Free Parental Control Software For Mac

Posted on the 15 October 2020 by Thiruvenkatam Chinnagounder @tipsclear

Download Qustodio Parental Control for Mac to protect your children against inappropriate content online. This application is available for free, but some features such as setting limits on. The best free parental control software 2021 TechRadar. Rentals Details: Most parental control software is aimed at Windows users, but Qustodio (think 'custodian') is also available for Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle and Nook. Parental control for MAC Features: OgyMogy parental control software for computer devices is packed with plenty of features that enable parents to know about the activities of the children. Parents can use screen recording, block websites, screenshots, keystrokes logging, camera Bug, MIC bug, and features like sync settings. Mobicip is a pioneer in the parental control software space, having put in more than a decade of work in making the internet safe for our children. Supporting platforms – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac OS X, Kindle, and Chromebook. Blocking and Filtering – Allows to filter and block search phrases, apps and websites.

Everything in this world has gone digital, and that includes homework (if you have kids). If your children are young, you're probably not giving them laptops or free reign of the family computer. You're probably not always able to monitor their screen activity, either.

All of them have a free trial option that allows you to make a wise decision about which internet parental control software works for you. The list of the best free parental control software for any device. The best three apps we have found so far are: mSpy (updated: 30-days refund policy) — the best parental control app for iPhone.

That's where parental control software comes in handy. Parental controls keep your kids safe from the dark web, and there's a no-strings-attached version available for all operating systems. Bellamy brothers torrent s. Keep reading to find out more.

Built-in OS features

Giving your kids technology designed for their age group is an excellent first step toward keeping them safe online. When they have access to more general computing devices, you can leverage parental control features built right into the OS. The parental controls for both Windows and MacOS provide a convenient and acceptable means for restricting web access and chat functionality, along with viewing detailed logs and monitoring email exchanges.

Windows Family Safety


For Windows 10, you need to sign up for a Family Safety account. You can then add a specific child account (or more) to your family account that your kids can use.

This approach may be a little complicated, but it comes with a variety of benefits. You get activity reports for all online activity from the child accounts and block any apps, games, or sites you want.

For an idea of what apps are genuinely beneficial for kids, please take a look at some of our favorites.

You can also limit how much time they spend on the account and strictly control their purchasing activity. There are also some real-world safety features, including the ability to track your kids' location as long as you use Windows mobile devices.

Mac

MacOS built-in parental controls

MacOS touts more than a few options for parental controls, each of which is accessible via the Parental Controls pane housed within the main System Preferences panel. The software includes options for blocking specified applications and websites. You can also block messages from particular people you deem inappropriate. Users must individually set accounts, but once done, users can also set time limits.

There are other options, too, such as the ability to hide profanity in most source content and prohibiting the computer's built-in camera and disc-burning utilities. If there's more than one Mac on a single network, users can even remotely manage said parental controls from a different computer entirely. It's a reasonably comprehensive solution if you don't mind spending some time in Mac settings making sure everything is correct. The catch is that you can only manage parental controls by individual user, so you'll need to set up separate accounts for each child.

Apps and extensions

Windows and MacOS offer a decent selection of parental controls, but they can't do it all by default. In the same vein, parental controls can be a challenge to set up on child-focused mobile devices. Here are downloadable programs that may be more suited to your particular goals.

Qustodio (Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android)

Qustodio has a very intuitive, easy-to-use interface that allows you to sign up for the free version of its software in moments. You manage everything from the dashboard, including social media monitoring, individual time limits for internet use, games, apps, and even tracking text messages and calls on the right devices. The real-time internet filter can detect pornography and ensure everything is blocked, even in private browsing modes.

Compatibility options are impressive since the software supports Kindle, Nook, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. However, Qustodio is trying to make as much money as possible with this program, so many features (like game blocking, location tracking, etc.) are behind paywalls. You can also only use the free version on a single device, which limits its applicability. Qustodio has a great set of features; we wish more of it were available for free.

Kidlogger (multiple platforms)

Kidlogger is an excellent option if you'd prefer to be covert instead of proactive. Instead of blocking sites, Kidlogger automatically tracks keystrokes, web history, and program use (automatically saving any screenshots taken on the computer). When installed on a smartphone, the app automatically logs any phone calls made by number and contact name. It is compatible with popular apps like Instagram and Discord, where parents may want to pay close attention, and updates continue to add more compatibility for the service.

The free version of Kidlogger is OK, but the premium versions add some oomph, though some of the features are downright invasive. If you want to monitor your child's phone conversations and record WhatsApp messages, Kidlogger can do that. Unfortunately, the app doesn't have native password protection, so if you've got a smart kid, you could end up being the one getting caught. The app is available for Windows, MacOS, Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. Like Qustodio, a free account limits you to one device, while paid versions offer more protection. Landini 7860 3534157m94 operator manual.

Zoodles kid-friendly web browser (Windows, MacOS, Android)

Zoodles takes the dramatic step of replacing the typical web browser with one built around children. This software is especially suitable for really young kids just getting to grips with accessing content online. Zoodles combines a filtered online experience with a walled garden of promoted, child-friendly content.

