Best Android Apps for Parents Who Want to Manage Screen Time
Introduction
Smartphones and tablets can be valuable and beneficial tools for children. They help with homework, communication, educational apps, entertainment, and connecting with the family. The danger with unlimited access is that kids may find themselves watching videos for hours, playing games, using social media, and engaging with other apps until late at night
For some parents, the concern isn't that their children spend too much time on their devices. It's that they struggle to find a fair and balanced approach to screen time within their family's rules, schoolwork, sleep, family life, and other activities.
The good news is that Android takes parental-control and screen-time management seriously. There are several excellent free parental-control apps, including Google's Family Link. More advanced parental-control apps offer features like web filtering, app restrictions, reports, location tracking, routines, and more.
In this guide, you'll learn about the best Android parental control apps and how to use them. We'll also examine the unique strengths and weaknesses of each, so you can decide which options best suit your needs.
1. Google Family Link — Best Free Choice for Android
When it comes to managing Android screen time, Google Family Link is the best free option for a reason
This powerful Google tool enables you to control and monitor a supervised child's supervised Android device and Google Account
Key Features of Family Link
Key features of Family Link include:
Daily limits
Weekly schedule
Limits and restrictions for certain apps
Blocking specific apps
Approved Google Play purchases
Time spent in Google Play
App activity reports
Location of supported Android devices
Lock device remotely
Content restrictions for apps
Google Family Link also allows approved parents to set up certain apps on compatible Android devices as unlimited-time apps, which means they continue to be available even after a child reaches their daily screen-time limit.
Why We Like It
Family Link is a great option because it's free and designed specifically for the Google ecosystem.
You don't have to invest in a third-party parental-control app just to limit screen time.
Potential Downsides
Family Link isn't a comprehensive parental-control app like some of the other options on this list.
If you're looking for more advanced features, you'll need to consider another app.
Who It's For
Parents who want basic free screen-time and Android device restrictions.
2. Qustodio — Best for Advanced Screen-Time Management
Qustodio is one of the most comprehensive parental-control apps available for families that want more advanced restrictions and monitoring capabilities. It covers Android devices, web browsing, apps, and more.
Qustodio's essential features include daily limits and restricted hours, app and game restrictions, web filtering, activity monitoring, location tracking, and more.
Key Features of Qustodio
Key features of Qustodio include:
Screen-time restrictions by day
Restricted hours
App and game restrictions
Web filtering
Limit YouTube access
Scheduled Internet breaks
Activity reports
Location tracking
Limited call/SMS features on Android
The app also allows you to set different restrictions by day of the week.
Why We Like It
Qustodio is ideal for families that want stricter control and monitoring of screen time and online activity across multiple platforms.
For example, you could create the following restrictions:
School days: All apps disabled except for school-related apps and websites.
Weekdays: After-school hours, restricted apps like games are allowed.
Evening hours: After dinner, entertainment apps and YouTube are allowed until bedtime.
Bedtime: All apps are disabled except for approved communication apps.
Potential Downsides
Many of Qustodio's features require a paid subscription. Additionally, this parental-control software can be complex, limiting, and more difficult to manage than some other options on this list.
Who It's For
Parents who want advanced Android screen-time restrictions and monitoring.
3. Bark — Best for Teen Online Safety
Bark takes a slightly different approach to parental-control apps by focusing on monitoring potentially harmful content and interactions rather than limiting screen time or apps.
This approach makes Bark a great choice for parents of teens who are likely to spend more time on messaging and social media than on games or entertainment.
Bark parental control also offers routines for Android devices that let you control access to apps and websites during specific times.
Key Features of Bark
Key features of Bark include:
Daily screen-time limits
Scheduled routines for apps and websites
Website restrictions
App restrictions
Notifications when potentially harmful content is detected
Location tracking for Android devices
Why We Like It
Teens often spend more time on their phones than younger children do, and it's not always just for fun.
According to research, teenagers use their smartphones for school, social relationships, email, and video, in addition to entertainment and gaming. Because of this, a Bark parental control subscription can be worth the investment to keep dangerous content and interactions at bay.
Potential Downsides
Many parents want to know what their children are doing online, but some people believe teens should have the right to a certain amount of privacy as they become adults.
Rather than secretly monitoring your teen's social media accounts and online activity, have an open conversation with them about what they share and what you expect from them.
Who It's For
Parents who are more concerned about their teenagers' online safety than screen time.
