Remote controls on your Samsung TV

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When OpenAI first launched Sora in February 2024, it was a rough, but revolutionary opportunity for users to create their own videos from a single prompt, much like Veo 3, Runway and other best video generators.

Today’s launch of Sora 2 is a leap forward; OpenAI promises the updated video generator is now even more aware of how objects and people move in the real world and says it can generate videos far better than before.

But those eager to test the new model may have to wait indefinitely. While the launch of Sora 2 includes a new iOS app designed to make AI video collaborative, social and fun, users must be invited to Sora 2.

How to get on the waitlist

OpenAI is rolling out access gradually:

• Invite-only first: Some early users will receive direct invites, each with a limited number of friend passes.
• ChatGPT users next: In the coming days and weeks, OpenAI will prioritize Sora 1 power users, ChatGPT Pro subscribers, then Plus and Team plans. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a push notification in the ChatGPT app.
• App + web: The Sora iOS app launches tomorrow in the U.S. and Canada, with more regions to follow. You can also try sora.com directly.
• Developers: API access and Sora 2 Pro are coming soon.

If you want in, the best move is to ensure you’re subscribed to ChatGPT Pro or Plus and watch for the invite notification. Otherwise, you’ll need to keep an eye out for a friend pass.

What’s new in Sora 2

The second generation promises improvements that make AI video more convincing and versatile:

• Better physics and consistency: Characters and objects move more naturally across multiple shots.
• Audio + video sync: Voices and sound effects line up with visuals instead of drifting apart.
• Rich world modeling: More faithful environments for experimenting with AI “world simulation.”

The Sora app: video creation goes social

OpenAI has a new initiative with Sora 2, one that encourages collaborative generation. With 10-second video generation (that’s 2 seconds more than Veo 3), here’s what’s possible within the app:

• Create videos from text prompts or inspiration images.
• Cameo yourself or friends (with their consent) using secure likeness + voice capture.
• Remix videos in “chains,” like TikTok duets.
• Follow and discover new creators.
• Keep creations private until you decide to publish.

This “AI-first social video app” framing is new territory for OpenAI, and it’s what the company hopes will make Sora 2 a success, not just another technical milestone.

Guardrails around identity and safety

The Cameos are fun, but they raise a slew of questions about how OpenAI intends to keep the identities of its users safe. Here’s how the company intends to do that:

• Cameos are opt-in only and verified with video + audio capture.
• Public figures can’t be generated unless they’ve uploaded their own cameo.
• Every video carries C2PA provenance metadata and visible watermarks.
• Parents can configure teen accounts with content filters and DM restrictions.

OpenAI is hoping that the combination of provenance, watermarks and parental controls will be enough to get ahead of the inevitable deepfakes, but only time will tell as the model rolls out and users find workarounds.

The takeaway

With the success Google has seen from Veo 3, which is arguably the best video generator available, Sora 2 is entering a competitive market with what the company hopes to be an innovative solution to stand out, merging creation, identity and sharing into a single platform. That could open the door for everyday users, not just video producers or expert content creators, to cameo in skits, remix friends’ clips or scroll a feed of AI-made shorts.

If GPT-4 helped ChatGPT go mainstream, Sora 2 could be the moment AI video takes off the same way.

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Giving your child their first smartphone feels like a milestone, but it can quickly become overwhelming. Between choosing the right device, setting up parental controls, and teaching online safety, there are dozens of decisions that could impact your child's digital well-being and your family's budget.

The risks are real, even if they aren’t always obvious. Children who share personal information online may face identity theft that could affect them later in life. In-app purchases, if left unchecked, can lead to unexpected charges.

With the right setup and ongoing conversations, you can give your child the benefits of a smartphone while minimizing the risks. Here's how to approach each step of getting your child their first phone.

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For parents, the decision to get your child their first cell phone comes with a lot of questions. There are a handful of logistical hurdles to clear, such as choosing a kid-friendly phone and then making sure they have coverage on one of the best family cell phone plans.But just as important is what comes next — setting the ground rules for how your kid uses their new phone and how you plan to enforce them.

Guidelines for device usage are crucial for a variety of reasons. They allow you and your child to set and maintain healthy boundaries around issues like screen time, ensuring that phones don’t get in the way of homework and other activities or lead to detrimental effects on sleep or mental health.

Clear rules also help keep kids safe, protecting their privacy and limiting riskier interactions on social media or in other online spaces. Parents can also help enforce rules governing phone use at school.

Dr. Tiffany Munzer, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at the University of Michigan and ambassador for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, notes that parents should first assess their child’s or teen’s readiness for the responsibility of having a cell phone. For example, you should consider whether your kid has demonstrated that they can be kind and respectful toward others when there’s a conflict and that they have both an ability to complete schoolwork independently and a willingness to seek out an adult when needed. Parents should also ensure they are ready to monitor phone use.

Once you’ve decided you and your kid are ready for a phone, here are five things you can do to ease their transition to their first cell phone.

Choose the right device

Parents can start the rule-setting process well before kids have their first phone in hand, as the device you select helps define boundaries. You don’t necessarily need to start with the latest iPhones or Android devices — flip phones and “dumb” phones allow your child to ease in with basic functions like calling and texting if they’re not quite ready for social media and other apps available on smartphones.

“Think critically together about what are the minimum necessary apps to be able to achieve what you might need from a practical standpoint,” Munzer said.

Discuss guidelines in advance

While you’re deciding on a device, you should begin discussing the rules and expectations for phone use with your child. Experts say this conversation should be collaborative, ongoing, and age-specific, as younger kids will have different needs from older teens, and these rules should also be adjusted over time.

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that provides guidance on media use for children, has a helpful guide with age-by-age considerations, while the Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health has a list of conversation starters and prompts for parents.

“Expect and accept the bumps along the way,” said Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media’s chief content officer: “They're natural parts of learning, not signs of failure. The key is maintaining open dialogue and adjusting your approach as your child grows or situations change.”

Parents should discuss rules for texting, calling, taking photos and videos, downloading and using apps (including games and social media), and posting online. Munzer also recommends that parents discuss their own challenges with device usage and get their child’s or teen’s input.

Create a family media agreement

Don’t just talk about the rules for phone use and the consequences for breaking said rules — write them down. A family media agreement or family media plan is a contract you can refer back to that helps create transparency, understanding, and accountability.

Munzer advises that all family members should be included in this process, as kids and teens are more likely to develop healthy phone behaviors if these are modeled by parents.

The agreement may cover topics like screen time limits, privacy guidelines, and in what circumstances parents can or will review device activity — an important consideration for building and maintaining trust with your child.

If and when kids do violate guidelines laid out in the agreement, parents should address these concerns promptly and calmly. Help your child understand the purpose of the rules you’ve set, and use natural consequences that have a logical connection to the violation — for example, limiting certain access to an app rather than taking away the phone.

Utilize on-device parental control settings

If your child has a smartphone, there are many on-device and third-party parental controls you can employ for everything from limiting screen time and app downloads to monitoring what kids are seeing and sending.

On iOS, Screen Time includes settings to restrict explicit content, purchases, and downloads, as well as control access to specific settings and features. On Android, Family Link provides similar parental controls ranging from global and individual app time limits to content filters to device location notifications. The best parental control apps can augment those on-device settings, too.

Parents can disable in-app purchases and require approval for new downloads and should also enforce settings to protect your child’s privacy and security:

• Set up device passcodes and biometrics
• Enable “Find My Phone” access for trusted contacts
• Turn on automatic updates and backups
• Turn on message filters
• Disable non-essential location sharing permissions (such geolocation for photos)

Murphy advises parents to implement all privacy protections available on their child’s device and in apps; they should also ensure that any accounts — including social media — are child- or teen-specific. (Accounts for minors typically have built-in restrictions.)

Include school device policies

School rules for phone use may be different than those at home, but you should consult and incorporate them into your family media agreement. This includes both your child’s personal device as well as tablets or computers provided by the school.

If the school communicates phone-related concerns or you notice excessive phone use during school hours, address these issues promptly using the guidelines in your plan.

Giving your child or teen their first phone is an important step for building healthy media and digital device habits. Thoughtful planning and ongoing communication can help ease this transition for the entire family.

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Keeping track of your kids' screen time has become essential in today's digital world, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Between smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and computers, children have access to screens everywhere they go.

Whether you want to set daily limits, block certain apps during homework time, or simply see how much time your kids spend on different activities, there are solutions that fit every family's needs.

Most devices already have built-in tools to help you monitor and limit usage, and there are additional apps and services that can give you even more control. Here's how to track your kids' screen time and the best tools to do it.

If you have a young child and want to control the content they have access to and see, parental controls on your TV are key. You could enable these on each app individually, but that can a bit of a pain, and most of the best TVs come equipped with their own special parental controls to streamline app access, restricted content, and more.

While many displays do have parental controls, some will have more extensive controls than others. For instance, Google TV has some of the widest and most advanced parental controls for TVs, while LG and Samsung don't quite hit all of the features you might want.

I've listed below the steps to find and enable parental controls on Google TV and Samsung Tizen OS. Unfortunately, Roku TVs don't have any settings on-device, so you'll have to go to your account and set that up separately. Read on to find out why you should use — and how to enable — parental controls on your smart TV.

Why you should set up parental controls on your smart TV

Parental controls are a great way of keeping your kids safe from seeing unwanted and inappropriate content. Whether it's an R-rated movie or a YouTube video filled with expletives, there's a ton of content you'll want your child to avoid, but you can't always be there to make sure they stay safe.

That's where parental controls come in. You can lock different apps so your kids can't access them, set screen time so they aren't watching the TV all day, and filter content that matches what you want them to see. Parental controls can even make it so your child can't access external devices, like Blu-ray players and USB drives, too.

They simply give you peace of mind if you're not home or not in the same room with them while they're using the TV, preventing them from seeing anything untoward.

Parental controls for your Google TV

Parental controls for your Samsung TV

Parental controls for your Roku TV

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Apple's fall software releases previewed at WWDC 2025 last week include a redesigned interface across all of the company's different platforms as well as a slew of device-specific features. But they'll also bring new controls and more nuance to the existing tools for parents who manage their kids' Apple accounts.

Apple announced the additional features to its Child Accounts today (June 17), with a focus on making sure that children and teens are accessing age-appropriate material in the company's App Store. The move comes after ongoing criticism from advocacy groups that the existing controls haven't been rigorous enough.

Specifically, late last year, the Wall Street Journal published a report in which digital safety advocates cited a large percentage of age-inappropriate apps being rated as suitable for children. In a 24-hour period, the group found roughly 200 apps — a quarter of those reviewed — that presented kids with content on dieting, beauty filters, violent games and anonymous chat features.

Apple's announcement of its beefed-up child safety and parental control tools didn't directly address those complaints, but the majority of the five additions Apple highlighted do give parents more control over what their kids can see while also safeguarding the privacy of underage users. The new capabilities will be part of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26, when those software updates arrive in the fall.

The six updates are currently available as developer betas, with public betas coming next month, for parents who want to give the new capabilities a try ahead of their full release. Here's what's coming in those releases.

Simplified Child Account management

Apple already requires parents to set up Child Accounts for anyone 13 years and younger, and you also have the option of having those accounts in place for teenagers. Child Accounts let parents restrict app downloads, among other parental control features.

While you've been required to set up a Child Account, you didn't necessarily have to complete the process by setting up filters. An update to iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 closed that loophole somewhat by making sure that child-appropriate default settings were enabled even if you skipped that part of the process.

This year's updates look to refine that even further, as setting the age of the device user will prompt parents of kids 13 and under to connect their child's account to a Family group. That, in turn, will automatically convert that account into a Child Account with default protections in place.

Default protections for teens

In an extension of the Child Account defaults for web content filters and app restrictions, Apple is adding protections for accounts of anyone aged 13 to 17. When those users set up their accounts by adding their age, age-appropriate restrictions will be turned on by default. Apple says this will happen whether the account is a standard Apple Account or a Child Account.

Sharing age ranges with app makers

Apple is adding a feature in which parents can let kids with a Child Account share their age range with app makers, but in a way that doesn't reveal personal data like an actual birth date. The idea is that a shared age range can ensure that only age-appropriate material is accessible while also protecting user privacy.

This feature offers some granular control, too, with parents deciding whether age ranges can always be shared or only for each app request; they can also decline to share age ranges.

More granular age ratings

Currently, the App Store has four age-specific ratings — 4+, 9+, 12+ and 17+ — along with an unrated setting. You can use age ratings to manage features such as screen time and app download requests.

The upcoming software updates are adding three more age ratings, specifically aimed at teenagers. Apps will also be designated as 13+, 16+ and 18+, to better ensure that teens are seeing age-appropriate content.

Updated Communication Limits

The Communication Limits feature lets parents control when kids can use apps like Phone, FaceTime and Messages to chat with others. Now Apple's adding the ability to control who they can talk to as well.

