Parenting Apps

Screen time on iPhone and iPads

Apple’s own Screen time  built into the hardware on iOS 12 for  iPhones and iPads (Cost: Free)

• Set limits on overall time
• Set limits on specific apps  
• Set “downtimes”
• And, so much more

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Circle

• Connects with your Wi-Fi router to manage every device on your home network and manage mobile devices everywhere
• Customize settings for each
• family member to block content, set content filters and time limits on apps like Instagram, Snapchat, Fortnite, Netflix and more
• Pause the Internet at the press of a button
• Find balance by setting recurring Off Times and Bedtimes schedule for your kids’ devices. Also, give Rewards for more screen time.
• Check activity by looking through usage and even track the location of your family’s mobile devices

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OurPact

• The control phone can block other phones for any period of time and unblock at any time
• Set a recurring use schedule on each device
• Block specific apps

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Moment

• Set limits on screen time
• Tracks how much you use your phone during the day
• Gives usage reports
• Has a coach function

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Pocket Points

• A great app for students
• Gain points by keeping your phone locked when you’re on campus
• Use points to get discounts and coupons to businesses near you
• Pocket Points is popular among college students and is trying to grow their high school presence
• You can request a high school or university on the app

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Bark

• Social Media monitoring
• Text monitoring
• Email monitoring
• Parental Alerts
• Works with schools too

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unGlue

• Set a recurring use schedule on each device
• Get usage reports
• Remotely turn off the internet to an individual device or to all devices
• Block adult content
• Set limits on screen time

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Protect Your Kid  

• Set limits on screen time
• Block access to apps
• Organize apps into groups and set rules
• Set recurring device schedule
• Block adult content

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Screen Time Parental Control

• Set bedtime and school time restrictions for specific apps
• Set limits on screen time
• Pause a device or give Bonus time
• Block all apps at lights out
• Block specific apps

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Mobicip

• Set limits on screen time
• Set a recurring use schedule on each device
• Set content filters
• Block apps and internet usage

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NetSanity

• Available for iPhone and Android
• Remotely turn off the internet to an individual device
• Set recurring device schedule
• Block adult content

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FamilyTime

• Available for iPhone and Android
• Geofence locations
• Track device locations
• Get usage reports
• Set recurring device schedule
• Block adult content

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ParentalTools.org

This is a great site that will explain each step for each video console to set parental controls.

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Net Nanny - Parental controls, not great for mobile but good for PCs
Mobile Fence - Parental controls and GPS tracking for Android devices
Verizon Family Base - Monitor wireless activity and set usage limits
AT&T Secure Family - Manage internet and email activity on computers
T-Mobile Family Mode - Manage minutes, messages and downloads on phones
Sprint Mobile Controls - Monitor phone usage
XFINITY TV Online parental controls - Restricts what children can watch online

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DRIVING

Do No Disturb While Driving on iPhone
Cell Control - For Android and iPhone
Drive Safe Mode - For Android and iPhone
DriveMode - Available on Android
All the big carriers have apps to help you on this too. Ask your carrier for the latest

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ARTICLES

Think your kid (or you) could be a screen zombie? Take the 'Screenagers' test - Los Angeles Times
Learning How to Exert Self-Control - New York Times
Compulsive Texting Associated with Poorer School Performance Among Girls - American Psychological Association
Compulsive Texting Takes Toll on Teenagers - New York Times
Teaching Self-Control Tips -  Provides evidence-based information about parenting and child development.

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ORGANIZATIONS

Common Sense Media - Empowers parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.
Center For Humane Technology - Former tech execs worried that technology is “hijacking our minds and society” and are working to raise awareness inside tech companies.
Family Online Safety Institute - International, non-profit organization that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families.  
Empowering Parents - Committed to providing parents with sound advice through podcasts, an active blogging community and parenting programs.
Above The Fray - Program to educate parents and teachers about what life is really like online for young people and to give adults the tools they need to begin meaningful dialogues at home and at school.

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