Raising a child today comes with unique challenges, especially regarding technology use and online privacy for kids. As a parent, you want to ensure your child can safely access modern devices while protecting their data. This Beginner’s Guide to Parental Controls is designed to help you make informed decisions about family digital safety while promoting a privacy-first mindset.
A Personal Story: Lessons in Privacy and Control
As a mom of two—a teenager and a tween—I’ve faced the growing concerns of digital safety for children firsthand. My husband and I chose to provide our kids with Apple iPhones, which have brought convenience but also privacy-related challenges.
When a student in one of my children’s classes shared an inappropriate image via Snapchat, it raised urgent questions for myself:
- How do I protect my children online?
- What are the best parental controls for privacy?
That experience sparked our family’s journey into digital parenting tools that balance freedom, safety, and online responsibility.
Finding What Works for Your Family: Privacy vs. Access
While your child may use a smartphone or tablet, parents should retain control of the device. This mindset helps manage screen time, app use, and privacy settings.
Here are key factors to guide your setup of parental control systems:
- Age and Maturity: Younger children may need stricter parental control apps, while teens benefit more from guided privacy education.
- Device Ecosystem: Know how installed apps, smart TVs, and consoles interact. Remember, teens are tech-savvy! They will find workarounds.
- Communication is Key: Talk to your kids about internet privacy and establish digital boundaries based on mutual respect.
Built-In Parental Controls on Apple and Android Devices
Looking for easy parental controls that don’t compromise privacy? Start with what’s already built into your devices:
Apple iOS: Screen Time with Privacy in Mind
- Set app time limits
- Block explicit content
- Control messaging and purchases
- Supports encrypted data and user-level permissions
Android: Google Family Link
- Approve app downloads
- Manage screen time and bedtime
- Lock devices remotely
- Be mindful: Android’s data sharing practices vary, so always check privacy settings
| Feature | Apple (iOS) | Android (Google Family Link) |
|---|---|---|
| App Limits | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Time Schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Content Restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase Approvals | Ask to Buy | Yes |
| Location Tracking | Find My | Family Link |
| Remote Lock | No | Yes |
Third-Party Monitoring Apps with a Privacy Focus
If built-in tools aren’t enough, consider these options for parental control apps for privacy:
- Bark: Monitors texts, YouTube, and apps. Alerts parents without oversharing or over-monitoring. Known for data minimization practices.
- Net Nanny: Offers content filtering in real time and a clear privacy policy. Great for families concerned about data collection.
Note: Always read app privacy policies. Look for encrypted data storage and no third-party data sales.
DNS Filtering for Safe Browsing
DNS filtering is an advanced but easy-to-use tool that enhances online safety for families.
OpenDNS:
- Filters inappropriate content at the network level
- Blocks phishing and malware sites
- Adds privacy by avoiding browser-based tracking
Configure it via your home network for device-wide protection without installing extra software.
Home Network Hardware for Privacy Protection
Your Wi-Fi setup matters more than you think when protecting kids online.
Routers:
- Popular options like TP-Link offer basic parental controls
- Privacy-first options like Ubiquiti and Synology allow local control without relying on the cloud
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems:
- Eero and Orbi provide strong coverage and easy parental management
- Note: These often connect to the cloud—check their data collection policies
Firewalls:
- Devices like FireWalla add enterprise-level monitoring
- Local processing enhances data privacy and online security for children
Conclusion: Privacy as a Priority in Digital Parenting
At Unshakled, we believe parental controls and privacy protection must go hand-in-hand. You don’t need to sacrifice your child’s digital freedom to ensure safety—you just need the right tools and open dialogue.
By using a mix of built-in tools, third-party apps, network-level filters, and privacy-first devices, you can confidently protect your family’s digital world.
Privacy isn’t about hiding—it’s about empowering your children to explore the internet safely and respectfully.