Specifically, children will have to send requests when communicating with a new number, and parents can tap to approve in Messages, similar to how app download requests work now. Apple is also extending that capability to developers to include in third-party apps.

Other changes

Apple announced some other additions to its parental controls tools centered around the App Store, communication features and Screen Time. App Store pages will now indicate when an app features user-generated content, while apps with age restrictions that exceed the limit parents set won't show up in parts of the App Store like Today, Games and Apps tabs.

Parents will have the ability to grant exceptions for app download requests with higher age ratings, but they'll also be able to revoke permission via Screen Time. Apple's Communication Safety feature is also expanding to block out any nudity in FaceTime calls and blur nudity in Photos' Shared Albums.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 minor iOS 18.5 features that are actually huge
• Best parental control apps for Android and iPhone
• How to set time limits with the iPhone's Screen Time feature

Google has introduced a new tool for parents to keep their children off their phones during school hours.

Google recently announced it is bringing the Fitbit Ace LTE's "School Time" feature to more Android devices. For reference, School Time allows parents to control the functionality of their children's devices. While using the feature, parents can set the device to show a much more limited home screen, with access to a minimal number of apps, at specified hours on specified days. 

School Time allows parents to set the device to permit calls or texts from specific contacts within Google's Parental Control App, Family Link. This feature is not just limited to school time and can be set for any time of day. Its adaptability and the control it offers help to set School Time apart as one of the best parental control apps.

Google is also expanding the parental control options regarding YouTube. Parents will soon be able to link their YouTube accounts to their children’s, making it easier to keep an eye on what they are watching. Google also mentions how Family Link can be enabled for all ages, giving parents the flexibility to  “determine the apps, products and experiences their teens can use, while also continuing to monitor their activity and set digital ground rules such as screen time limits or location sharing.”

Finally, Google is adding default safety settings for all users under 18, including “turning  SafeSearch on, implementing content restrictions and turning autoplay off on YouTube.” This is all added to the “ recently introduced new safeguards that limit recommendations of videos with content that could be problematic, especially for teens, if viewed in repetition – such as content related to body image.”

There is no doubt that the rise of smartphones is concerning for parents, especially with how hard it is to know for sure what kids are looking at online. It is good to know that companies like Google are working with parents to do what they can to protect their children.

More from Tom's Guide

• Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold price and release date just revealed in new leak
• OnePlus Open Apex Edition unveiled — new AI photo tools and a stunning color
• Google Play may be about to fix the biggest issue with sideloading apps — here's how

While Google’s Family Link gives parents much-needed control over what apps children can download and use, who they talk to via the Messages app cannot currently be controlled. As we explain in our Family Link review, texting apps like Messages can have time limits applied or be blocked entirely, but there aren’t any granular settings allowing some contacts but not others.

It looks like Google is planning to close this loophole soon. A code dive by AssembleDebug for PiunikaWeb has revealed some hidden flags on version 20240416_00_RC01 of the Google Messages app that suggest more parental control is incoming.

As the screenshots below demonstrate, some conversations are marked with “Ask your parent for approval” in the main conversation list view. Opening up one of these threads makes it even more explicit, with the text “To send, ask your parent for approval” at the bottom of the screen.

The site says these measures will apply to RCS (Rich Communication Services) and old-school SMS/MMS messages within Google Messages. It seems highly likely that this will be something that can be controlled via an updated version of Family Link, though there’s no proof from the current code that this is the case.

One part of the puzzle

This seems like a sensible improvement from Google. The current binary choice of blocking Messages entirely or leaving them completely open doesn’t leave any room for nuance. Chatting to trusted friends is pretty important to ensure children aren’t left out, but talking to anyone leaves a child open to cyberbullying or worse.

Of course, the Messages app is just one way that people talk to each other online, and parents need to be aware that this isn’t a catch-all solution. 

True, Family Link can block the installation of apps, but parents need a certain amount of internet literacy to know which ones can be used for two-way communication. It’s pretty obvious that WhatsApp and Telegram are dedicated messaging apps, but not everyone knows that posting pictures is only one part of 2024 Instagram’s functionality. 

Of course, whether children should be allowed a smartphone at all is a wider question, with the UK government apparently mulling over a ban on sales to under 16. 

We investigated whether you should buy your kid a phone last year. Surprisingly, age wasn’t the main factor the experts we spoke to suggested should influence the decision, and each child’s circumstances are different.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best sports bras 2024: tested and rated
• I took 200 photos with the Galaxy S24 Ultra vs OnePlus 12 — here's the winner
• Some Samsung phones are showing green lines on the display — what you need to know

If your kids have smartphones, it’s very important to make sure they don’t get unrestricted access to everything it can do. Whether you need to block certain apps, websites or impose some strict screen time limits, the best parental control apps can help you out. They even work cross-platform, in case you have an iPhone but your kid has some kind of Android.

Google Family Link is available on the Apple App Store, allowing iPhone-loving parents to remotely manage and keep tabs on their kid. All without having to spend several hundred dollars on their very own iPhone.

These controls are the same one on offer to parents who have Android devices, but they do need setting up — and that can be a pretty long process. Fortunately this tutorial will be able to take you through it step-by-step.

Here’s how to set up parental controls using Google Family Link on iPhone.

How to set up Google Family Link on iPhone

The most important thing to remember about Google Family Link on iPhone is that it only works if your kid has an Android phone. If you both have iPhones, you’ll need to check out our guide on how to set up parental controls on iPhone. 

1. Download Google Family Link from the App Store
2. Log in with your own Google account
2a. Create your child a Google account if needed
2b. Remove your account from their device if needed
3. Open Parental Controls on your child’s Android phone
4. Start parental control setup
5. Link your Google account to your child’s
6. Read about Supervision, and confirm with their password
7. Wait while accounts link
8. Manage apps and filters on your child’s phone
9. Review your controls and set limits
10. Manage parental controls from the Family Link iPhone app

And that's how you set up parental controls on an Android phone from an iPhone using Google Family Link. Now that you're finished be sure to check out some of out other phone tutorials.

We have guides on how to turn off the voice in Apple Maps, how you can make the most out of Messages on iOS 17, getting rid of the SOS status and troubleshoot iPhone connectivity, as well as tips on how to calibrate Google Maps and make the navigation app more accurate.

Parents often like to keep an eye on what their kids are up to when using a PC, especially if it's connected to the Internet.

That's easy enough when the PC is in a family room or common area, but what if you want to manage your children's screen time when you're not around? 

There are plenty of companies out there willing to sell you software that can help, but if you're using a Windows 11 PC there's a built-in suite of parental controls that you can use for free. They can also extend to your child's smartphone via the free Microsoft Family Safety apps on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, and while these aren't the best parental control apps you can buy, they're pretty good and more importantly, free to try.

The parental control features on Windows 11 are tied into the Family app, which is a key component of Microsoft's family features. It's pretty intuitive to use once you get the hang of it, but it's easy to miss if you don't know to look for it.

With that in mind, this quick guide will show you how to set up parental controls on a Windows 11 PC so you can stop worrying!

How to set up parental controls on a Windows 11 PC

One key thing to note before we dive in: Windows 11's built-in parental controls require everyone involved to have a Microsoft account or, at the very least, an email address.
In this guide we'll show you how to set them up with minimal effort or expense, but for maximum functionality you'll want to ensure everyone who uses the PC has a Microsoft account and they're all part of a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.

Now you're up and running with Windows 11's suite of parental controls, which give you a lot of control over what folks in your family can do in exchange for giving them all Microsoft accounts.

 If you're looking for more ways to effectively manage your family's screen time, why not check out some of our other guides?

They include quick walkthroughs on how to set up parental controls on Xbox Series X or S (which also ties into your Windows 11 Family), how to set up parental controls on Android with Google Family Link and how to protect your child on their new phone!

Smartphones are incredible tools that offer so many different things to do, but that doesn’t mean you should let your kids have unfiltered access to it all. Fortunately, if you need something simple to control your kid’s screen time, you don’t need to go hunting for the best parental control apps. Google has built some of those basic features into the Android operating system.

Google Family Link allows you to supervise your child’s devices to ensure they aren’t doing anything they’re not supposed to. Features include setting screen time limits, approving app downloads or purchases, tracking their location, better securing their account, and more. But you will need to set it up first, and that can be a pretty lengthy process. Fortunately we can take you through it step-by-step.

Here’s how to set up parental controls on Android with Google Family Link.

How to set up parental controls on Android with Google Family Link

1. Download Google Family Link on your device
2. Sign into your own Google account
2a. Create your child their own Google account if necessary
2b. Remove your existing account if necessary
3. Open your child’s device and find the parental controls menu
4. Start setting up parental controls
5. Link your child’s Google account to your own
6. Read about Supervision, and enter your child’s account password
7. Let the accounts link
8. Manage your kid’s apps and filters
9. Review controls, and set limits from either device

We'll take you through all the steps in detail below.

And there you have it, a guide to setting up parental controls on an Android phone, using Google Family Link. If you've done that and are looking for more ways to better utilize your Android phone, but sure to check out some of our other tutorials. 

They include how to scan documents to the cloud with Google Drive, how to protect your child on their new phone, how to automatically track video subjects on a Samsung Galaxy, and how you can capture stunning videos with a brand new Pixel 8 Pro feature.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to connect to a private server from and to anywhere around the world, hiding your IP address and internet activity from those who might want to track you down – hackers, ISPs, the government, or even your opponents in competitive multiplayer games like Call of Duty and League of Legends. 

With a hidden IP, tons of server locations, and excellent unblocking capabilities, a gaming VPN can give you access to games that are restricted in your region, plus save money from international game sales. The best gaming VPNs can also ward off DDoS attacks and bandwidth throttling, thereby lowering your ping and allowing you to download massive games like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 without a drop in connection speeds.

Tom’s Guide experts test, review, and compare the best VPNs on a daily basis, and here we’ve used their expert guidance to round up the top VPNs for gaming – and we’ll also point at games you may not be able to play without a VPN and what you need to look for when picking a VPN provider. 

Games you need a VPN to access

The biggest and best games right now, such as Elden Ring, Disco Elysium, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are all available in pretty much every country and region of the world. Sadly, that's not the case with a few other titles (that are good games, really) that sell on Steam but are only available to a few countries in Asia.

So, if you're an avid gamer in North and South America, Europe, Australia, or elsewhere, you absolutely need a VPN to access the following games that are both fantastic and popular worldwide yet internationally unavailable:

1. Winning Post 10

A beautiful game with exhilarating race scenes, Winning Post 10 is a Japanese game that furthers a much-revered series by Koei Tecmo Games. The all-new installment is packed with unique features, such as "uma-sonality" – every horse has a different personality, including peculiar likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and other character traits.

To get it on Steam, you need to create a new account while your VPN's connected to a server location in Japan. This is because your Steam profile is by default set to the country you created it in.

2. Super Robot Wars V

This tactical RPG presents a great combination of 2D and 3D animations and it's just about the perfect game for you if you prefer relatively easier battles while still being swamped with enemies left, right, and center. It comes packing free bonus scenarios, gripping characters, and a simple yet enjoyable story – Earth is about to be destroyed and you and your army of robots are the only hope of survival. 

However, the game's only available in a few Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, among others, so you'll have to use a VPN to spoof your location and get your hands on this game.

3. The Invisible Guardian

This Chinese visual novel is an out-and-out masterpiece, combining interactive gameplay with what can only be classified as one of the best game scripts ever. It takes you through the journey of a Chinese intellectual in war-torn China who seeks to infiltrate Japanese-occupied Manchuria 

The game boasts tons of flawless elements, including captivating characters and colorful, motivated conversations to have you hooked. If you need any more reason to play The Invisible Guardian by using one of the best China VPNs, how about the fact that it was the best-selling game on Steam in 2019 despite being only available to users in China?

The best VPN for gaming in 2026

Installing a VPN on your gaming device will help you stay protected from opponents trying to throw them out of a game with DDoS attacks or swatting, as well as bandwidth throttling where your ISP intentionally slows down your internet connection.

It’s worth noting that the VPN do more than just secure your gaming experience—they can also enhance it by allowing you to unlock restricted game releases and access easier bot lobbies in multiplayer games, making it easier for you to crank up your rankings and prestige in the gaming community.

On that note, here are the top three VPNs to get right now:

How to pick a VPN for gaming

One of the most important factors to consider when out shopping for a gaming VPN is its connection speeds – the higher, the better. Blazing-fast connections will minimize latency, reduce, ping, and offer stable performance.

Next, look for a VPN with a vast network of servers across the globe, as that will allow you to access region-restricted games and connect to servers closest to the servers of the game you want to play, as well as benefit from international game sales that may not be available in your geographical location. 