4. Norton Family — Best for Web Filtering
Norton Family is another excellent option for parents who want to impose screen-time restrictions and monitor their children's online activity with tools like web filtering.
Norton claims its Family product gives parents access to the searches and videos their children view, in addition to offering daily or weekly limits and schedules.
Norton offers parental controls for Android, iOS, Windows, and other devices, but the specific tools and features vary by device.
Key Features of Norton Family
Key features of Norton Family include:
Limit or disable screen time
Lock devices remotely
Limit web access
View search history
YouTube monitoring
Filter inappropriate content
Why We Like It
Norton Family is a good choice when the problem isn't screen time per se, but rather the kind of content that children and teenagers are viewing online.
Potential Downsides
Not all features are available on all devices and platforms.
Who It's For
Parents who want to combine screen-time restrictions with web filtering.
5. Kids360 — Best for Screen-Time Routines and Rewards
Kids360 is an excellent parental-control app for families that want to encourage healthy Android device habits in their children by using rewards and reinforcement. The app offers a wide range of features for Android devices, including task-based rewards, schedule enforcement, app blocking, and more.
Key Features of Kids360
Key features of Kids360 include:
Limit access to apps
Limit access to devices
Set restrictions for studying and sleeping
Block specific apps
Monitor activity
Tracking location
Earn rewards for completing tasks
Additional screen time as a reward
Why We Like It
Most young children and even teenagers don't respond well to punishment. They do, however, tend to respond quite well to rewards.
Instead of limiting your child's screen time per se, you could encourage them to complete homework, chores, and other important tasks in exchange for more screen time.
Potential Downsides
Some features may require a subscription rather than being part of the free version. Additionally, you should carefully consider whether this type of reward-based system is a good fit for your child's personality and behavior before using it.
Who It's For
Parents who want to use rewards to encourage screen-time limits and healthy device habits.
Which Android Parental Control App Is Best?
Each of the options on this list has its benefits and potential drawbacks. The right choice depends on your needs as a parent and the specific habits and preferences of your child.
Choose Google Family Link if:
You want a free app
Your child uses an Android device
Screen-time limits are your primary concern
You want to approve or block specific apps
You want basic location tracking features
Choose Qustodio if:
You want more advanced parental-control features
You want app and web restrictions
You want to receive detailed activity reports
Choose Bark if:
Your child is a teenager
Online safety/risks is a concern
You want to receive automated notifications when potentially dangerous content is found
Choose Norton Family if:
Web filtering and online activity monitoring are a concern
You want to combine online restrictions with screen-time limitations
Choose Kids360 if:
You want to create routines and use rewards to influence your child's behavior
Free vs Paid Parental Control Apps
One of the most common concerns among parents considering parental-control apps is the issue of cost. Should they invest in a premium subscription, or is a free app sufficient for their needs?
Google Family Link is typically enough for most families. As mentioned above, it gives you a wide range of tools to control and monitor a supervised child's device, including daily limits, weekly schedule restrictions, app and Google Play limits and restrictions, and more.
The value of a paid parental-control subscription depends on your needs. If you feel that you need more restrictions or monitoring capabilities, a third-party parental-control app may be worth your investment. The table below gives you a general overview of how different parental-control apps compare in terms of basic features:
| Need | Free Family Link | Premium Apps |
|--- | --- | --- |
| Daily limits | yes | yes |
| App limits | yes | yes |
| App blocking | yes | yes |
| Google Play purchase approval/blocking | yes | varies |
| Web filtering | basic (Google/Chrome) features | more extensive options |
| Detailed reports | basic | sometimes more detailed |
| Location tracking | yes (on compatible devices) | yes |
| Social media monitoring | limited | sometimes available |
| Multi-device control | limited | sometimes better for multi-device control |
Remember that the best parental-control app for your family depends on your needs. There's no single app that offers every possible feature, so make sure you choose an app that offers the tools you need without having to overlook potentially important information due to overly broad restrictions.
How Much Screen Time Should Parents Allow?
There's no universally applicable answer to the question of how much screen time is too much. It really depends on the child, their age, and their interests, among other factors.
It's also important to consider the context of the screen time. Is your child spending the time watching an educational YouTube video, or are they watching noneducational TikZ videos while lying in bed?
It's also important to consider how the screen time fits into the larger picture of your child's life. For example:
Are they spending too much time on their phone rather than engaging in physical activity?
Does the screen time interfere with sleep?
Is the child spending more time than they should on entertaining themselves with videos, games, or other time-wasting apps?
