Cellular phones nowadays are getting thinner and lighter, yet the features and programs being loaded are becoming more advanced and streamlined. Imagine, from such a small device, you’re able to connect with anyone from anywhere across the globe. Plus, most activities can be done virtually – from researching to shopping for goods to paying bills. Then recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have taken classes digitally.
There’s no denying cell phones, or any electronic and internet-enabled devices, can significantly help in various ways. Excessive and unprotected use, however, could cause harm to users, especially younger ones. Mindlessly using third-party messaging apps or accessing web browsers could open them up to certain cyber threats.
How To Enable Built-In Cell Phone Parental Control Tools
In most cases, you can instantly enable and customize parental controls by simply navigating to the settings page of the iPhone or Android phone.
Activating Parental Controls On iPhones
Apple takes privacy and security seriously. Their personal processor, operating system, and app store are manifestations of their commitment and good faith. iPhones offer a wide array of parental controls, including Screen Time, Content & Privacy, Downtime, App Limits, and Family Sharing. All these can be set up and activated by tapping their corresponding buttons in the iPhone’s Settings Page.
iOS 12-operated models let you enable all these features by simply tapping on the This is My Child’s [Device] option which is also located on the Settings Page.
Activating Parental Controls for Android Devices
In general, Android offers parental controls that could restrict in-app purchases, set screen time limits, filter web content, block inappropriate sites, and more. You can also create User Profiles on most Android devices. This feature allows you to customize settings for that specific user like your child. You can control which apps are only available and accessible, and control certain privacy and security settings.
Google Play also offers built-in controls which you can quickly enable by toggling the Parental Controls button located on the Settings page. There are also brand or model-specific controls and tools like what Samsung and Google Pixel offer.
How To Enable Third-Party Parental Control Tools
Aside from the built-in cell phone parental controls, it’s wise to install reliable and efficient third-party monitoring software. Such programs may be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play, or the product’s website. Some of the most trusted names when it comes to parental monitoring are Highster Mobile, Net Nanny, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Google Family Link, and Norton Family.
These third-party parental control apps provide remote real-time monitoring access to the target device. Aside from the usual settings like screen time limit, web filter, and site/app restriction, Highster Mobile’s premium software grants access to activities, engagements, and interactions within the phone and on installed applications. Through such cutting-edge technology, it would be easier to point out threats, isolate issues, and address dangers.
The process might vary, depending on the brand or package you purchase, but in most cases, it only takes 3 quick and easy steps to utilize one.
- Install
While installation can typically be done remotely, some monitoring apps require quick physical access to the target device. Regardless, the overall downloading and installation process only takes a few minutes.
- Activate
Users are sent a special code or a license key to fully activate the software. This is sent separately to ensure a more secure connection, and to prevent piracy.
- Monitor
Once everything’s set up, you may now start monitoring your child’s phone from a cloud-based account, online dashboard, or a separate remote access app. This is also where you can remotely control the target device with features like phone locking and activating the camera.
Why Utilize Cell Phone Parental Controls?
Android and iOS mobile devices, especially the latest models, are packed with built-in parental controls and programmed with privacy and security settings. This is because even the developers and manufacturers are privy to the possible dangers brought by unprotected and unsecured cell phone use.
Parental controls are specifically designed for child monitoring but due to various beneficial results, several employers also utilize security tools. To help you better understand the importance of cell phone parental controls, here are the common cell phone dangers for children.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying could happen on social media sites, gaming platforms, and through calls or texts. Your child could fall victim to hateful messages, discriminating comments, or judgmental insights from anyone including classmates and strangers.
Child Predators
Aside from hackers, scammers, and phishers, if you’re a parent, watch out for child groomers and sex predators or pedophiles. They typically lurk on apps and sites utilized by tweens and teens, disguising themselves as people their age.
Mature Content
Unfiltered access to the internet could expose children to malicious or age-inappropriate content. They could also come across such materials while chatting with strangers or online-met friends. Many cell phones, apps, and browsers provide filters to block such content from view.
Mental and Physical Effects
Unmoderated phone use could lead to addiction, compromising other important aspects of your kids’ lives like their studies. Excessive use could also result in physical adverse effects like dry eyes, stiff muscles, lack of sleep, and obesity.
What Benefits Can Be Reaped From Cell Phone Parental Controls?
Parental controls offer a long list of benefits, depending on the phone’s brand or OS version. The most common features, however, include a screen time limit, location tracking, and web filtering.
Aside from built-in cell phone controls, third-party apps offer similar features. Additionally, such software provides remote real-time access to monitor your child and oversee their activities, text messages, calls, online engagements, and more.
By utilizing parental controls and monitoring tools, you can steer your kids away from the aforementioned dangers and reap the following benefits.
Privacy
You get to allow your children to enjoy their phones privately while protecting them from prying eyes and malicious third parties. They get to utilize their phone, the internet, and applications with proper supervision.
Data Security
You can secure your kids’ personal and confidential data, protecting them from identity thefts and hackers. Ensure their online accounts are private, they do not send personally identifiable information to strangers.
Peace of Mind
Achieve the peace of mind you deserve, ensuring your child is protected even when you’re not physically with them. Know who they are talking with, what apps they’re using, and where they are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phone Parental Controls & Safety
Can you put parental controls on cell phones?
Though cell phones have built-in parental controls you can enable anytime, you can also install third-party apps offering similar controls and other monitoring features.
How can I control my child's phone from mine?
If you’re utilizing Android devices, try Google Family Link, a free app that can be utilized to control and monitor your child’s device and installed Android apps. For more convenient access and available features, consider trying a third-party monitoring app like Highster Mobile.
What is the best app to control your child's phone?
It all depends on a parent’s needs and goals. Covering the bases, we can say Highster Mobile is one of the best phone monitoring applications. For a one-time payment only, you’ll get access to its amazing features, free lifetime upgrades, and 24/7 customer support.
How can I use my cell phone safely?
Aside from utilizing parental controls, you can ensure your phone safety by setting passcodes, not connecting to public Wi-Fi, limiting the access of third-party apps to your data, religiously updating your software, downloading apps from trusted sources only, and more.