Another important consideration is the security offered by the provider – a secure VPN will keep you protected from DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and other cyber threats. Pick a VPN that offers a clear-cut no-logs policy, robust encryption, and advanced security features like a kill switch and leak protection. 

Make sure the VPN you choose is compatible with the platform you wish to game on, which could be Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Xbox, or PlayStation. At the same time, it should offer easy-to-use apps with simple and intuitive interfaces.

If you plan on gaming with your friends/family and wish to share the VPN’s unblocking capabilities and security with various devices, look for a provider that comes with multiple simultaneous connections.

Last but not least, do not fail to prioritize accurate and prompt customer support. Ideally, the provider should offer 24/7 live chat, email, or phone support, as well as a healthy collection of troubleshooting guides.

How we test VPNs

Tom’s Guide VPN testing begins at the provider’s website, where we analyze its privacy policy and support options, as well as how it handles data, if/when it uses tracking cookies on its site. Then we anonymously sign up for the service so that the provider doesn’t know it’s being tested by us, meaning it can’t sway our results. 

We install the apps on various operating systems i.e. Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and then test their performance in both real-world and stress-testing conditions to see if everything works as advertised. If something breaks, we report that back to the provider. However, you can rest assured that we include all of our findings – good and bad – in our detailed VPN reviews.

Next, we test the connection speeds of every VPN provider multiple times, and that too, from different locations around the world. This helps us zero in on the best high-speed VPNs for gamers and streaming enthusiasts.

Speaking of streaming, we test the provider’s unblocking capabilities by throwing various big-name streaming sites at it, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Moreover, our in-house team of experts carries out constant real-world testing of the top 30 VPN providers to make sure our analysis is always accurate and relevant. 

Using a VPN for gaming FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Knowing how to set PS5 parental controls is important if you’re a PlayStation 5 gamer with kids. After all, you don’t want little Jimmy and Jenny going on drive-by sprees in GTA 5. To limit the games, gameplay time, Blu-rays and internet sites your children have access to on your PS5 or PS5 Slim, you’ll need to set the parental controls on your console.

Thankfully, this is a fairly simple process. Presuming your child already has their own account — if they don’t you’ll have to set one up for them by verifying their email address through the PlayStation App — the steps to restricting what they can then access on their PS5 profile is a straightforward one that only involves a few steps.

Below, we’ll guide you through the short and easy process of setting PS5 parental controls, while also detailing precisely what sort of parameters you can place on your kid’s account.

How to turn on PS5 parental controls

1. Go to Settings from the PS5 Home Screen 
2. Scroll down to Family and Parental Controls  
3. Select the Family Management option 
4. Click on your child’s profile from the Family Management screen 
5. Tweak parental controls to restrict what your kid can access on PS5 

Read on to see full illustrated instructions for each step.   

So there you have it. You now know how to gain access to PS5's parental controls and from here on out, you have complete power over how your child uses the console. First born not done their homework? Get that playtime setting slid right down to zero minutes. Congratulations! You're now an entirely responsible PS5 parent.

Looking for more PS5 guides? Learn how to set a primary account on PS5, brush up on how to access PS5's secret web browser, learn how to eject a stuck disc on the PS5 and school yourself on how to remove a PS5 cover. 

If you, like many others, took advantage of the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales to get your hands on an Xbox then chances are you are impatiently waiting for it to arrive.

While you're waiting, it's a good idea to consider how to protect your new Xbox. Using one of the best VPNs with your gaming console will help you stay protected from interruptions to your gaming like DDoS attacks and ISP throttling, alongside giving you access to game sales and multiplayer lobbies that may be restricted in your region. It will also hide your connection from hackers, ISPs, and the government, stopping them from tracking your online activities.

However, with absolutely tons of VPNs on the market, finding the right one for you can be tricky. Thankfully, our team of experts at Tom's Guide has reviewed dozens of gaming VPN services to help you find the best gaming VPN for you.

The best VPN for Xbox in 2026

A VPN is an indispensable part of your online security toolkit, as it hides your IP address to anonymize you on the internet, protecting you from hackers, ISPs, and the government who may be after your internet traffic and personal data. 

The best Xbox VPN services offer more than just security against DDoS attacks, swatting, and ISP throttling, even helping you evade geo-restrictions and access region-restricted foreign content and international game sales. 

Below are our top three VPNs for Xbox:

How to pick a VPN for your new Xbox

Finding the best VPN for gaming for you will depend on your intended use case. Still, there are some factors you simply cannot ignore:

Security: look for a VPN provider that can protect you from DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and other cyber threats, so you can steer clear of bad actors and have an enjoyable gaming experience.

On a more general note, you’d want to make sure that the provider offers a strict no-logs policy, supports new and secure VPN protocols, and features, like a kill switch and leak protection, are all in place and working well.

Locations: consider the regions you want to connect to in your day-to-day and then look for a provider that offers servers in those places. Subsequently, you may also prioritize VPNs with servers that are close to the servers of the games you wish to play. 

Speed: lightning-fast speeds help stamp out buffering and lag, which is all the more important for use cases like streaming and gaming. At the same time, if the provider has a vast network of servers strategically placed around the world, there will be fewer users per server, further cranking up its speed and consistency.

Price: the bottom line is to pick a VPN that’s in your budget and offers all of the features you’re looking for. However, if you’re heavily cash-strapped, I’d recommend opting for a good cheap VPN that asks for very little and delivers loads. 

Other factors to consider when out shopping for an Xbox VPN include things you'd want to take a look at no matter what kind of VPN you're looking for. This includes things like the number of simultaneous connections, its unblocking power, the ease of use of the apps, and the availability of prompt and reliable support should anything go wrong.

How we test VPNs

We follow our meticulously drawn out VPN testing methodology and test the top 30 VPN providers every six months. We begin by analyzing the provider’s website for hints on how they use/maintain user data, and while we're at it, we also evaluate any changes in its policies and whether it employs tracking cookies to track the users on its site.

Then we install the provider's apps on all major operating services i.e. Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and put their features under the scanner to make sure that everything works as promised. 

We also evaluate how easy to use the apps are – is there a one-tap quick-connect option, are all of the options clearly laid out, is the interface is intuitive and clutter-free?

To test the provider's unblocking capabilities, we throw multiple big-name streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus at it, and that too, from three different locations around the world. 

For speed testing, we use at least three speed test websites, two sessions, and multiple settings one after another. All tests put together, we test the VPN’s speed at least 120 times to make sure that our results are as accurate as they can be.

For more information on our testing procedures, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.  

Using a VPN for Xbox FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Xbox protection doesn’t just refer to keeping your device safe from malicious actors but protecting the user as well. Knowing how to shield your child from inappropriate content, extended screen time, or privacy issues is paramount for creating a safe gaming environment. 

Since Xbox opens a gateway to a vast online community of strangers, adding VPN protection to your child’s console is a crucial step forward to protecting their privacy. These affordable tools can encrypt your child’s online connection, shielding them from cyber threats, monitoring, and connection slowdowns.

Furthermore, using the built-in Xbox parental controls can help you keep a watchful eye over your child’s online and offline activities. From limiting their communications with strangers to controlling how much they can spend on games, there are many things you can do to ensure your child’s safety on Xbox. 

How to set up parental controls on your child’s new Xbox

There are two ways to monitor your child’s activities on Xbox and limit their access to its features. One is accessible directly via the console, while the other parental controls hub includes downloading the Xbox Family Settings app.

If you’re looking for a way to prevent your child from accessing the Microsoft Edge browser or racking up a bill on your credit or debit card, all you need is the Xbox controller. The built-in parental controls can also help you decide when your child can access the Xbox, ensuring they won’t violate household rules.

Since you can easily implement these restrictions on the console, we’ll start with them before going into detail on the Xbox Family Settings app. 

1. Press your Xbox controller's central Xbox guide button to bring up the side menu. Navigate to the Profile & System tab at the top of the menu.

2. Once there, select Settings. 

3. Select Account to reveal Xbox’s personalization settings. 

4. Among the options on the right, choose Family settings. 

5. Provide your PIN or passkey to access the settings, and select My sign-in, security & PIN. 

6. Select Change my sign-in & security preferences. 

7. The most straightforward method to restricting your child’s access to Xbox is to select Ask for my PIN. This option will prevent them from browsing the web and playing and buying games without your PIN.

8. Alternatively, you can customize the restrictions to your preferences by selecting Customized. This option allows you to pick which actions require your PIN and gives your child free access to the features that don’t require monitoring. For example, you can let them sign in without asking for the PIN code while preventing them from buying new games without your permission.

Monitor their screen time and restrict their content and communications

Besides the built-in parental controls, you can restrict your child’s Xbox gaming by downloading the Xbox Family Settings app from Google Play or the App Store. Once downloaded, the app will ask for your Xbox Series X or S account details, and filling them out will get you started.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for using the app.

1. Once signed in, select Add Child and create a new account for your child.

2. The Xbox Family Settings app will ask you to set up your preferences as a parent as soon as you create the account. First, provide their age and decide who can contact them, choosing from everyone, friends only, or no one. Lastly, specify whether you want your child to access multiplayer games on their new Xbox.  

3. You can access all the other settings by tapping the child’s profile icon on the app’s home page. You’ll see a list of settings you can edit anytime, including the ones you selected during signup, such as multiplayer availability. 

The best VPN for Xbox in 2026

Ensuring you have the best Xbox VPN protection for your child can significantly enhance their security and privacy. Connecting to an Xbox VPN server encrypts their internet traffic, preventing hackers and online stalkers from obtaining your child’s location or similar private information.

Besides keeping your child safe from strangers, a VPN can prevent DDoS attacks, a dangerous cyber attack that can disrupt your home Wi-Fi and cause temporary Xbox issues. In addition, they make it easier to watch your favorite TV shows and movies while using Xbox apps like Netflix, as they can remove geo-restrictions and give you access to foreign streaming platform libraries.

After thoroughly testing dozens of VPN solutions, we have found that only a handful of tools are easy to use, offer robust features, and won’t break the bank. That means you won’t have any issues installing one of these programs even if you just bought an Xbox and have never used a VPN before.

Here are our top three VPNs for Xbox and a brief description of their capabilities.

How to pick a VPN for your child’s new Xbox

Whether you’re looking for a VPN to improve your child’s Xbox gaming experience, privacy, or both, investing your money in the right product is crucial. After my hands-on experience with ExpressVPN and its closest competition, I found its interface more intuitive and features more effective, and it affected my Xbox’s performance the least. 

Although its premium feel and exceptional performance justify its higher price, opting for NordVPN or Surfshark will bring you equal privacy-bolstering benefits. For example, all three VPNs have a reliable Kill Switch. This advanced security feature ensures your internet traffic stays encrypted by stopping your internet connection if the VPN protection unexpectedly drops. 

Furthermore, I tested all three VPNs for DNS leaks and found no issues, meaning your child’s privacy and Xbox won’t be vulnerable to cyber attacks. I’ve also double-checked that each VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy. That means the VPN service won’t log, read, or share your child’s private information, such as browsing history. 

A VPN provider that lacks a strict and transparent no-logs policy can easily exploit your trust in its services, and that’s why I can’t recommend a free VPN Xbox solution. Although they can help you change your virtual location to another country like a premium VPN, their performance is often slower, server locations are too few, and the privacy risks are too severe.

How we test VPNs

Since a good VPN will enhance your child’s privacy online as easily as an unreliable solution will endanger it, our team of experts follows a strict VPN testing methodology to thoroughly check their performance and privacy policies before recommending them. That’s because our 15 years of experience with all things tech taught us that VPNs and many other service providers aren’t always truthful in their advertising.

The first and most important step we take is checking their privacy policy, looking for any catches in the small print. After we ensure they won’t exploit their users’ trust, we anonymously subscribe to one of their pricing plans and test their apps on various devices. These include Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux, and in this case, protecting an Xbox using a Windows Wi-Fi hotspot or router VPN protection. 

Then comes the stress-testing of their advanced features like Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and Multi-Hop connections. We do this to ensure the VPN won’t accidentally leak your information to malicious actors and to confirm whether what they claim about their performance is truthful.

For this article, we’ve tested the performance of a few dozen VPNs by changing our location to countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, something your child may do to access foreign game servers or websites. These performance tests evaluated their speed, geo-restriction unblocking capabilities, and connection stability, with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark coming out on top.

In addition, we strive to keep you updated with the latest information by continuously testing the services the top VPN providers offer. We do that by having our experts evaluate the capabilities of the best VPNs every day, and we’ll test an average of 30 VPNs over six months to ensure the VPNs we place on top offer the best services.

Using a VPN for Xbox FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Shielding your child's phone from potential threats like data breaches and identity theft is paramount, especially after Christmas when many of us buy (or receive!) gadgets. Start with a dependable VPN to encrypt their online activities, fortifying the cloak around their privacy. 

