Kids Device Management

With children going back to school I wanted to review something that would be related in some way. I decided on managing your child’s device. How can parents limit the time their children spend on their mobile device and restrict what do on that device. What I learned is that the more control that you want the more expensive the solution.

First, I’d like to say that if you have an Android device for your child you should check out this video podcast Android App Arena episode on “Kids Device Management” https://twit.tv/shows/android-app-arena/episodes/101 The host does a good job of showing users that have a Jellybean or more recent Android device how to set it up for kids.

Parental Control Apps

Nova Laucher (Free / $4.99) Android only – This allows users to delete apps, widgets, and search bars from the home screen of an Android device. It isn’t a device control exactly instead it is a way to customize an Android device in a way that makes it more kid friendly. http://novalauncher.com/

DinnerTime Plus ($3.99 ) iOS, Android, Amazon – Parents have the ability to shut off the internet connection and access to apps either at the press of a button on their device or by setting up a schedule. http://www.dinnertimeapp.com/

Our Pact (Free) iOS, Android – Parents can do the same thing as the DinnerTime app for free. The only flaw that I saw was in the iOS app there are certain apps that children still have access to and unlike Android parents cannot download a launcher allowing them to get rid of Apple apps and search boxes (this may change in the iOS 10 options). http://ourpact.com/

Kidslox ($6.99) iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows, Mac –This app has the added benefit of reporting how long your child performed certain tasks on the device. It also has a “Kidlox mode” for parents that share a device with a child, basically restricting what they can do with the device. https://kidslox.com/en/#home-app-screen

More Control

Curbi ($6.99 monthly) This app allows parents the ability to filter certain apps, websites, categories, and the ability to make purchases (both app store and in-app). It has detailed reporting of your child’s activity. It has the ability to schedule use or revoke privileges at any time. http://www.curbi.com/

Net Sanity $6.95 monthly or $59.95 annual) A comprehensive digital management platform it allows parents the ability to filter and monitor use of all Internet enabled devices. It gives parents the ability to receive detailed reports and granular permission down to specific websites or actions. https://netsanity.net/

Circle ($99 device for computer, $9.95 monthly) The Circle device is a home device that allows the parent or administrator to control access per device. The user can shut off access to all devices (or place restrictions on them) or place restrictions on each device individually. Users can set-up permissions for guests that use their network (in case your child has friends over). This allows control of access to mobile devices, computers, and even set-top boxes like gaming consoles or TV streaming. The device can connect to your router using Wi-Fi or a network cable. It has a battery so it cannot be unplugged. They are a subsidiary of Disney so everything has a very polished design. There is also a monthly device management app for cellular enabled phones, tablets, etc. that parents want control and reporting abilities it is called myCircle. https://meetcircle.com/