Category: Parental Controls

When seeking parental controls to keep your family safe online, there is a lot of consider. We’ll start with a checklist of all the devices your child may be using that are connected to the Internet.   Then, we’ll explore free parental control solutions to help you cover all the bases.  Many of these options include parental control settings built in to devices.

When exploring parental controls, most people think about computers, smart phones and the software and apps installed on them.  Few think about additional ways that kids access the internet, including gaming consoles or online chat forums on browsers.  Our goal is to cover all the bases and offer free solutions that parents can at the very least take advantage of on all devices.

All of these are contained in our free parental control guide
found at the bottom of this page.  For Free App Installs Click Here!

Before we explore the free parental controls available, let’s first define the devices and areas we are dealing with.

Types of Parental Controls

1. Installable software for computers and lap tops; PC’s with Windows, Mac desktops and lap tops.
2. Downloadable Apps for mobile devices; iPhones, iPads, Andriods, Kindle Fire, tablets or any device that has an app store.
3. Parental controls on game consoles or on Internet based video games, either directly online or via software.
4. Free factory built-in parental controls that may be limited by still usually available on a particular device or a software program or app on that device.  These include Internet browsers, a social media account or app, YouTube.
5. Parental controls that are controls by an account with a parental log in and password. (Microsoft, Google or Apple Account).

A typical family is facing these challenges:  One child may have a tablet and an iPhone.  Another child may be working on the family computer and use an Andriod.  You may have a Kindle Fire that all the kids share.  Teens will be playing video games and in need of parental controls for gaming consoles, as well as have a lap top and an iPhone or Android phone.

Places Kids Need Protection

1. In their bedroom.
2. At school.
3. On the playground.
4. At a friends house.
5. On the school bus.

Whether at home on a desktop, or in multiple locations on a smart phone, parents need to individually look at each of device their kids are using and be aware of what they are doing on those devices. And whenever you kids leave your home with a lap top, tablet or mobile phone, the internet goes with them.  This greatly increases the need for parental controls.

Kids Internet Activity:  Key Points to Consider.

• Are they searching the Internet through a browser?
• Are they searching the Internet through a browser app?
• Are they interacting on social media on a desktop or via an app?
• Are they playing videos comes online through an Internet browser or software download?
• Are they playing video games on a gaming console. Is that gaming console connect to the Internet and interacting with other kids?
• Are they watching YouTube through their main website or via the new YouTube kids app?

Safe Search Kids has prepared a free parental control guide that covers all of your devices, as well as the various platforms your kids are using to access the internet.

Internet Filtering

Probably the most urgent parental control concern to address is Internet search.  How do you kids search the web?  Which browsers are they using?  Simplify things by guiding them to use only one browser so you only have to set up parental controls for that browser.  A safe search engine like Safe Search Kids is a resource that enhances Google’s filtering but you should still have the basic parental controls enabled for when kids may to go search Google.com.

Our free parental control guide goes through these various options.   Keep in mind that the browser on their lap top will have different settings than the browser app on a mobile device.  It’s also important to note that filtering options on a browser are very limited.

Social Media Monitoring

Without software or a parental control app, parents must monitor a child’s social media manually.  However, there is away to restrict app downloads within the app store.  Our guide reviews these options to that kids can’t download apps you do not approve of.  This option doesn’t not work with all devices.  Beyond that, get to know the apps your kids are using.  What social media programs are they using.  Snapchat?  TikTok?  Facebook?  Discuss which platforms you will allow according to their age.

Privacy Settings

Look at all your devices, apps and accounts your kids are using and ensure all privacy settings are set accordingly.  While parental controls are all about keeping your kids from accessing harmful material online, let’s not forget about protecting them from those who will want to reach them.  This will also help protect your kids from online predators,  as well as malware, viruses and online scams.

Video Games Consoles

If you decide to use a parental control phone app or an app that fully monitors your kids activity online, you’re still somewhat on your own when it comes to gaming.  Software solutions will help if the video game is online, but this is not usually the case for gamers in your family that use consoles such as PlayStation and xBox. This issue includes hand held devices like Nintendo Switch.  Fortunately, our free guide includes parental control instructions for 20 different gaming consoles.  These protections come with each game from the factory.

Does Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Fortnight have Parental Controls?

Need parental controls for your kids’ video game console? We’ve got instructions for that. One of the most challenging things parents face is providing protecting for their kids online while gaming. There are plenty of resources for parental controls in terms of computers, tablets, lap tops and mobile phones. And within all of those devices there are parental control apps that provide internet filtering, social media monitoring, geo tracking of your child and screen time management. But parents of gamers are left to figure out security and protection for all their family members who game.