Enhance protection with antivirus software, actively guarding against malware for a secure digital space. Integrate a password manager for robust security, crafting unique and resilient passwords for every account. Finally, instil peace of mind with parental controls, filtering inappropriate content, and managing screen time effectively.

The best VPN in 2026

A VPN encrypts the data transmitted from your child's device, turning it into unreadable code. This ensures that even if someone intercepts the data, they won't be able to decipher it. 

Because your child's IP address is like their digital fingerprint, it can reveal their real physical location. A VPN masks this address, providing anonymity, and keeping their identity hidden and safe, preventing hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities and accessing your child's photographs, chats, and other sensitive information.

Here are three of our best VPNs: 

How to pick a VPN to secure your child’s phone

When deciding on a VPN to safeguard your child's phone, there are some crucial criteria to consider. For instance, if you are unfamiliar with VPNs you’ll want to go for something more user-friendly. This will also ensure that implementing and managing the VPN is a straightforward process, contributing to a hassle-free experience for parents overseeing their child's online safety.

You may also want to look at the security features the VPN offers. This may include advanced cyber security abilities for an added layer of protection, a reliable kill-switch that ensures instant disconnection in case of VPN interruptions, or robust leak protection to prevent any accidental exposure of sensitive information. 

You may consider using a free VPN for your child’s tablet, and while there are many options available, they can fall short. Many free services impose limitations on bandwidth, server locations, and aren’t up to the latest security standards, potentially leaving your child vulnerable to online risks. By investing in a reputable paid VPN service, such as Surfshark which offers a cost-effective solution at just $2.50 per month, you ensure comprehensive security at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

How we test VPNs

When evaluating VPNs for child safety, we prioritize features like robust content filtering and parental controls, ensuring parents have an easy way to block inappropriate content. 

Our main concern is privacy, so we thoroughly check VPN providers for strict no-logs policies to protect children's online activities. We also focus on user-friendliness, making sure the VPNs are simple, clear, and easy for parents to navigate, especially for those less tech-savvy. 

Security features like a kill switch and leak protection are crucial for a safe online experience. We also consider device compatibility, aiming for consistent performance across various devices kids might use. Additionally, we highlight VPNs that provide educational resources for online safety and stress the importance of responsive customer support for parents with concerns.

Using a VPN FAQs

The best antivirus in 2026

Antivirus software serves as a frontline defense against cyber threats, scanning apps, files, and websites for potential malware and viruses. Identifying and neutralizing these threats prevents malicious software from infiltrating your child's phone, safeguarding their personal data, and securing their digital environment.

The best antivirus solutions offer real-time protection while browsing, blocking access to harmful websites that may contain phishing scams, inappropriate content, or other online dangers. 

Our favorites below provide insights into the behavior of installed applications, helping parents monitor and control the apps their child uses.

How to pick an antivirus to secure your child’s phone

When selecting antivirus protection for your child's phone, consider your budget and opt for a solution that offers both free and premium versions to accommodate financial considerations. Choose an antivirus that works seamlessly across multiple devices, extending protection to your child's tablets or laptops. 

Ensure the antivirus not only prevents malware but also provides effective virus removal capabilities for thorough and reliable safeguarding in case of an infection. Look for features like password protection to secure sensitive information, prioritize identity protection to shield against phishing and identity theft, and check for tools ensuring safe web browsing, such as web filtering and blocking malicious websites. 

Additionally, prioritize antivirus programs with robust parental controls encompassing content filtering, time restrictions, and app tracking. Finally, consider user-friendliness for easy navigation, especially if children will interact with the antivirus settings. 

How we test antivirus software

Our evaluations focused on assessing whether the software was intuitive for both parents and children. Performance tests were conducted on a Lenovo ThinkPad T470, measuring system impact during essential tasks. 

Malware detection scores were derived from renowned labs—AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs—putting antivirus products through extensive stress tests with diverse malware samples.

Our evaluation encompassed not only core protection but also extra features like password protection, identity protection, and parental controls. 

Our testing methodology ensures that parents can confidently select an antivirus solution that effectively safeguards their child's digital experience. 

Using antivirus FAQs

The best password manager in 2026

With top-notch features like biometric logins, Travel Mode for on-the-go privacy, and innovative data sharing with Psst!, 1Password ensures your child's online world remains secure and organized. 

The implementation of Travel Mode enhances privacy by temporarily removing sensitive data from devices, a crucial feature for safeguarding against potential threats. 

How to choose a password manager

When picking the right password manager, think beyond the basics and consider the extra perks. Some options like Dashlane, 1Password, and Keeper even throw in breach alerts for a little extra.

Password managers not only store personal and credit card details securely but may autofill your child's information on sites. Choose a reputable one to minimize exposure to illegitimate platforms.

When deciding between cloud and local storage, weigh the convenience of cloud-based services against the security advantage of local storage. What matters more to you – the ease of syncing or the added peace of mind with local storage?

How we test password managers

Like all other tools, we subjected password managers to our comprehensive testing methodology. We examined their performance, security, user interfaces, and compatibility across platforms. 

Testing also includes assessing password strength checks, form-filling capabilities, and account recovery processes. We consider any additional features, like breach alerts. Devices used for testing include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. 

We prioritize user-friendly interfaces and robust security protocols. Our goal is to provide insights into how each password manager performs across various scenarios, ensuring users can make informed decisions to safeguard their digital credentials.

Password manager FAQs

Best parental control apps in 2026

A parental control app is a tool designed to assist parents in safeguarding their child's new phone by providing a range of monitoring and control features. These apps enable you to manage screen time, restrict access to inappropriate content, track the device's location, and receive alerts or reports on your child's digital activities, promoting a safer online environment for young users.

Here are our top picks:

How to choose a parental control app to secure your child’s new phone

When choosing a parental control app, think about your child's age to tailor the level of monitoring that fits. Prioritize features that matter to you, like website filtering, location tracking, and screen-time limits. 

Opt for an app that's user-friendly and compatible across platforms for your convenience. Look for remote access options via a web interface or mobile app, giving you control wherever you are.  If necessary, explore apps that offer additional security measures, such as call and text monitoring, ensuring you stay informed within legal bounds.

How we test parental control apps

In our evaluation of parental control apps, we prioritized proactive filtering and limits, assessing criteria like price, installation simplicity, and the level of control over app management, filtering, time, texting, and location tracking. 

We considered the cost and coverage for multiple children/devices, focusing on ease of use and effectiveness. 

Testing was thorough, covering diverse platforms including Windows, Android, and iOS, with each app undergoing scrutiny from installation to uninstallation. Notably, Android apps tended to offer more robust features compared to their iOS counterparts. 

For call and text monitoring, challenges imposed by Apple and Google were addressed by specific features in Qustodio and MMGuardian.

For more information on how we test, check out our testing methodology page.

Parental control apps FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Gaming’s growing appeal and technological advancements have made it more accessible than ever. With kids beginning to game from an increasingly young age, parents need to be mindful of their safety. Protecting your child's PlayStation is important to ensure their privacy and prevent them from accessing content inappropriate for their age, including M-rated games (meant for 17 or 18+ audiences only) such as Grand Theft Auto V. 

While Sony’s built-in parental controls will allow you to limit your child's screen time and how much they're able to spend on in-game purchases, the real cyber threats can be warded off with the help of a VPN. 

The best VPN services mask your child's real IP address and replace it with a fake one, ensuring that they're protected from ISP throttling and opponents trying to throw them out of a game by using a DDoS attack or even sending a SWAT team their way.  

How to set up parental controls on your child’s new PlayStation

A VPN can undoubtedly safeguard your child while gaming. However, PlayStations also come with built-in parental control features that let you regulate your child’s access to various PS features. Here’s how you can activate parental control on your PS:

1. On the PS home screen, click on the Settings button on the right and choose Parental Control.

2. You’ll now see two options: Sub Account Management and Restrict Use of PS4 (or PS5) Features. 

3. Select Sub Account to create a new account. Select the language of your choice, enter your child’s email address, and set a password. Lastly, select the location that you’re in. It’s worth noting that this location should match the one set in your own profile. 

4. Now, you’ll be able to allow and block specific content for your child. You can choose if you want your child to play online, let others use their PlayStation Network (PSN), allow them to download user-generated content, and so on. 

5. Once you’ve made the selections, go back to the Parental Controls menu, where you’ll be able to set the type of content to which you want to give access to your child. 

6. There are levels from 1 to 11, based on which you can set different restrictions for your child. For example, Level 2 allows only EC-rated (Early Childhood) games. Level 3 is meant for E (Everyone), Level 4 is for E10+ (Everyone age 10 and up), Level 5 is meant for Teen, and Level 9 allows Mature.  

7. Similar levels can be set for Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and internet browsers. 

8. In the end, determine if you wish to give your child the freedom to let others log in through their PSN account. 

9. If you have multiple kids, just set up similar accounts for all your children, and you’re good to go. 

The best VPN for PlayStation in 2023

Using a VPN with your child’s PlayStation will help you keep their data private and protect them from DDoS attacks so that opponents can't throw your child out of a competitive game or trouble them with swatting. 

A VPN can also help you steer clear of ISP throttling and ensure that your child enjoys lower ping times and consistently fast speeds. On that note, here are our top picks for the best PlayStation VPNs. 

How to pick a VPN for your child’s new PlayStation

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best PlayStation VPN for your child. Here are the top features to take into consideration in your decision process: 

Security: A VPN’s security deliverables are the most important factor when out shopping for a PlayStation VPN. Look into a VPN’s security protocols and the method of encryption they use. Is there support for latest protocols like WireGuard, which is super handy for gaming purposes? 

Also, make sure the provider follows a strict no-logs policy (better if they have RAM-only servers) and has adequate measures in place to protect your personal information. Extra security offerings such as multi-hop, port forwarding, a kill switch, and leak protection will come in very handy to protect your child online.

Speed: For a gaming VPN, high speeds and quick refresh rates are non-negotiables. A slight frame drop can ruin your child’s gaming experience. ISPs tend to regulate your speeds during heavy usage, such as gaming. This is known as ISP throttling, and it’ll seriously hamper your gaming powers. A VPN connection can help you evade this, so make sure the VPN provider you choose offers fast speeds with no lags. 

Server locations: The higher the number of servers a VPN provider offers, the better its speed and performance. When a VPN has thousands of locations worldwide, it translates into fewer users per server. Plus, if any of its servers go down, there’ll still be plenty others left to take care of the traffic. For gaming, this becomes all the more important as you do not want your game to lag because of an overcrowded server.

Customer support: A good way to gauge the effectiveness of a VPN provider is to check its support mechanism. Do they have several FAQ pages to address your queries? Are there blogs to help you on the fly should you get stuck somewhere? Does the provider have a quick email response time, and is there a live chat feature? Answers in the affirmative point to a reputable and reliable VPN provider.

Price: The best VPN for your needs is the one that’s also in line with your budget. You’ll have to look for a VPN that offers an abundance of features, especially the ones you’re looking for, and all of that at a price tag that doesn’t break the bank for you. 

How we test VPNs

Testing out different VPN providers is a time-consuming affair, but given the trust you'll be placing in your VPN, we leave no stone unturned to make sure our VPN testing methodology is rigorous and foolproof so that we recommend nothing but the best VPNs to our readers.

First, we study the provider’s website design — there are a lot of clues there. If a website seems shady, where information is hard to find, there are chances it wouldn’t work as advertised. On the flip side, reputed providers have clean websites with easy access to all the information you need. 

Next, we dig deeper into a provider's logging policy. Yes, a lot of providers display huge banners of “no logging” on their platforms, but not all of them are true to what they say on the tin. 

We take a close look at how the policy page is designed. Is it filled with technical jargon that’ll make no sense to a layman? Or is it a well-drafted, information-oriented page? We’ve found instances where a provider has copied another platform’s privacy policy and passed it as their own.

VPNs are now undergoing third-party audits to instil confidence in their users, which is certainly a welcome change. However, we make it a point to understand the scope of these audits as well. 

Is the audit just for a part of the service, like browser extensions, or for the whole suite of VPN tools? Is the audit report available in the public domain, and what are the essential findings of the audit? We try to find answers to all of these questions before determining the reliability of the audits.

Most importantly, we check a VPN’s performance by subjecting it to real-world tests. We use three speed test sites to run five tests at each site for every VPN provider. Then, we take the median value of all these speeds as our average. 

Not only this, but we also check the speeds using various VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and others, to establish the fastest protocol a VPN for PlayStation has to offer.

Other core aspects we test the VPNs on include their ease of use (across the board with all of their apps), features on offer, and how value for money they are.

Using a VPN for PlayStation FAQs

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

If you're a parent, your number-one priority is keeping your child safe. In the outside world, that likely looks like making sure they wear a helmet when they ride their bike, but what does it look like in the online world? By using one of the best parental control apps, you can discover how your children are spending their time online.

