Parental Control Apps: Balancing the Benefits and Risks for Children's Phone Use

Now more than ever, parents are concerned about the content their children are accessing and consuming online. As a result, many turn to parental control apps to monitor and restrict their child's online activity. While these apps can provide a sense of security for parents, they also raise questions about privacy and autonomy for children and teenagers.

On the one hand, parental control apps can help keep children safe by restricting access to inappropriate and harmful content and preventing them from interacting with strangers online. These apps can also allow parents to monitor their child's location and online activity, which can be especially useful for younger children.

However, some may argue that the use of parental control apps can be invasive and damaging to a child's sense of privacy and independence. These apps can restrict a child's ability to explore the internet and develop their own interests, and can even create a sense of distrust between parent and child.

Take one app for example Googles Family Link with 100 million downloads Googles Family Link has been a go to for many parents. Family Link was designed to help parents monitor and manage their child's online activity on Android devices. With Family Link, parents can set screen time limits, approve or block apps and view activity reports.?

Family Link also allows parents to remotely lock their child's device when it's time for bed or other offline activities, and to locate their child's device in case it gets lost or stolen. The app also offers content filters to help block access to inappropriate websites and content. While Family Link seems to solve all the problems parents worry about.

However, there are some experts who argue that parental control apps are not fool proof and can give parents a false sense of security. Children can still find ways to access inappropriate content or communicate with strangers online, and excessive monitoring can actually make them more likely to engage in risky behaviour in order to rebel against their parents' restrictions. When using the search Family Link on TikTok there are numerous teenagers ranting on how violated and suffocated they feel by their parents by installing Family Link on their phone.?

The decision to use parental control apps is a personal one that should be based on a family's individual needs and values. There are as discussed pros and cons to parental apps. Parents should consider their child's age, maturity level, and online behaviour when deciding whether or not to use these apps, and should have open and honest conversations with their children about internet safety and responsible online behaviour.

I personally believe with the use of early education or early intervention we can model children’s behaviour to use caution when being online. However the teenage years are deemed the riskiest due to brain development and hormones. This may be the time when parental controls are introduced to help them safely navigate these years.?

If parents do choose to use parental control apps, it's important to use them in a way that respects the child's privacy and autonomy. This would mean setting clear boundaries and expectations, and discussing the reasons for using the app with their child. It's also important to regularly check in with children and as mentioned make adjustments to the restrictions as they mature and develop a sense of responsibility.