The good news is gaming consoles including PlayStation, XBox, Nintento Switch, Fortnite and more have factory installed methods to set up parental controls. H

Here are the instruction manuals we can provide you.

• Fortnite parental controls for mobile devices
• Fortnite: Chapter 2 – Battle Royale Parental Controls Guide
• Minecraft guide
• Nintendo 3DS guide
• Nintendo DS guide
• Nintendo Switch guide
• Nintendo Wii guide
• Nintendo Wii U guide
• PlayStation 3 (PS3)
• Playstation 4 (PS4) guide
• PlayStation 5 (PS5)
• PlayStation Network guide
• PlayStation VITA (PS VITA) guide
• Pokemon GO guide.
• Roblox how-to controls guide
• Steam platform guide
• Twitch TV
• Xbox 360 guide
• Xbox Live guide
• Xbox One and Xbox One S guide

For instant access to these instruction guides on how to set up parental control for all of your video game consoles, download the free parental control guide.

Free Parental Controls vs Paid Subscription Models

Setting up parental controls on each device and each individual website platform or application on that device can be a daunting task.  It takes research and time.  Our parental control guide reveals these free ways to do it without fully automated parental controls, according to each area of concern.  In some cases, such as with privacy settings, setting things manually do the job.  In other cases, such as internet filtering and app usage, you will only achieve the basic levels of protection provided from pre-existing limits that come with the browser.

For social media monitoring and internet blocking of the darkest places on the web, you may want to consider paid parental control options.  Some apps include free versions of their parental controls with limited features, but still automated across all devices.  These also include monitoring of suspicious texts, internet searches and geo tracking for when kids are away from home. If in doubt, start with free options.  This is the reason we created our free parental control guide.

At the very least, every parents should have the available basic protection settings in place.  This is a process you can include your kids in, so they are aware of their boundaries when free parental controls are not enough.

Summary of Free Parental Controls

Our free parental control guide empower parents to monitor navigate through he maze parental control settings on their children’s activities online.  These include mobile phones, computers, browsers, social media apps and gaming consoles. By setting up controls on multiple devices you can help to keep your entire family safe.

Choose from a range of parental control options

You can choose from our range of free controls to suit your needs. Whether you need a simple solution to block access to certain sites on any browser or search app, or more advanced tools to monitor multiple devices, we provide parental solutions according to your specific requirements.

Download Free Instructions

We offer a range of free step by step instructions for a number of brand name gaming consoles, as well as standard online activities.  From securing web search results on browsers and blocking websites, to monitoring social media accounts, our guide provides includes a number of resources to protect the members of your family, no matter what device they are using.

Block access to inappropriate content

You can use our free parental controls to block access to inappropriate sites, ensure privacy settings are at their optimum, and even restrict certain features on your device.  This also prevents predators from stalking your child and connecting with them in anyway.   These include web filtering software, browser extensions, and mobile apps.

From our free parental controls to app and software downloads, we can help guide through you in determining what needs to be done on any device that is connected to the internet from your home.  Share this article with other parents, then download our recommended parental control app, as well as our free parental control guide.

Download the Free Guide to activating Free Parental Controls on your various devices. It will also explore automated solutions.

Recent studies have shown that people’s concerns have increased with extensive advancement and usage of monitoring apps. The question is whether these apps are legal or not legal to use. There are unlimited websites in the market that are offering free spy apps for Android.

These applications let the user keep track of stored information and monitor online activity.  The latest technology has evolved so quickly that people are now using it for wrong purposes as well. The more options there are, the less trustworthy and secure apps will be in the market. Apart from the advantages of spy apps, there are some legal concerns, so in this article, we will find out whether it’s safe and legal to use spying apps.

Extensive use of android monitoring apps:

If you research tracking applications on the internet, you’ll find out that there are multiple apps available with similar functionality. For example, you can get free tracking apps for Android or purchase the software for advanced features.

A huge number of users want these apps to either protect their data or spy on someone’s phone. The extensive availability has blurred the line between what’s legal and what’s not. The user will only be interested in getting what they want, leading them to serious problems.

The sale of android monitoring software:

When we talk about the sale of Android monitoring apps, then to our surprise, it is legal in most countries, such as in the US, Europe, etc. The reason behind it is that spy app providers have different laws that every user has to follow to ensure there is no unethical usage.