You should also consider the benefits of the screen time. Sometimes, it's not about how long your child spends on their device, but rather what they're using it for.
A video call with grandparents is different from watching short-form entertainment videos. Similarly, an educational website or app is different from an entertainment app or game.
There's no single magic number, but you should consider how the screen time affects your child's life and whether they're spending too much or too little time on specific activities.
Create Different Rules for Different Types of Screen Use
Another helpful rule is to consider the different purposes of screens in your child's life.
For instance, you might want to break their screen time down like this:
Education
This category probably doesn't require much restriction, depending on your child's needs. Educational apps and online courses fall under this category.
Communication
Communication and connection with family and friends are vital, whether it's through a phone call or text message.
Entertainment
This category likely requires the most restrictions. It includes games, YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms and short-form video viewing.
By organizing your child's screen time this way, you can create more meaningful and nuanced rules about what they can and can't do with their device.
Set a Bedtime Schedule
One of the easiest and most valuable parental-control features that you can use is a bedtime or overnight schedule. Instead of telling your child to put their phone away at a specific time every night, you could set up a recurring schedule that limits device access at a specified time.
Google Family Link allows you to set a recurring weekly schedule and remotely lock devices, and similar tools are available in other parental-control apps described in this guide.
Example Bedtime Schedule
The exact time of the bedtime schedule should depend on your child's age, school schedule, and personal preferences. A typical schedule might look something like this:
10 pm - Device access disabled
7 am - Device access enabled
Set App-Specific Limits
A daily device limit isn't always enough, since your child could be spending all of their allotted time on a single app or game. You might want to limit the amount of time spent on different apps individually.
Example App Limits
For instance, you could use limits like this:
45 minutes - Gaming
30 minutes - Short-form video viewing
60 minutes - Entertainment apps
0 minutes - School apps
Google Family Link allows you to set these types of app-specific limits on compatible Android devices.
Keep Essential Apps Available
Not every app should be disabled when your child reaches their daily screen-time limit. You might want to allow access to certain communication or productivity apps even when recreational apps are disabled.
Examples of Essential Apps
Some examples of essential apps include:
Phone (basic calling)
Emergency communication
Calculator
School productivity
Education apps
Family communication
Family Link has an option that allows you to designate specific apps as unlimited-time apps on compatible devices.
Don't Use Parental Controls as a Punishment System
A common mistake that parents make is using parental-control apps to enforce punishments. Rather than restricting your child's screen time in response to misbehavior, you might want to consider setting expectations and guidelines first.
For example, you could establish a rule like this: "You may use your device for entertainment purposes after school and dinner up to the daily limit established by the Family Link app." Instead of telling your child "You were bad, so I'm disabling your phone," you can simply enforce your previously established guidelines.
In most cases, children are more receptive to rules and expectations when they understand them ahead of time.
Talk to Your Child About the Rules
Technology can be a wonderful tool, but it can't replace the relationship between you and your child.
Before taking any action with the Family Link app or another parental-control app, discuss these controls and rules with your child. Explain to them:
Why you want to limit their screen time
What restrictions apply to which apps and devices
When those restrictions are in place
What communication devices are permitted
When those communication devices can be used
How they can request additional time
When the rules might change in the future
Particularly with teenagers, explaining your reasoning can help you maintain a positive relationship while keeping them safe.
Don't Over-Monitor Older Children
There's a big difference between limiting screen time and invading your child's privacy. One of the most important aspects of growing up is establishing independence, self-confidence, and healthy personal boundaries.
As your child grows and becomes more independent, their relationship with their phone and other screens should change as well. In some cases, it's reasonable to reduce the extent of your monitoring as they demonstrate maturity and responsibility.
Monitoring your teenager's social media accounts can be a gray area. Parents have valid reasons for wanting to know what their children post and who they interact with. At the same time, teenagers often feel that these topics are private.
There's no rule that applies to all situations, but you should consider the importance of establishing trust and healthy social and emotional boundaries with your teenager.
Check Privacy Before Installing a Parental-Control App
Parental-control apps can be tremendously helpful, but they also have the potential to be quite invasive. One of the most important steps that you can take before installing a parental-control app is to research the company's privacy practices.
It's important that you understand what information the app collects and shares. Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself when considering a parental-control app:
Does the company have a privacy policy that openly discusses the data it collects?
Does the company share that data with third parties?
If so, how is the data used?
How does the company store the data, and how long does it keep the data?