However, with many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you. We've done the hard work for you and have spent dozens of hours testing the apps below. This included trying out their features to make sure they function as promised, including location tracking, texting and messaging management, filtering tools, and app and time management. We also compared prices, noted how easy it was to install and uninstall each app, and what devices each app would cover, and thought about the level of controls provided.

Our number one choice for a parental control app is Net Nanny thanks to its intuitive, clean interface and its full set of features, including location tracking and history, web filtering, and app blocking.

However, we've also included other recommendations you should consider, from the best value parental control app to the best parental control app for large families. Read on to learn more.

The best parental control apps you can get today

The best parental control app overall

Net Nanny, which we think is the best parental control app, has a modern, intuitive design and excellent web-filtering technology that analyzes pages rather than just blindly blocking them and lets you create filters of your own.

Among the parental-control apps we tried, Net Nanny comes closest to having feature parity between its iOS and Android versions. It can track your child's location, display their location history, and set time allowances and schedules equally well on both platforms.

The iOS version lets you block more than 100 apps on your kid's phone; the Android one lets you block them all. The built-in App Advisor gives you a heads-up on which new apps you should watch out for.

Net Nanny also includes content screening that works within social media apps and services, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, instead of blocking or allowing them entirely.

The only thing Net Nanny can't do on a smartphone is monitor calls or texts. No apps we tested can do that on iOS, but a couple still do on Android.

Read our full Net Nanny review.

The best parental control app for monitoring

Qustodio supports iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire tablets, Macs, PCs and Chromebooks. It also lets you set time limits for individual apps and individual devices.

This service's location tracking works on both iOS and Android, as do its geofencing and a Family Locator feature that shows you where all your kids are at once. You can manage about 6,000 apps on iOS, and all Android apps, but the web filtering doesn't work that well on either mobile platform.

However, Qustodio is one of the only apps we've recently tested that can still log a child's texts and calls, view the content of text messages or block phone numbers, at least on Android — and you have to sideload a special version of the app from Qustodio's website for it all to work. But if these features are important to you, then Qustodio may be the app to get.

The biggest drawback is that Qustodio can get darn expensive, costing up to $138 per year for 15 devices. This does work at around $9 per device if you use all 15, but if you don't have this many devices to install Qustodio on, then it isn't as worth it.

Read our full Qustodio review.

The best parental control app for big families

Norton Family's power and features are ideal for Android (and Windows) households with many children, offering nearly every feature a parent could want from one of the best parental control apps, including recently added geofencing.

This service's location-tracking, time-scheduling, and web-filtering and -monitoring capabilities work on both iOS and Android, but Norton's time allowances are only for its Windows and Android software. App management doesn't work in the iOS app at all.

However, Norton Family has very strong web filters, even on iOS, monitors Hulu as well as YouTube, and has a feature called School Time to keep children focused while learning remotely.

Norton Family comes free if you spring for one of Norton's more expensive antivirus suites, such as Norton 360 Deluxe, which is often discounted to as little as $50 per year. At that price, getting Norton Family along with Norton's excellent antivirus protection is a no-brainer, unless your kids happen to use Macs.

Read our full Norton Family review or save on plans with our Norton coupon codes

The best parental control app for iOS

Once the most powerful parental-control app for iPhones, OurPact's abilities have been whittled down a bit by Apple, which temporarily threw OurPact out of the App Store. However, it can still manage or block any iOS app, just as it can on Android.

OurPact also gets kids involved in managing the daily allowance of screen time that you give them, and it does a good job of scheduling. Its Premium Plus plan lets you get screenshots from the child's device, even on iOS, and you can block messaging and texting apps even if you can't read the messages themselves.

Yet its website filtering simply blocks adult content, and the time-management interface is a bit clunky. OurPact will tell you where your child is, and its geofencing will tell you when a child arrives or leaves specific locations, but it can't tell you where your child has been.

Despite these drawbacks, OurPact's well-designed interface and intuitive features make it a joy to use, especially if your kids have iPhones.

Read our full OurPact review.

The best parental control app for Android

Google Family Link is the only option on this page that's totally free. You may be pleasantly surprised by how powerful and useful it can be — as long as your kids happen to have Android phones or tablets.

Google Family Link gives parents control over the system permissions each individual app has on a child's Android device. No other parental-control app we've reviewed has that ability. It also lets you decide which kind of apps, or any apps at all, your child can download from Google Play.

There's no iOS version of the Google Family Link child app, but parents can use either iOS or Android to monitor kids' devices. We recommend Android for kids' apps anyway, as the Android versions of all these apps give parents much more insight and control.

A few drawbacks: Google Family Link has only one web filter, against "mature sites," and it doesn't work perfectly. The same single filter is available for YouTube. Location tracking is a bit primitive, and there's no geofencing. But the time-management features work well.

If you're primarily concerned about the apps your kids use, Google Family Link may be everything you need. And if you want an app that can do more, Google Family Link will work well alongside one of the other options on this page.

Read our full Google Family Link review.

How to choose the best parental control app for your family

What you need from a parental control app mainly depends on the age of your children. If you’re the parent of a child under 12, you absolutely need the ability to block objectionable websites, but you might also want to consider an app that’s available on Amazon’s Fire tablets.

However, if you have teenagers, you might want to let them look at some objectionable things online, but only if you’re aware of it. You may also want to see who your teens are chatting with online in messaging apps as well as where they are late on a Friday night. At the same time, you might also want to consider a service that monitors your kids’ Windows and Mac devices in addition to their smartphones.

The best parental control apps offer, at a minimum, a website filter, location tracking, screen-time limits with a scheduler and an app blocker that at least works on Android.

Other useful extra features include geofencing which alerts you if a child’s phone leaves a designated ‘safe’ area like their school or a relative’s house. Most of these apps allow you to monitor your child’s phone from a web interface on your computer as well as from your own smartphone.

A couple of these apps also let you block and log the calls and text messages a child makes and receives, and even read a child’s text messages. However, they require extra steps to do so. Still though, none of the best parental control apps let you listen in on a call, as doing so is illegal.

See the chart below for what each parental control apps offers.

Feature comparison chart

How we test the best parental control apps

We focused on parental control apps that emphasize setting up filters and limits proactively before your child uses a smartphone rather than merely tracking activities after the fact. In our extensive testing, we took the following criteria into account.

Price: What is the cost of the service and how many children/devices are covered?

Installation: How easy is it to install and configure the app across each device?

App management: What level of control does the app provide when it comes to monitoring, blocking or restriction of smartphone usage? Does the app let you see all of the other apps on the child’s device?

Filtering: What kind of filtering tools does each app offer? How effectively does the app filter out content that you deem inappropriate?

Time management: What kinds of tools does the app provide for restricting screen time?

Texting and messaging management: Does the app let you see the content of your child’s text messages? Are you able to create rules or block specific contact? Are you notified of new contacts? Does the control extend beyond the built-in messaging apps or can you block messaging apps altogether?

Location tracking: Does the app let you find your child in an emergency? Does it log their previous locations? Does the app let you create geofenced areas?

Our most recent round of testing was done on a Lenovo Yoga C940 running Windows 10, a Google Pixel 4XL running Android 11, and an iPhone 12 running iOS 14.2. However, we're currently in the process of updating all of our existing parental control reviews and adding some new ones.

We tested each app on every supported platform twice, from installation to uninstalling it. We typically monitored activity from the Lenovo Yoga C940 but for apps that offered control from a smartphone, we tested those features from an iPhone.

The best Android parental control apps are still considerably more robust than their iOS counterparts in most cases, with only OurPact offering feature parity to the other apps we tested.

We note areas in which there are discrepancies between the functionality offered on each platform, but we haven’t provided distinct ratings and reviews for the iOS or Android version of each app.

Regarding call and text monitoring, both Apple and Google have made it nearly impossible for any app to do so. Qustodio gets around this by offering a special version of the Android app that users can sideload.

For more on how we test security software and other products, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.

As the internet continues to be a particularly dangerous place for kids, more parents have turned to child-tracking apps as a means to keep tabs on their young ones. However, new research shows that many parental control apps aren’t nearly as secure as they should be, putting both children and their parents at risk online.

According to a new study from Cybernews, 10 of the most popular child-tracking apps have significant security flaws while some contain malicious links and others actually spy on the parents who use them to track their children.

To conduct their study, the Cybernews research team analyzed 10 Android apps designed to track children or family members that have been installed over 85 million times. The team then used the open-source app security analysis tool Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) to evaluate the security and privacy of each of the apps.

The results are quite shocking given the apps in question have access to loads of sensitive personal data on both children and their families.

Poor privacy and security

Mobile Security Framework provides a security score that varies from zero to 100 with a higher score being more desirable while its privacy grade is letter-based from A to F with an A indicating an app takes privacy to heart.

Of the parental control apps analyzed, 7 out of 10 received a B for privacy while two were awarded Cs. One of the apps, Phone Tracker by Number, received an F indicating a critical risk to user privacy.

When it came to their MobSF security stores, Pingo by Findmykids scored the highest at 53 followed by Family GPS tracker KidsControl (47), Find my Phone. Family GPS Locator by Familio (45), MMGuardian Parent App (44), Family Locator - GPS Tracker & Find Your Phone App (43), MMGuardian App for Child Phone (43), My Family locator, GPS tracker (41), Find my kids: location tracker (36), FamiSafe: Parental Control app (30) and Phone Tracker By Number came in last with a score of 25.

As Prevailion CEO Karim Hijazi pointed out to Cybernews, many of the companies behind these kinds of apps utilize third-party code from open-source libraries or specific features built by other developers to cut costs.

At the same time, the researchers discovered that 4 of the 10 apps (FamiSafe: Parental Control App, Phone Tracker by Number, Find my kids: location tracker and Family GPS tracker KidsControl) contained malicious links. While this doesn’t mean that the apps themselves are infected with malware, the links they contain may lead users to websites known for hosting malware.

Third-party trackers

Cybernews’ investigation also found that all of the child-tracking apps analyzed came bundled with third-party trackers. This makes sense as the apps themselves are designed to keep an eye on kids but both parents and children alike are having their data collected by the apps in question.

This data can then be sold off to data brokers and other third-parties for marketing though it could also be used for nefarious purposes depending on whether the companies behind these apps are honest.

The researchers found nine trackers each in the Find my kids: location tracker and Family Locator - GPS Tracker & Find Your Phone apps while the MMGuardian App for Child Phone and Find my PHone. Family GPS Locator by Familo both had eight. Meanwhile, My Family locator, GPS tracker and FamiSafe: Parental Control App had seven trackers.

It’s worth noting that app names can be easily changed by developers on the Play Store but these were the correct names for all of the apps in question by the CyberNews team at the time of writing.

Finding the right parental control software for your family

As a parent that wants to keep track of their kids both online and in the real world, your first instinct may be to head to the Play Store or App Store and download one of the top rated apps in the category. However, as Cybernews’ research shows, this might not be the best way to track your children as you may be putting their security as well as your own at risk.

For this reason, we recommend taking a look at our list of the best parental control software instead. While there are a few apps from companies that specialize in monitoring children, there are also several from some of the makers of the best antivirus software.

If you want to protect your personal data and several computers in addition to monitoring your children online, you may be better off going with parental control software from Norton, ESET or Kaspersky instead. This way you can cover all your bases while also keeping a close eye on your child’s online activity.

However, if you do decide to download a child-tracking app from the Play Store or App Store, make sure you pay careful attention to the permissions an app requests while also taking a close look at each app’s privacy policy so that you know what data is being collected and who it may be shared with.

Next: How private is your personal data on period-tracking apps?

If you haven't heard, the Marvel Netflix shows are now on Disney Plus, having re-debuted today (Tuesday, March 16). Unfortunately, some people may have trouble tracking the Defenders saga down. So if you get no results for "Daredevil," don't worry, we've got you covered. Once you've followed the below steps, you'll be ready to watch the Marvel Netflix shows in order.

Why are these shows hidden? Well, unlike everything else on Disney Plus in the United States, these shows are rated TV-MA. And since Disney Plus has never held TV-MA content on this side of the Atlantic, our version of the streaming service needed a change. (Disney Plus' Star channel has served up mature content in the UK since February, 2021.)

Most importantly, that change includes adding a PIN code to unlock profiles that can access more adult content than child accounts can. You may not need such a code, though, if you don't have children accessing your Disney Plus account — and that's why we think some people will wind up not being able to find the Marvel Netflix shows.

But we're not annoyed by this change. Shows such as Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage are not exactly kid-friendly stuff. Violence and sexuality abound, depending on the hero and episode. And, as my colleague Kelly Woo has said in the past, Disney Plus has been needing more adult content for a while now. This change could potentially usher in a better Disney Plus.