Available on a variety of devices and operating systems, Zoodles offers games, books, videos, and access to other age-appropriate content, all customizable by parents. There are activity reports to see what your child spends time doing and an adjustable recommender engine, which helps parents promote specific learning tools to their children through the application.

The regular free version stops there, but the advanced premium edition - $60 annually or $8 per month - adds many more features, including time management options, storybooks, individual site blocking, multiple languages, and more. You can get a free trial of the premium mode if you want, but it will start to auto-charge your account. Zoodles is excellent for younger kids, but remember that older kids will quickly learn to work around it.

For

FoxFilter (Google Chrome/Firefox add-on)

FoxFilter provides users with a score of blocking filters based solely on individual keywords and sites, and they also offer solutions for adding trusted sites to a curated list of forbidden content. Moreover, the add-on's sensitivity settings can be tweaked to scan body content, title, and URL. Users can set notification and alert preferences detailing the type of content underlying each blocked site.

This preference-managing is excellent for blocking a range of websites and is one of the fastest options to get filters running. However, inexperienced users may want to stick with the pre-formatted list of warning words. Add the wrong keywords or too many keywords, and you may find nearly every website blocked. FoxFilter does offer free email support, so don't hesitate to contact them if you encounter any issues.

What's next?

If you want full protection for your growing kids, you're probably concerned about smartphone use, too. You should check out our list of the best control apps for your kid's smartphone. And we bet some of you are also interested in learning more about security on gaming consoles.

Also, since you've made sure your kids are safe online, what about making sure your web activities are well protected, too? Ensure you're running a reliable antivirus solution and keeping your passwords shored up with our favorite password managers.

Parental

Editors' Recommendations


To have a peace of mind and keep your kids safe, you need to install the best mac parental control software applications on the target device. The installation will give you a deep insight into the behavior of your kid based on data collected by the spyware.

Here are the core benefits of having the best parental control software:

  1. It helps you remotely control your kid’s phone.
  2. You limit addiction tendencies by controlling screen limits.
  3. With the software, you can block off explicit content.
  4. You can detect early signs of cyberbullying.
  5. If you are busy, the software keeps a backup copy for review in your free time.

Parental Control Apps for macOS – Overview

App

Functionality

Prices

Freebies

Compatibility

Screen Capture, Facebook Tracking, Keylogger, Chat Recording

From $6/month per device

None

Supports Mac OS X

Time Controls, Social Media Monitoring, Advanced Report Analytics, App and Game Blocking

From $4.58/month per device

Free trial for 3 days/No refunds

Compatible with Mac 10.9 onwards

Text message and email monitoring, parental control alerts, Screen time and Web Filtering, Social Media tracking

From $5/month per device

7 days Free Trial

Compatible with Mac 10.11 onwards, iOS

Hoverwatch: Advanced PC Keylogger

Hoverwatch is the best keylogger for mac devices that lets you record all typed strokes on a mobile phone belonging to your child. It is free to sign up for the spy app and runs invincibly on both mac and android devices.

Features

Parental control software for mac

– Screenshot Capturing: The software lets you capture screenshots to get a real-time update on what your child is up to on their mobile phone. The beauty is that you can set the frequency of screenshots to intervals that serve you best. Screenshots taken by OS X optimizes images so that they occupy less space.

– Facebook Tracking: Hoverwatch intercepts all activities happening on Facebook by recording messages, videos, and photos for later review.

– Web history keylogger: This spyware saves web links taken on web browsers like Chrome and Safari. It also reveals web activity accessed on incognito modes.

– Real-Time Chat Recording: Messaging is the surest way to gather evidence of suspicious behavior of your kids. Hoverwatch can save conversations from mac messenger apps like iMessage, Adium, and Skype.

Pros

  • It records messages in block format to easily follow up on an ongoing conversation.
  • The dashboard features an advanced filtering feature to pull data within a specified period.
  • Tracking incognito browsing reveals what the user of a device is hiding and works without hacking mac.
  • The spyware runs anonymously, but you have a choice to choose stealth or visible mode.

Cons

  • The software is a little pricey.
  • It works better on Android and Mac but a bit clumsy on Windows.

Supported Operating System: It works on most Android, Windows, and Mac devices.

Cost

As parents, you can pay from as little as $6 to track more than 25 devices in a month. Alternatively, if you have fewer devices to track, you can go for the $9.99 per month offer for each device.

Qustodio: The Best Parental Control Statistics

Qustodio is another parental control software for mac that works on the most popular platforms. It doesn’t matter if you want to track a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, Qustodio will do the work for you.

Features

– Time Parental Controls: Parents can use the software to set the times when your child has access to a mobile phone or laptop. It is a way of curbing addiction and allowing kids to concentrate on more productive activities like studying.

– Monitoring Social Media: Qustodio is a preferred Facebook tracking tool that lets you read messages and multimedia content shared through the platform.