For example, you have to be an authorized person to install the app on the phone, and they make the user responsible for their actions. If you look aside from the laws, it is impossible to believe that the user will use the software for good intentions. If the app offers remote features, no one will inform the target that they’re being spied on.

Means to use spy apps:

It is believable when someone with the right intentions wants to use spy software to make a positive impact. We have discussed the most common means that use spy apps in real life.

Employee monitoring:

In order to boost productivity in the business, and catch deceiving employees, spying software is used. You can’t be on top of your workers’ heads because you have to attend a meeting or go on business tours. And if you have a remote business, then the need for a spy app is even more necessary. Now you can monitor your employee’s every move through these monitoring apps while sitting remotely.

Parental control:

Teenagers of this generation are impossible to control; no matter how parents try, they can’t ensure whether they’re secure or not. That’s why folks use parental controls to ensure that kids aren’t in trouble, aren’t misusing their technology privileges or being a victim of cyberbullying.

Mobile tracking:

People have their whole life inside their phones, including their important and personal data. That means you can’t risk getting lost, most people take precautions and install phone tracker software. So, when they ever lost or get their phone stolen, they can have remote control over it. You can delete data and find your phone’s location regardless of the concern of how far the phone is.

Monitoring partner/spouse:

In 2021 it is very hard to find a loyal spouse, so people choose monitoring apps. They can use it to spy on social media, read messages, listen to their calls and figure out either they’re cheating or not. You can take screenshots as well to prove them wrong in legal matters.

Legalities of spying apps:

If you’re spying on someone to get their personal information or listen to their conversations on call, then you should be aware of the legalities attached to it. You can get a warrant if your target finds out about the spying activities. Unfortunately, many young people purchase such software with bad intentions without knowing the harmful consequences, and that’s scary.

Be precautious before using monitoring software:

If you have an urgent and important need to use a spy app, you should go for it but remember to be cautious about how you’re going to use it. For example, you can use spy apps for monitoring your children to ensure their safety, protecting your data, and even spying on employees for business benefits. But even in such cases, you should be careful with the personal boundaries of an individual.

Are you concerned that your device is being spied?

It is wise to look in your phone for suspicious apps that you don’t remember installing. Modern technology is advanced, and people can easily take advantage of your unconsciousness and spy on you without your knowledge.

There are free spy apps for Android hidden in the phone and performing spying functions in secrecy, so you better be careful. It is important for your safety because it can get pretty dangerous when a stranger knows your location 24/7.

Legal android apps:

Are you looking for a legal monitoring app that can offer you great services? Have a look at TheWiSpy parental monitoring app and follow ethical practices while using it to protect your children.

The bottom line it that without monitoring software, your child is not safe.  Learn about the data privacy risks in child targeted android apps and how you can protect yourself and your child from data piracy risks, as well as harmful content.

Conclusion:

After the detailed discussion on the use of spy apps, the legalities, and how they can be useful for certain purposes, we have come to a conclusion. You might need a spy app for any reason, but it is normal for you to worry about the consequences. If your intentions are pure and you choose the right and legal monitoring software, you’re good to go. Always research before your purchase and enjoy a smooth spying experience.

Our safe Google search tools are always free and that is one very important facet of internet safety. Still, we also provide guidance on software solutions that families and schools may be looking for to ensure complete protection online. Cyber discounts are now in effect to get the best prices on to full protection.

This page is your complete resource guide to access and review the various deals available. After you have researched what you need to protect your family members and personal devices, you will be able to explore our cyber discounts on software solutions.

A Review of Online Safety Solutions

Here is a rundown of the various parental controls, internet filtering and security solutions that can be explore according to your family needs.

1. Anti-Virus Software:

This is essential basic software that filters your email to protect your computer from becoming infected with a virus. No computer should be without this recommend anti-virus software. Many operating systems come with enough security to screen your email, such as on a Mac computer or Windows 10.

2. Virtual Private Networks:

Read how a VPN can protect your family at home and while out in public places, such as when using public WiFi.

3. Anti-Malware:

Includes the removal and full protection from malware infecting your computer.  It blocks a variety of viruses and subversive malware from infecting your computer due to a cyber attack or in the event you accidentally visit an infected website.

4. Internet Filtering with Parental Controls:

This is one of the main reasons parents find themselves on our website. Protecting your kids from harmful online content can only be achieved with internet filtering that also blocks access to the internet according to the age of each child in your home.