So, as a Disney Plus representative confirmed to Tom's Guide, users need to change their overall content limitations to TV-MA in order to see that these shows (and any future TV-MA content) exists on Disney Plus. Here's what you need to do. 

How to view TV-MA content on Disney Plus

These steps apply to Disney Plus in a web browser, and may differ slightly from the web. Check out this below video from Disney Plus to see more:

1. Upon opening Disney Plus, select Continue.

2. Select Full Catalog.

3. Enter your password and then click Confirm.

4. Note that your profile now has TV-MA access! You can also enter a PIN code or delay that.

5. On the home screen, click Marvel.

6. You've got the Netflix Marvel shows!

Enabling TV-MA content manually

If you bypassed the opening screen in a hurry, here's how to change that setting manually. You may be asked to enter your account password throughout this process.

1. Select the profile icon in the top right corner.

2. Select Edit Profiles.

3. Select the profile you want to grant access to TV-MA content.

4. Select Content Rating near the bottom of the screen.

5. Select TV-MA and hit Save.

6. Select Profile PIN if you share the account with children, as you'll want to lock your profile with a PIN number. 

7. Check the box and enter a hard-to-guess 4 digit code and hit Save.

What does TV-MA mean? Is it worse than the R rating?

TV-MA stands for "TV Mature Audience Only," and signifies programming that is made for adults and may not be suitable for those under the age of 17. Mature themes, explicit sexuality, graphic violence and strong language are reasons why programming may be rated TV-MA.

This makes TV-MA the television equivalent of the R rating for films, as rated-R films require any child under 17 to be joined by a parent or adult guardian.

In other streaming news, Netflix is starting to crack down on account sharing by asking for more money in a limited test. And Sony's universe of Spider-Man movies just gained another big name, as Euphoria's Sydney Sweeney is joining the live action version of the Spider-verse. As for what to watch next? Apple TV Plus looks like it has another hit coming, so check out our guide on how to watch WeCrashed online. Finally, viewers aren't happy about Netflix Marvel shows lacking 4K support on Disney Plus. 

Norton is a brand with which many will be familiar, as Norton antivirus software has been around since the early 1980s and remains one of the dominant players in the consumer information-security industry today.

While Norton's parental-control offering doesn't date back that far, it has been around for over a decade now, making it one of the elder statesmen in that market as well. 

When I first reviewed Norton Family a few years ago, it was showing its age. But the app shifted from a freemium to a paid model in 2018.  Norton has made serious strides in modernizing the service, which offers a fairly robust feature set on Windows, Android and, to a lesser degree, iOS. It is not compatible with macOS.

Along with Kaspersky Safe Kids among the best parental control apps, Norton Family is also available bundled with some of its parent company's other software, which could allow you to reduce the number of subscriptions if you are already a Norton user. Read on for the rest of our Norton Family review.

Norton Family: Costs and what's covered

Norton Family dropped its free tier in early 2018 and moved to a strictly paid option at $49.99 per year. This is actually one of the more affordable parental-control options today, as Norton has held firm on that pricing.

It's refreshing to see just a single plan offered, reducing complications, and it's the only Norton plan you would ever need as it supports unlimited devices and child accounts.

In case you are also in the market for an antivirus solution, Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton 360 with LifeLock include subscriptions to Norton Family Premier along with the excellent Norton antivirus protection. Norton 360 Deluxe is presently just $39.99 for the first year, $104.99 thereafter.

Norton Family supports Android (6.0 Marshmallow and up), iOS (13 and up) and Windows (7 with Service Pack 1 and up).

Check our Norton coupon codes to find the latest discounts. 

Norton Family: Setup

Norton has the best set-up process of all the parental-control apps. I tested it on Android. It ensures that you won't miss any of the permissions you need to grant it by providing a clear checklist that links to the necessary settings.

Things are a little messier on iOS, but Norton still walks you through the process of installing the VPN and mobile-device management (MDM) profile needed to operate the app on iOS.

When you install the app for each child, you enter a name for the child and then select a Restriction Level based on their age range. This will automatically make the appropriate changes to the default settings according to your child's age.

Obviously, you will want to check that these settings line up with your own preferences, but I still find this age-determined assistance to be a useful feature that I wish others would adopt.

You will also see a section below marked "Personal Information." It allows you to add a Social Security number, phone number, email address or other information you would prefer your child not share online on Windows. Norton Family will notify you if they attempt to do so.

Next, you install the Norton Family software on any device that the child uses, other than a Mac. Norton provides links to its Windows, iOS and Android apps. Once the app is installed on a child's device, you simply sign into your parental account and then select the appropriate child for that device.

Neither Android nor iOS let you grant permanent location privileges to any app in the pop-up dialog box you get during initial installation. You'll need to go to the settings menu after installation and toggle Norton Family's location privilege to "always."

Norton Family: Parental interface

Norton had made a full update to the Norton Family parental web portal when I last reviewed the app, and that redesign remains in place. It is considerably better than what Norton had before, but I still find it to be too convoluted and dated despite the new coat of paint.

The mobile apps are even worse, so I would strongly recommend that you turn to the web portal for anything other than minor tasks or checking on an alert. 

The parental-control portal gives you a tabbed interface when you load it up, showing any recent alerts for each child. It then has a tab for each child or the option to add a new child.

Clicking on a child's tab gives you an overview of six categories: web, time, mobile app, location, search and video. You have quick access to toggling on School Time, which I'll explain later, or Instant Lock, which immediately shuts down a child's access to their device.

Instant lock worked great on both the Google Pixel 4XL and the iPhone 12 I used for testing. It wasn't able to block everything on iOS, but it was able to make all but the core Apple apps disappear.

The web portal is fine as a quick way to see what's going on with your kids' activity that day, but I'd prefer something like an overall activity feed that would let me simply jump into each section individually. Needing to click on the relatively small gear icon to change the settings for a section is unnecessary, the names of the categories should be hyperlinks to those sections.

Norton Family: App management

Norton Family's app management works only on Android, but it does work very well. The parental web portal gives you a full list of the apps installed on your child's device, and this allows you to toggle any of their apps to "blocked." 

Unlike some parental-control apps, blocking an app in Norton Family doesn't make the app disappear from the child's device. Instead, the block behaves a web filter, popping up a full- screen notification on the child's device indicating that the app is blocked.

My one complaint is that this feature can take quite a while to go into effect. While my "child" test device immediately registered that I had blocked a few apps, it didn't begin to block them until about 30 minutes later.

I tested this on multiple occasions and saw a roughly similar delay each time. This shouldn't be a major concern, but it's worth noting if you have an app that you want blocked or removed immediately, there will be a time lag.

Norton Family: Web filtering

Web filtering is an area where Norton Family shines. It has one of the widest collection of categories at 47, and the automatic age-based restrictions make this a quick setup process.

You can fine-tune those age restriction levels right at the top of the web-filtering section. Scrolling down brings you to the "Supervision" section, which is where you decide if and how you want to flag categories. "Monitor" does nothing except show you the sites in that category that the child visits. "Warn" notifies the child that a site is in a potentially concerning category. "Block" prevents the child from viewing the site.

This all worked perfectly for me across both Android and iOS. 

In the event that a site evades the filters gets mistakenly blocked, you can add it to the "Restricted Websites" or "Allowed Websites" lists available at the bottom of the web-filtering page. You simply need to enter the relevant URL.

I quite like that Norton Family gives the child the option to ask for access permission when a site is blocked.

The child gets a check box to indicate they believe the site is being miscategorized, plus a text box to explain why. Sure, you should ideally have these conversations in person, but it's good to have this communication built into the app.

Norton Family: Time management

This is another feature that has a minor difference between the operating systems. Children using Android or Windows get a daily time limit on top of a weekly schedule, while iOS users are limited to just the schedule. 

To set daily time limits, you click on the relevant day and then select the amount of time you wish to allow from a drop-down menu. Unfortunately, this feature allows only full-hour increments from zero up to 24 hours. It would be nice if Norton Family let you get a bit more granular.

The scheduling feature gives you a separate day and night schedule, with day starting at 6 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. You can toggle 30-minute intervals as either blocked or allowed by just clicking on them. The system is smart enough to do the math for you and call you out if you give more time allowed in a day then is possible based on your schedule, which is unlikely but might help you catch a mistake.

It's a bit of a cumbersome interface, but presumably you won't be making constant changes, so I don't consider that to be a real problem. The functionality all worked as expected, so that was great.

Norton Family: Location tracking

Location tracking does an excellent job presenting you with a child's present location and an extensive archive of their past locations. It displays a handful of the most recent location pings on the map right when you open it. If you select a date and time window, Norton gives you the detailed location tracking from that period. 

Norton Family has finally implemented geofencing, which is calls "Favorite Locations." It will let you know when the child enters or departs the designated perimeter around a chosen spot, such as home, school or a playground.

A feature called "Alert Me" lets you specify times and dates at which you'll be told of the location of a child's device. From the other direction, a child can use "Child Check In" to send you their current location.

Norton Family: Extras

Emergency contacts
This is only for Android, but it offers the child six phone numbers that they can call even when their device is locked for any reason. You won't create an unnecessary problem for your child by having their smartphone lock at an inopportune moment.

Time extension
When the child reaches less than 15 minutes left in their allowed time for the day, they can request a time extension right from within their Norton Family app. As with the "ask for permission" feature, I like having this functionality built directly into the app, but a direct conversation can certainly achieve the same result.

Video streaming supervision
An increasing number of parental-control apps now offer YouTube monitoring, but Norton Family gets ahead of that by tossing in Hulu as well. The app will show you a listing of anything the child has recently watched on either service and goes the extra mile by giving you a brief clip of the content, which I quite liked. 

Search supervision
Search supervision gives you a glanceable way to see what your kids have been looking for on the web. You'll see a word cloud of their most recent searches on the main page and the full results if you drill down further. You can also toggle on filtering for search engines including Google, Ask, Bing, YouTube and Yahoo.

Monthly/weekly reports
If you'd rather not get alerts and want to just generally keep an eye on your children's web activities to ensure that they aren't being exposed to anything they shouldn't be, then the monthly and weekly reports can be helpful. These will give you a full breakdown of your kids' activity in an email, which will help you make sure it doesn't slip your mind.

School Time
The newest addition to Norton Family is School Time, which was instituted in response to remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic. It is available on all supported platforms and specifically limits your child's access to potentially distracting websites.

That's instead of trying to limit the child's time on a device, given the difficulty of doing so when such devices are the primary outlet for schooling in many parts of the country. You choose an amount of time for the rule to be in place and then create a standalone set of allowed web categories, allowed websites and restricted websites for that time. The Android app gives you a report on which sites were visited during School Time; the iOS app just tells how much time was spent online.

Norton Family review: Verdict

Norton Family offers an amazing array of features. While a few of its competitors also offer Windows support, the ability to bundle other Norton products and services to get Norton Family may be another point in its favor for parents in the market for a full suite of antivirus programs and identity-theft-protection services.

For those parents who need better iOS support for their children's devices, I would recommend alternatives like OurPact or Net Nanny as they come much closer to offering complete parity between the two operating systems, and in the case of Net Nanny offers support for Macs, Chromebooks and Kindle Fire devices as well.

Net Nanny is perhaps the oldest name in parental-control software, and yet it remains one of the most modern and comprehensive solutions. The company was bought out by Zift in 2016 and briefly changed names, but in May 2019 reverted to the familiar Net Nanny name.

Zift's influence as a digital-parenting company is still very much present in Net Nanny, which has bits of advice from the Zift editorial team and prominent Zift influence in the App Advisor and Family Feed features. 

Net Nanny offers a superior method of web filtering compared to most of its competitors. It analyzes the pages as they are pulled up on a child's device rather than just relying on block lists as many other parental-control services do. Net Nanny uses a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer to remove unwanted content from your child's online experience.

The app has also addressed some of its other shortcomings since I last reviewed it, adding a web portal and geofencing along with a host of other new features. Net Nanny remains one of the more expensive parental-control options, with a yearly subscription fee of $54.99 covering up to 5 devices, but it remains the best parental-control app on the market. Read on for the rest of our Net Nanny review.

Net Nanny: Costs and what's covered

Technically you can install and use the Net Nanny app for free, but it will operate purely as a parenting guide to apps and a source for relevant news regarding digital parenting, so I don't think that really counts as a free tier for the actual service.

To use any of the parental controls on your kid(s) device(s) you need to pay for a "Family Protection Pass" subscription. That costs either $54.99 per year for up to 5 devices or $89.99 per year for up to 20 devices.  

The one exception is if you are trying to monitor only a single Windows or Mac desktop or laptop. If so, you can pay $39.99 per year for Net Nanny for Windows or macOS, but this plan does not extend to mobile platforms or to multiple devices.

All these subscription fees are supposedly 30% off regular pricing, but this discount has remained static for years and according to representatives from Net Nanny, there are no planned price increases on the way.