– Advanced Report Analytics: A clean-cut dashboard enables you to check all insights happening on the target phone from a central location.

– Tracks multiple devices: Parents can track more devices if your child has, as compared to other peer software.

– App and Game Blocking: To filter what a child accesses, Qustodio has a Game and App blocking feature.

Pros

  • They offer excellent customer support service.
  • It supports cross platforms including Android.
  • It features an advanced time management tool .
  • A keyword-searchable database makes it super helpful in detecting harmful content.

Cons

  • Social media tracking only available for Facebook.
  • It doesn’t keep logs for more than 30 days.
Mac

Supported Operating System: The app works on most platforms like Kindle, Mac, Windows, and Android. For Mac, it runs on the latest versions including OS 10.9 upwards.

Free Parental Control Software For Macs

Cost

From $8.08 per month, you can protect up to 10 devices on the medium plan, but if you want to protect a small family, the next better option is the $4.58 option that covers up to 5 devices.

Bark: The Smart Way to Keep Kids Safer Online

Bark is another parental control app that helps parents have peace of mind by monitoring Mac and other OS powered devices of their kids. With advanced features, it has the capability of tracking more than 30 social media apps and web browsing history.

Features

– Text Message and Email Monitoring: Bark records all interactions done by your kids through email and SMS and stores them on its cloud storage.

– Parental Control Software Alerts: With advanced detection capabilities crafted by psychology experts, the parenting control app sends you instant alerts for any instances of potentially damaging content or interactions.

– Screen Time and Web Filtering: With the parental control software feature, you can check what your child sees on the internet.

– Social Media Monitoring: The software lets you view and record all conversations happening on social media channels.

Pros

  • It is very secure thanks to the top encryption capability.
  • Good for detecting critical issues like suicidal thoughts, cyberbullying, and predation .
  • Bark integrates with many third-party browsers, chat messengers, email apps, and social media platforms. Whether you use Mac, Apple, or Android, the experience is just as good.
  • You can locate your kid’s location whenever you need to know their whereabouts.

Cons

  • Too many alerts on Android, which is annoying.
  • There is a limitation on the parental control software filtering functionality.

Supported Operating System: Bark works with Amazon, Apple, Android, and desktop computers. It works on all Android versions.

Cost

The Bark Package going for $14 per month lets you track more features, unlike the $5 package which only enables you to access fewer features. The former allows you to save 41% as compared to the latter.

To use Bark software on Mac, follow these simple steps:

  1. Register for a free online account using your email. Create a strong password (Note that best passwords are made of paraphrases).
  2. Download the tracker software using the created online account.
  3. Upon successful download, you can access the remote tracking dashboard to see all the activity happening on the target phone.

Free Mac Parental Control Software

Mac computers have inbuilt parental controls , which you can set by following some simple steps. However, a grown child can maneuver through the settings and can be able to disable them within a few minutes, and that is why third-party parental control software comes into play.

Free Parental Control Software For Mac Desktop

Here is a list of abilities that characterizes native parental control software on Mac:

1. Kid’s account and passcode protection

Adding a passcode to a kid’s Mac account is the surest bet to keeping them safe online. Fortunately, they won’t be able to change the settings relating to screen and downtime. To strengthen the passcode, the activated downtime setting will shut down the device as soon as the use reaches the set time.

2. Screen time

Free Parental Control Software For Mac Laptop

  • Schedules downtime: With Mac parental controls, you can schedule downtimes, which deactivates major functions of a target Mac device. The app lets you customize the settings for each day and sends reminders 5 minutes before immobilization of the device. Screen and downtime work in concurrence, meaning you can’t activate downtime if the screen is still off.
  • Sets app time limits: This cool feature enables parents to allocate time spent on certain apps for an entire day and resets midnight to show the time limits for the new day. The whole idea is to prevent addiction and allow kids to focus on what is beneficial to their growth and development. As a parent, you have a leeway to allocate the maximum time spent on apps like Games and social media while kids will get a notification 5 minutes before the set limit expires.
  • Limits screen view: Through the family sharing feature, you can remotely control screen viewing on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. When you exceed the viewing time, the feature activates a screen passcode for parental control. The functionality also has a place to monitor website data usage, thus letting you know what your child has been up to throughout the day.
  • Basic adult sites filtering: Mac can block specific sites while allowing others to run normally. It works by adjusting settings from the Mac account. You can customize content blockers by changing the preferences on settings while activating autoplay for the best parental control.

Conclusion

Parental control software gives you extra control over a child’s Mac device. There is a lot that the software can do beyond what inbuilt apps do. The parental software in this review comes with special features like keyloggers, screen capture, parental control alerts, and more. Having any of the apps (Hoverwatch, Qustodio, and Bark software) saves you a lot, especially if you are a busy parent since you can be able to detect questionable behavior based on data analytics. Further, if you notice any signs of cyberbullying, these software are the perfect way to find out if your child is safe online.

When choosing an iPhone parental control app, try the Bark app from our list of choices.