Keeping your kids safe in the internet space as a parent can seem like an endless battle if you consider the amount of cyberthreat that exists today. With social media, gaming and an endless stream of content, it’s tougher to monitor how they use the internet. This is why parental control apps like Qustodio become a prerequisite.
Parental control apps are designed for you to take actions where you, as parents, deem fit to block access to certain contents and platforms. However, the question is do these apps live up to the hype?
Let’s use Qustodio as our app of choice and break down the features to answer these questions.
SetUp is Easy and Quick
From downloading the app on playstore to setting up in accordance to preference. Simply download the app on your device and that of your child, then follow the simple instructions on your display school. Within a minute, you’ll have access to the dashboard controls.
One of Qustodio’s top features is its cross-platform compatibility. Irrespective of the device operating system—Android, iOs, or even Windows, Qustodio covers most bases. Except for Mac users, who might find the installation of the software a bit more involved.
While no app is perfect, this Qustodio review confirms it’s a strong choice for keeping kids safer online.
Flexibility with Customization
With Qustodio, you can set up restrictions according to your family preferences. You can set time limits on screen time, block inappropriate content, and even pause the internet during homework or bed hours. The app also features geofencing, which alerts you when your child leaves a designated location.
Point is, most of the process and features are quite easy to navigate with flexibility of choice, except for a few that are rigid. For instance, you can’t set different schedules for weekdays and weekends without manual adjustments.
Monitoring and Alert
Monitoring is by all means the major part of any parental control app, and believe it, Qustodio does a good job at it. You’ll get alerts for suspicious activities such as trying to access restricted websites or excessive screen time. The real time reporting is detailed, shows browsing history, app usage and even YouTube searches.
Unfortunately, social media monitoring has limits. Due to encryption on platforms (such as SnapChat), it is difficult to track or monitor compared to the likes of facebook and instagram. So, if social media control is a priority, this could be a drawback.
Pocket Friendly Price.
Although Qustodio offers a free version with basic features, to enjoy the full potential of the app, you have to subscribe to a paid plan. The prices are relatively friendly, starting at £44.95/year for a child, and more for larger families.
When you compare it to competitors, although it’s not the cheapest, it is still pocket friendly. Have you tried Qustodio? Share your thoughts in the comments!