That's good, as Net Nanny is hovering around the highest-priced parental-control options already. Only OurPact commands a higher starting price, but that is for unlimited devices, so it's not an apples-to-apples comparison.

Given what you get with Net Nanny's premium tier I think it is certainly worth the cost. Its mobile apps and web portal are among the best designed in the industry, and the web filtering is second to none. 

Net Nanny offers support across every major platform and delivers equally well on Android and iOS. The service is also constantly improving in response to feedback from both users and reviews, a process that I've seen firsthand. 

Net Nanny runs on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Chrome OS and Kindle Fire.

Net Nanny: Setup

Net Nanny's installation follows a similar pattern to most other parental-control apps. You can start the process either from the website or from the mobile app. 

Like some other parental-control providers, Net Nanny uses a two-app system to separate out the child app that typically gets downvoted by children in app stores. The first step is to create your account, and then you will move on to the child device(s).

Net Nanny has an install page on its website that will walk you through the entire process if you navigate to it from the child's device. This will involve downloading the relevant app from that device's app store and then creating a profile for the child. The profile just consists of the child's name, age and gender. 

On iOS, you will be installing a Mobile Device Management profile on the child's device to enable Net Nanny's full functionality as well as granting the app of permissions. The process on Android is quite similar with the app walking you through the process of granting the necessary permissions and approving device management. 

Recent versions of both Android and iOS don't let you grant permanent location privileges to an app during installation. You'll need to be sure to go to the settings menu and toggle Net Nanny's location privileges to "always" if you want its location tracking to work.

Net Nanny: App management

Net Nanny has changed things with its app management, removing apps as a primary category on the parent app and web portal. Now you access app management from the settings, which was a secondary access point previously. I prefer this as app blocking isn't something you need to access regularly. 

Net Nanny manages to block a few more apps on iOS than many of its competitors, with a little over 100 apps eligible to be blocked. But this is still just a drop in the bucket, and no one manages to compare to OurPact in this regard.

So if you opt for Net Nanny and your child has an iOS device, the best solution will be to delete any apps on your child's device that you don't approve of and then set up Apple's own Ask to Buy feature so that you can approve all app downloads in the future.

On Android, Net Nanny gives you complete control of your child's apps and the ability to block or allow any app on their device. While you will be notified if your child installs a new app, if you want control over what they install, then you need to use Android's built-in Play Store parental approval system.

Net Nanny's app management on Android covers the basics, but it lacks some extras like the ability to set time restrictions or schedule specific apps. 

Net Nanny breaks out social-media apps into their own settings page, called Social Media Protection. Seven such apps (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Tumblr, Twitter and YouTube) support a "Protect" option that applies your existing Net Nanny content filters. Net Nanny also lets you quickly block social-media apps that don't support Protect, or simply block all social-media apps.

Net Nanny: Web filtering

Web filtering is absolutely the star of the show for Net Nanny. If anything, its advantage in this realm seems to be more pronounced than the last time I reviewed it.

As I mentioned already, Net Nanny performs actual analysis on the content of the web pages as your child visits them rather than just using block lists. This makes a world of difference for both preventing false positives and ensuring that a site can't change things up suddenly and get around its filters.

Net Nanny has the basic category-based filtering that you'll also find with many competitors. In this case, there are 14 different categories built in. You can choose to allow, block or pop-up alert about all sites that fall into any of these categories.

The "alert" setting will let your child to view the content but also display an alert for it in the Family Feed. This all works fantastically well; I was unable to get around any of the blocks on my test devices on either Android or iOS. 

Beyond these basic filter categories, Net Nanny allows you to build your own filter with its Custom Content Filters. You pick a name for your filter and then add as many words and/or phrases as you would like to build it out.

No other parental-control app that I tested offers anything close to this functionality, which gives you the ability to really fine-tune filters for content that you find problematic.

Net Nanny also offers the more common block or allow list, on which you can designate specific sites that you would like to make sure your child does or does not have access to.

When your child encounters a blocked site, they will see a Net Nanny screen explaining that the page is blocked. The child can then tap a button to request access if they feel that it shouldn't be blocked.

One final filtering extra from Net Nanny is the ability to mask profanity on the web. This is really putting the strength of its live page analysis on display, as it covers over profanity in text with the "#" symbol. The filter is imperfect in that unusual or compound profane terms can make it through, but it does a solid job. Again, no other service I tested offers anything like this.

Net Nanny: Time management

Net Nanny covers a solid array of time-management features in line with most of the other top options. You can choose to set schedules, daily time allotments, overall usage limits, daily schedules to pause the device or simply pause internet access. The setup is my one quibble as it is more time-consuming than necessary.

The process to set usage limits is a minor example of this. It is easy enough to pick the limits for any day: Simply tap on the day in the Screentime management menu and then select the amount of time you would like the child to have for that day.

This takes all of a minute to do, but it could easily be streamlined to apply the limit across multiple days. What I do really like here is the option to give a temporary time boost or retraction on the current day without tweaking the time allotment for that day in the future. I still prefer the actual task-based allowance system seen in the rival Screen Time app, but Net Nanny's is a close second.

The setup for scheduling was my larger complaint. This section does fortunately allow you to apply the same schedule across multiple days, but the actual time selection was frustrating at first.

You tap whether you want to create a new interval that will completely pause the device or simply block the internet. Then it pops up an interval and you set its start and end time.

The problem was that Net Nanny tried to be intelligent about this and would prevent me from setting the times as I wished. What I ultimately realized is that once an interval exists, you can move it wherever you like by long-pressing and then dragging and dropping it or its start and end times as you wish. This is absolutely the best way to handle scheduling, and frankly I think Net Nanny would be wise to make this the primary control as it is faster and more intuitive.

Once you have the schedule set, it provides a view of the full week that I really like. Again, once I'd learned the new method of dealing with the schedule, it was simple to make changes as needed.

Net Nanny: Texting management

Net Nanny doesn't offer any call or texting management features, but this absence has become quite common in the parental-control industry.

If your child has an Android device, you could opt to block texting apps completely with Net Nanny.If you are looking to monitor or restrict your child's texts and/or calls, then Qustodio offers that functionality.

Net Nanny: Location tracking

Net Nanny has built out this function considerably in the last couple of years, and it now offers a very comprehensive set of location-tracking features. It offers live tracking, location history and geolocation.

Live tracking is displayed at the top of the overview screen and is also available in the Location tab for each individual child. It will display a pin on a map for each child device with the device's last known location. Location history will show location updates for the last 30 days. 

Geolocation was the most recent addition, and it allows you to set locations that your child has visited as "Our Locations." You can opt to receive notifications any time your child arrives or leaves one of these locations — geofencing, in other words.

Even if you choose not to receive the notifications, Net Nanny will list these locations by your chosen name rather than simply an address when you're viewing location history. 

It would be nice to be able to set locations in advance rather than having to wait for the child to visit one of them, but in general I think Net Nanny's location features now cover the needs of most users.

Net Nanny: YouTube monitoring

This allows you to view a list with all the videos that your child has watched on YouTube, along with any searches they have made. As it is purely monitoring, you can't block anything from here, but it's a nice way to keep tabs on your child's YouTube consumption.

YouTube is part of the Social Media Protection that I covered in App Management which allows you to apply your Net Nanny content filters to YouTube. If you want to actively manage what they see on YouTube without restricting them to YouTube Kids, those tools are your best solution.

Net Nanny: Extras

Family Feed
Net Nanny's primary screen is the Family Feed, which gives you the current location of any child devices at the top of the screen with all the most recent activities listed below that.

Depending on how active your children are online, this might not be the optimal way to view specific activities. But it is a handy option for either scrolling through the day to see if anything warrants your attention or to just take a quick glance to see what's happening right now.

App Advisor
This is another unique offering from Net Nanny. It's produced by the Zift editorial team and tries to help you decide if specific apps, games and services might be appropriate for your child. Each app listing has a header indicating whether the app is deemed safe for kids or not by Zift's team and it then offers a complete breakdown for you to make your own determination.

This includes a "Zift Advisory" that lists some of the potential concerns with the app, which can include chat, live streaming, location tracking, photo sharing, stranger danger (allows for interactions with strangers) and finally mature content.

It gives a quick description of the app, followed by a much more thorough dive into what the app is and how it works along with a section that breaks down how the Zift team concluded that it either is or isn't safe for kids. Finally, it includes the app-store screenshots of the app. 

While this feature is integrated into the App Management section of Net Nanny, it is also available for free on the Zift website, along with a number of articles on digital parenting. Depending on how plugged in you are to currently popular apps, it's a great resource to help guide your decisions on new apps for your kids.

Net Nanny review: Verdict

Net Nanny remains the best parental-control solution on the market today. Its web-filtering technology just vastly outperforms that of every other service that I tested with regards to both efficacy and depth of features. 

The apps and web portal are well designed and intuitive to use, and the overall feature set now ticks just about every box for us. The two missing pieces are complete app management on iOS — for that you need to turn to OurPact — and text/call monitoring which is now limited to Qustodio among the services that I reviewed. The one other concern could be Net Nanny's yearly subscription price, and if that's a problem, then you could look to Kaspersky Safe Kids, which is an incredible value. 

With all of that said, I think Net Nanny is well worth the high price considering its superior web filtering, extensive features and broad platform support.

Google introduced Family Link back in 2017 as a way to let kids under 13 get Google accounts and Android devices of their own while allowing parents to see how and how long their children were using those devices.

The service has since expanded to become one of the best parental-control apps for a broad age range, adding more features to come close to the functionality we see from its paid competitors. While Google Family Link lacks strong web filtering and many of the little extras you get from other apps, it does execute its core feature set quite well.

Google Family Link is free, ties in with the Android operating system and functions well. It's worth a look if you aren't terribly concerned with filtering content and would prefer to monitor the child's screen time, app usage and location. It might also work well in tandem with one of the paid parental-control apps, depending on your needs. Read on for the rest of our Google Family Link review.

Google Family Link: Costs and what's covered

There is no cost for Google Family Link. The parent app, just called Google Family Link, is a free download from Google Play or the iOS App Store. The child app, called Family Link Child and Teen, is also free but only available on Android. The Google Family Link parent app also monitors some activity on a child's Chromebook, but we weren't able to test it on that platform.

With Google's history of killing products and services abruptly, it might seem a bit dicey to depend on Family Link, but it would be easy to switch to another parental-control option if that were to happen. Given Family Link's origins as a method for bringing in new users, Google does have reason to keep it around.

Full support for Google Family Link is available on all Android devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or above, and the parent app can run on iOS 12.0 or later.

Google Family Link: Setup

As noted, there are separate parent and child apps for Google Family Link, and the latter gets terrible reviews from kids who aren't thrilled with having their device time and activities managed.

You can start with either the parent or child app; it doesn't particularly matter. Google Family Link uses the child's Google account as their profile, so you won't need to enter any data about them. You will need to keep both the parent and child devices close during installation as you have to enter a confirmation code on the child device as well as the child's Google password in order to grant you permission to supervise it. 

Google makes the installation and permissions process incredibly quick and easy. The first actual decision you'll need to make is reviewing your child's installed apps and determining whether you would like to block any. It sorts the apps by their age ratings, which is helpful.

That's the end of the setup on the child's device. Now you need to return to the parent app on your own device. You can finish turning on and customizing the settings for each of the sections by tapping "View" at the bottom of the home screen of the Family Link parent app.

Google Family Link: App management

The app management in Google Family Link is excellent. It allows you to sort the child's apps by time spent, by name or by how recently each was installed. By tapping on the hourglass next to the app name, you can set a daily time limit for that app or block it entirely. 

You also have control over the permissions that each app has on your child's device. This is not something I've seen from any other parental-control app, and I'm not certain that it would be possible without Google's level of access to the operating system itself. 

As you would expect, all of this works flawlessly and immediately. 

Google Family Link: Filtering

Much like the app OurPact, Google Family Link gives you only one web-filtering option:  to "try to block mature sites." I'm going to quote the app directly here: "No filter is perfect, but this should help hide sexually explicit and violent sites." 

Obviously, this is incredibly limited and fairly vague, but the filter did block mature sites. Like Norton Family, Google Family Link gives the child the option to request permission to view a site if the child feels it is being blocked inappropriately. There isn't any space for the child to add reasons why, so it will just come through as an approve-or-deny request to you on the parent app.

Beyond the one category filter, you can set your child's app to use Google's SafeSearch search-results filter. You can preemptively approve or deny sites on your own by adding them to lists in that section.

Google Family Link: Time management

Google Family Link does a solid job with its time-management features. It splits this into daily limits and bedtime, which isn't as flexible as a full schedule as it will only cover contiguous hours, but it's probably enough for many users.

Daily time limits can be set in 15-minute increments going from no limit up to 8 hours or "locked all day." Helpfully, you can save a little setup time by clicking "Also apply to…" once you've set one day's schedule. You can apply that schedule to every day or to just the school week (Monday-Thursday).