5. Safe Search for Kids:

The filtering tool on our website is enhanced by by Google to ensure safe search results for all keywords entered. It is a FREE solution when searching Google. While it will block search results for inappropriate search terms entered, it does not block access to other areas of the internet when kids leave our site.

Now, let’s explore how to access the protections you are seeking.  The first links take you directly to the price options for each software program, followed by links to the related articles.

Software Solutions

Here is a breakdown of the four parts for complete cyber security and computer safety.

Parental Control Software:

• Get the latest pricing on parental controls.
• What does this software do for your family?  Read our article on parental control options that give you complete control of the internet in your home.

Anti-Virus Software:

• Explore anti-virus software for email protection, read our article on how anti-virus compares with other security solutions.
• A secondary article delves into anti-virus for gamers that also increases online game speed. This prevents users from turning anti-virus off.

Malware Protection:

• Get the latest pricing on Anti-Malware.
• Learn more about how anti-malware software can remove malware from your computer and provide continued protection against ransomware.

Free Filtering Tools

If you are buying a new phone, tablet or computer for your child this year, at the very least we recommend using our website free safe search options.  Bookmark our home page for safe searching of Google, images, Wikipedia for kids and videos.

Before you buy a tablet, read about security options for Apple or Android tablets such as Samsung.

Parental Controls for Google, iPads, Samsung and Kids Tablets

Many schools use our website to provide Google SafeSearch for safe filtered search of the internet. Our tools also include safe image search, wiki for kids and safe videos.  Now you can directly install the Safe Search App on any of your mobile devices for worry free access. Every filtered search happens within the app.

When users click on a website that appears in the search results, the user remains within the safety of the app.  Bottom line, any child using the app, whether they be a preschooler, tween or teen, has easier access to our safe search for kids tools.  Searching on the app ensures that filtered results are not part of a web browser.

Important!  Our free safe search app is not the same as a parental control app.  If kids use another mobile browser to search the web, content will not be filtered, but the app still goes a long way to provide strict filtering of Google.

Safe Search for Schools:  If not using our website for safe browsing, install this app for safe search results on mobile devices.  Alternatively, schools can download parental controls for use on any device in the classroom.

The Safe Search App – Downloads!

If you have an iPhone, iPad, Android smart phone or tablet such as Google Chrome, download The Safe Search Kids App for easy access.

To download these apps on your phone or tablet, you must reading this article on the device where the app will be installed.  Or go to www.SafeSearchApp.com on your device before clicking the links. 

Download the Safe Search App for iPhone/iPad – iOS devices.

Download the Safe Search App for Google Play – Android devices.

Download the Safe Search App for Kindle Fire / Amazon.

In addition to filtered search results of the entire internet using Google, the same search tools we feature on our website are available on the app.

Safe Image Search

Download safe images that are from safe websites, even if the image names are not properly named.  Many of these images are on educational websites.

Safe Video Search

Similar to our safe image search feature, the sources of our safe video results are from filtered websites. Videos are not taken from YouTube or other questionable video platforms.

Wikipedia for Kids

The app delivers filtered search results from our Wiki for Kids search resource.

We encourage you to continue to use our website for safe search results enhanced by Google through KidzSearch.  I if you are on a computer or laptop that wasn’t created for app downloads. Bookmark this page and conduct of all your web searches on the top of this page for strict web filtering.

• Additional safe search features new include safe online games and safe app search to ensure downloads are not compromised.

Download the Safe Search Kids APP for Mobile Devices, enhanced by Google. For these links to work, access this article through your mobile device or go to SafeSearchApp.com from your mobile device.

Safe App Update:  Our Safe Search partner is working on a new product for the KidzSearch app that will let parents and schools (teachers) remotely monitor what kids are doing. It will also control the filtering on the app. An update for the Android version was just release that checks each url for safety.  It blocks harmful bad url’s by going against a very large database of sites that are not safe for kids. It also enhances parental controls for YouTube by looking at the specific video title/category and checking safety.

If parents remove all browsers from their phones or tablets, it greatly improves the safety of their device. The previous version of the app gave safe search results, but it is possible to get to a search engine, like Bing, and then find adult content through it. For example, they could use Wikipedia to find a link to Bing. This new update on the app stops that from happening.  For more parental control settings on your devices, explore our free parental controls guide for complete Internet safety.

The next phase will include an upgrade where parents can monitor history and do other things, like entirely block sites they don’t like, as well as control the search strictness level.  More details will soon be posted.

Click the banner below to download the Safe Search App for the device.