Is there any information that the company collects that you aren't comfortable with?
Does the company take appropriate security measures to protect your data?
Should you give the app permission to access your child's data beyond reasonable limits?
As you can likely tell from this list, a free application isn't always the best choice if it requires extensive access to your child's data and activity.
Be Careful With Unknown "Spy" Apps
As you research parental-control options, you might come across applications that suggest they offer extraordinary "spying" or "monitoring" features for a fee.
These apps tend to use particularly invasive tactics to collect data about their target devices.
Be especially wary of apps that claim to use "stealth" monitoring to avoid detection.
In most cases, parental-control applications should have clearly defined features, appropriate permissions, and transparent privacy practices. The goal of these tools should be to keep families safe, not to promote sneakiness and paranoia.
How to Set Up Screen-Time Rules on Android
If you're using Google Family Link, setting up rules and restrictions is generally quite simple.
Basic Family Link Setup
Here are the basic steps that you should follow when adding or supervising a child's account:
Install the parent version of Family Link.
Add the supervised child's Google account or set up a supervised account with them.
Open Family Link and select the child's name.
Click Screen Time.
Set up daily limits by day of the week.
Establish app limits by going to the App Limits menu and selecting an app. Adjust limits as appropriate.
Set up a downtime schedule by going to Downtime and following the prompts.
Periodically review your child's activity by going to Activity.
Google's documentation currently confirms that parents can set up daily limits, weekly schedules, and app limits on compatible Android devices with Family Link.
A Simple Screen-Time Strategy for Parents
If you're looking for a general rule of thumb for limiting screen time, you might start with this advice: Don't allow your child to use entertainment devices during schoolwork, and encourage them to limit entertainment screen time before bed.
You can build on this general rule by developing more nuanced restrictions based on your child's individual needs and preferences.
Example Rules
For example, you might decide that:
• Educational apps and entertainment should never mix.
• Screens should never be used for entertainment before bedtime (or at least not right before bedtime).
• Gaming and similar entertaining activities require extra limits.
• Communication devices and apps should never be disabled unless absolutely necessary.
• Rules about entertainment, education, and communication should change as a child grows and becomes more responsible.
• Younger children and teenagers likely require different restrictions.
These rules and guidelines can help you set appropriate restrictions without resorting to harsh punishments when your child violates the rules.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
To finish this parental-control discussion on a positive note, let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes that parents make with screen time and how to avoid them.
Extremely strict limits
If you're too harsh with your limits and restrictions, your child might seek out ways to get around them.
Blocking entertainment devices
Remember that entertainment devices are more than just a way to waste time. Children can use their phones for communicating with friends, playing sports, or doing schoolwork as well.
In some cases, parents accidentally block phones when children are supposed to use them for schoolwork or other important activities.
Not considering the context
Sometimes, parents overlook the reasons for excessive screen time. It's important to consider that your child might be using their phone to cope with loneliness, stress, or boredom resulting from their environment. If that's the case, an appropriate intervention might be more effective than removing screen time altogether.
Not adjusting the rules
As mentioned previously, your child's needs and behaviors will change as they grow.
Similarly, their needs change depending on their environment and circumstances at the time.
If your child starts attending a new school, working a new job, or receiving a new allowance, it's probably a good idea to revisit your limits and restrictions.
Having too many monitoring apps
Using multiple monitoring and parental-control apps can cause more problems than it solves. It's generally best practice to choose one app and stick with it, learning its features and limitations as you go.
Secretly monitoring too much
Monitoring your child is one thing, but invading their privacy is quite another.
Although this depends on your child's age and personal boundaries, excessive monitoring can damage your relationship with your child.
Which App Should You Choose?
Based on everything that you've read in this guide, here are our recommendations:
Best Free Android Option
Google Family Link
This is probably the best place for you to start if you only need basic Android limits and controls.
Best Advanced Option
Qustodio
This is a good choice if you want more advanced controls and monitoring features.
Best for Teen Online Safety
Bark
This is a good choice if you're a parent to a teenager and are concerned about their online safety.
Best for Web Filtering
Norton Family
This is a good choice if you want to impose restrictions based on website categories.
Summary
Android parental-control apps are an excellent way to help keep your children safe and promote healthy device habits. Choosing the best parental-control application for your needs is an important task, but fortunately, there are many options to choose from. Google Family Link is probably the best place to start if you want a free option, but Qustodio, Bark, Norton Family, and Kids360 are excellent choices as well.
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