Bedtime lists the entire week. You can choose to set no bedtime or pick any start and end time for bedtime for each day. You have the option to apply your choice to the entire school week or the entire week if you don't have different limits for each day.

Google Family Link: Texting management

You can block texting apps or set time limits on them, but there is no option to monitor your child's texts through Google Family Link. This isn't shocking because this feature is disappearing from virtually every parental control app. The only one I reviewed that still supports text (and call) monitoring is Qustodio.

Google Family Link: Location tracking

Location tracking in Google Family link is effective but rudimentary. It simply allows you to see a child's current or last known location, then gives you the option to navigate to that location using Google Maps (or Apple Maps on iOS). 

You can determine how accurate the location will be:  High-accuracy, Battery saving or Device only. I'm surprised location history isn't here as Google has that data, but Google Family Link seems focused on just nailing the basics.

Google Family Link: Extras

Controls on Google Play
You won't find this feature elsewhere, which makes the case for using Google Family Link alongside one of the other parental-control apps. It let you set Google Play purchase approvals for all content, or for all purchases using the payment method set up for the family, for in-app purchases only or to not require purchase approval at all.

You can also set Google Play content restrictions across five categories: Apps & games, Movies, TV, Books and Music. Each one uses the established rating system for that genre of content, but it gives you granular control over what your child can download.

YouTube Filters
This is the exact same filter being applied in the web filters above, but now for YouTube. There are already limits regarding what you can upload to YouTube, but this should give you a little more peace of mind regarding what your child is consuming if you allow them on the traditional app rather than YouTube Kids.

Device Details
Another set of unique abilities you get with Google Family Link are the options to prevent your child from installing apps from unknown sources, from adding or removing users from their devices and from turning on developer options.

These can all be ways to circumvent parental controls, so turning on these options is a good idea. This is also oddly the area in the app where you can trigger a sound on the child's device, which seems like it should be in the location-tracking area.

Google Family Link review: Verdict

Google Family Link offers a bit more functionality than I thought it would. Google has done a solid job with the features it does offer. Ultimately, with no support for an iOS child device and a still limited feature set, I think it's best suited to parents of older children who want to put some limits on device time and app access.

For a more robust solution, you should look to Net Nanny, or if you are particularly picky about app design, OurPact. Both offer broader feature sets and excellent iOS support.

Qustodio has been in the parental-control game for nearly a decade now, and it continues to build on its robust feature set and broad platform support.

With support for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Kindle Fire tablets and most recently Chrome OS, it is matched only by Net Nanny and is a strong contender when it comes to overall platform coverage.

Qustodio is also one of the most feature-complete options out there, with a couple of notable exceptions for iOS users. Depending on the number of devices you need to cover, Qustodio can be a bit pricey, but the basic 5-device premium plan for $54.95 a year is right in line with most of the competition.

Qustodio's one standout feature is call and text monitoring, which nearly all the other parental-control apps have dropped in recent years. If this feature is crucial to you, the fact that Qustodio still offers it on Android might make it your top choice among the best parental control apps. Read on for the rest of our Qustodio review.

Qustodio: Costs and what's covered

Qustodio's pricing has remained pretty static in recent years, with a basic free tier that covers a single device with web filtering, web and social-media monitoring, time limits and an online monitoring dashboard. 

To unlock the full premium features, you can choose from one of three plans, depending on the number of devices you need to protect. Up to 5 devices can be covered for $54.95 a year, 10 devices for $96.95, and 15 devices for $137.95. 

Device limits are the only differences between the paid plans. Each plan includes all the premium features and full support across Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Kindle Fire. Chrome OS support is a bit more limited, consisting of the Android app to manage time and a Chrome extension to limit browsing time and monitor activity.

Qustodio: Setup

My preference is to set these services up through their websites when possible, but if you prefer to stick to your smartphone, the Qustodio apps for Android and iOS make that easy.

The first step is to create your account. The app will then prompt you to create child profiles. You just enter a name and then select a year of birth, a gender and an avatar from a set of six options. The avatars are a bit odd, and you can't upload a photo of your child.

The next step is to add a device for the child. You can either navigate to Qustodio's download page or simply download the "Kids App Qustodio" from the relevant app store.

Like a number of other parental-control services, Qustodio uses separate parent and child apps as kids tend to give their apps terrible ratings. You'll sign into your account on the child's device, and then the app walks you through the process of granting the necessary permissions including installing a profile that allows for the management of their device(s).

If you have only one child with one device, the setup process is excellent as it does a good job of guiding you and making the process quick and easy. As I always set up two child accounts, I always find it a bit irritating that I need to loop back through everything again for the second child rather than setting up all the accounts and then moving to the download process.

This is largely personal preference, but if you have two or more children, be aware that this is a one-at-a-time setup process.

The more recent versions of Android and iOS don't let you grant permanent location privileges to an app in the pop-up dialogue box. If you want location tracking to work, be sure to go to the settings menu and toggle the location privilege to "always."

Once you have the child app installed and working, you can return to the Qustodio web portal or your parental app to customize the settings. I was thrilled to find that Qustodio has massively overhauled its web portal, which now features a modern, intuitive design that matches the mobile apps. 

Qustodio prefills some of an individual child's settings, for example with web filtering, but it leaves most of the settings disabled by default. You'll need to make sure the settings align with your preferences for your child.

Uninstalling Qustodio from a child's device wasn't difficult, but on Android, it requires the parental password. On iOS, it requires the device passcode. Naturally, the parent app notifies you immediately that tampering has been detected. It would be a short-lived reprieve from the app even if a child managed to get past those security measures.

Qustodio: App management

As I had tested Qustodio previously, I was ready for its less-than-ideal app-management system. It doesn't give you a full list of all the apps on a child's device right away. Instead, it adds an app only when the child launches it.

You will need to either make determinations on apps as you see them individually pop up in the list (there is an option to be alerted each time a new app is used), or you'll need to sit down and manually launch every app on the child's device.

Once an app has been added to the list, the feature works exactly as advertised and changes are reflected quickly. You can choose to set a specific daily time limit for an app, block the app entirely, block it temporarily or reset the time limit for the day.

App management is one feature that is better on the Android side than the iOS one. It works on any Android app, and when a child tries to launch a blocked or time-expired app, it will show a custom screen explaining what's going on.

For iOS users, this is more limited, although better than it was. There are approximately 6,000 iOS apps that work with the app-management features, according to Qustodio. 

For us, the feature caused a network error when the child tries to use a blocked or time-expired app, rather than offering any explanation. But Qustodio's recent switch to an on-device proxy service rather than a remote VPN to monitor child traffic may have improved that situation.

Qustodio: Filtering

Like the rest of the items on the Qustodio web portal, this feature is dramatically improved by the updated design. By default, 10 of the 29 total website categories are being blocked, but obviously you can change these to fit your preferences. 

For each category, you can choose three different options: allow, block or alert. Block and allow are pretty self-explanatory, while alert will flag the site visit in the activity timeline with a "Browsing alert" for the parent.

You can't add new categories, but you can create exceptions for specific websites using any of the three aforementioned options. There's a fourth option to simply ignore visits to flagged categories, although the visits will still appear in the activity timeline.  

The settings tab for filtering is a catch-all for different features. You can choose to block all unsupported browsers, which naturally is Android-only. It worked well and I would recommend using it. You can block access to all websites that can't be categorized, enforce Safe Search and toggle on notifications for when your child tries to visit a blocked website.

Overall, I was unimpressed by Qustodio's web filtering. Across multiple categories, it failed to identify sites that clearly should have been flagged, even when the sites were identified as being in blocked category in the activity timeline.

The app does capture and record the sites your child visits, so if your goal is to keep tabs on them rather than to preemptively restrict visits, this will work fine, but I can't recommend Qustodio for its web filtering. The gold standard in filtering is Net Nanny, so if that function is important to you, take a look at our Net Nanny review.

Qustodio: Time management

Daily Time Limits and Restricted Times are two separate sections regarding time management, ignoring the aforementioned app-specific time management.

Daily Time Limits presents you with the days of the week and a clock interface that lets you set a time limit for each day, in increments of 15 minutes all the way up to 24 hours. You also can block the day completely or reset the time for the day.

It would be nice to be able to select and set multiple days at once, weekdays versus weekends for example, but as you shouldn't be changing this constantly. it's only a mild frustration.

Restricted Times displays the full week on a single screen with colored blocks representing each hour-long window. You click or tap on a block to switch between red for "blocked" or a blue-to-green color fade for "allowed." 

Questionable design decisions regarding the color shift aside, this works very well and let you quickly set up the week's schedule. On both platforms, parents can easily grant children extra screen time when warranted.

Apple's iOS doesn't hold up well in this category. When I blocked out time on my iPhone 12, the Qustodio app popped up a "Lost iPhone" alert message to tell me that my time was up, with just the emergency-call option and the flashlight displayed as available.

However, I was able to swipe this away without a problem. Your child's activity will still show up in the timeline, so you'll be able to see that they aren't actually following their time limits.

On Android you can still use the phone during blocked times but opening any apps other than the phone and messaging will prompt you with the "Time's up" screen from Qustodio. 

Qustodio: Call and texting management

This is an Android-only feature, and Google now prevents Qustodio from including this feature in the Qustodio app in Google Play Store. If you wish to monitor your child's calls and texts, you will need to sideload a separate version of the app downloaded directly from Qustodio's website.

Once you have installed this version of the app on the child's phone, you'll need to restart the phone for the new features to take effect. Then you'll see the options for this section in the parental dashboard.

Call and texting management works like the web filtering section — you can allow or block incoming or outgoing calls entirely or can block specific phone numbers. Text messages cannot be blocked; there is a separate toggle to view the content of any SMS text messages, but this will miss any MMS (photos/video) text messages. 

This feature worked exactly as advertised once it was enabled. Qustodio is the only app we tested recently that still lets you block calls and read texts, so if this is a critical feature to you then Qustodio needs to be high up on your list.

Qustodio: Location tracking

Qustodio's location tracking allows you to view your child's present location and location history. On both Android and iOS, this happens automatically once the feature is enabled, although the frequency of location checks is somewhat lower on iOS, pinging approximately every five minutes.

Qustodio now has a geofencing feature that allows you to designate an address and then create a circle centered on that point that is anywhere from 350 to 650 feet in diameter. You can then be notified whenever one of your children enters or exits that circle. 

Location tracking can definitely provide peace of mind as it can automatically verify that your child made it home or arrived at school for the day.

I'd love to see a couple of changes to Qustodio's geofencing, however. First, I'd like to be able to move the circle on the map, which would be nice for centering the circle on a park, for example. 

Second, I'd like to input something other than a specific address — it would be great to have a search function to pull up, for example, the child's school or daycare center without needing to look up the actual address. 

These are minor complaints. Overall Qustodio has done a nice job of fleshing out its location tracking and it's now among the more feature-complete parental-control apps in this area.

Qustodio: Extras

Panic Button
Sorry iOS users— this one is Android only. The Panic Button needs to be enabled in the parental portal or app and then can be accessed via an SOS button at the bottom of the child's app. 

The child needs to hit that SOS button, and then a circular SOS button on the next screen, to trigger it. This will send out an emergency message with the child's current location to all the trusted contacts that you've set up within the app. This message can go out via text and email.

This does not contact emergency services, merely those trusted contacts. Qustodio is clear about this in the app, but it bears repeating.

Social Monitoring
Social monitoring is only for Facebook activity. It must be activated on a Mac or PC that is being monitored by Qustodio's desktop software, which adds a tracking plug-in. Once this step is taken, future Facebook activity will appear in Qustodio regardless of which device your child is accessing Facebook from.

This is not a feature that you'll find on many of Qustodio's competitors. Only Kaspersky offers something similar, while Net Nanny delivers content filtering for Facebook but not monitoring.

YouTube Monitoring
This is a new feature and a welcome addition as kids can certainly find plenty of objectionable material on YouTube. You can block access to YouTube on the web and you can view a child's activity in the YouTube app, including what they search for and which videos they view. 

While the monitoring worked well on both Android and iOS, I had no luck with blocking YouTube.com on the web on iOS. Visits to YouTube.com on iOS did still show up on the activity timeline with list of any videos that were watched, so this works if monitoring alone is enough for you.

Qustodio review: Verdict

Qustodio has a very extensive feature set and broad platform support, but its web filtering doesn't live up to expectations and it has too many limitations in iOS. Because of this Qustodio doesn't manage to compete with the top options on the market.

If you are covering five or fewer Android devices, want call/text management and are looking more for monitoring than blocking, then Qustodio might be right for you. But that's a lot of caveats, and most parents would be better served by Net Nanny, or if you are looking for something more affordable, Kaspersky Safe Kids.