This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
We all have the best intentions when it comes to entertaining the kids, but it doesn't always work out like we hoped.
Everyone starts out with bold plans for outdoor activities, craft exercises, board games, and maybe even a dance routine, but this doesn't last long. This sort of schedule requires superhuman levels of focus, energy, and patience, and nobody has all three.
You might have the best intentions, but it's only a matter of time before you'll turn to technology to save the day. Nothing captures the attention of a child like a desktop, tablet, laptop, or mobile, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's time to just accept it.
Modern kids have never known a world without the Internet and constant access to videos, games, movies, and shows. They probably spend more time online than you, and this presents a problem. There are explicit and potentially disturbing sites and apps out there on the web, and you can't always be physically present to stop your child from encountering this sort of content.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. Parental control software helps you to manage all the devices your kids use by blocking unwanted content, limiting screen time, restricting the use of certain apps, and much more. It's all about making sure the online world is a safe space for your kids to explore (but you should always chat with them about the importance of online safety before making any of these changes).
How does parental control software work?
The short version is that parental control software lets you monitor your child's phone, tablet, or computer remotely. The corresponding apps let parents monitor internet searches and browsing history, block inappropriate apps (or block distracting apps during homework hours), or limit screen time all together. It's a less invasive and more respectful method than physically going through their phone or computer — and when kids know that their activity is being watched or managed, cyber safety habits might stick better.
Is geofencing worthwhile?
Parental control software can also help keep tabs on your kid when they're not at home. Though most have GPS and some sort of basic "Where's my child?" function, only a select few software options offer geofencing, which is a big help for parents juggling the schedules of multiple children. This location-based service lets you set up virtual boundaries around where a child should or shouldn't be, as well as a specific time that the child should be there. Let's say that your child goes straight from school to a sports practice three times a week. The geofencing feature will monitor their phone's location and will alert you if your child doesn't show up to the scheduled area on time. Teenagers may even enjoy not being bombarded with "Where are you?" texts.
Geofencing can also be used to monitor web time when your child is in a designated location. For instance, many parents like to disable games or social media apps during school.
What is the best parental control software?
There are plenty of parental control software options out there for you to consider, with something for every family. We have researched everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best services, including software from big names like Kaspersky, McAfee, and Norton. Basically, we've done all the hard work for you.
These are the best parental control software options for 2022.
