In 2025 there are dozens of parental control tools on the market. Choosing the right one depends on the age of your child, the types of devices you own and whether you want a tool that monitors communications or simply blocks dangerous sites. Here are some of the most trusted options and what sets them apart.
**Bark**
Bark uses artificial‑intelligence to scan your child’s texts and social‑media posts for signs of bullying, depression, sexual content, violence and more. The service alerts you to potential issues rather than showing you every message. According to an overview of Bark’s Snapchat monitoring, the service can analyze texts, searches and contacts on Android devices but has limited access on iOS; parents can set sensitivity levels, schedule screen‑time, and block apps completely, but Bark can’t read messages or view photos/videos【739420649145555†L25-L76】. Bark is best for families who want monitoring across many platforms while respecting privacy.
**Apple Screen Time & Google Family Link**
Apple’s built‑in Screen Time tool on iPhones and iPads lets parents disable specific apps and hide them from the Home screen【220682292583291†L409-L423】. You can also restrict web content by limiting adult websites and adding sites like YouTube to a “never allow” list【220682292583291†L474-L485】. Google’s Family Link app provides similar controls for Android devices — you can approve or block apps, set daily screen‑time limits and bedtime schedules, and locate your child’s device. These built‑in tools are free and are a good first layer of protection on Apple and Android devices.
**DNS Filtering (NextDNS & CleanBrowsing)**
Instead of installing software on every device, DNS filtering blocks inappropriate content at the network level. A cyber‑security expert notes that DNS filtering acts like a “digital security guard” that adds a checkpoint to every web request and blocks porn, violent content, malware, predator platforms, gambling sites and intrusive advertising【154624002489161†L26-L84】. Because it works at the DNS level, it protects all devices, has a low impact on performance and can be managed from a single dashboard【154624002489161†L84-L115】. CleanBrowsing explains that updating your router’s DNS settings to a family‑filtering service blocks porn and unwanted websites across every device【457716114632254†L110-L118】 and shows how to change the DNS addresses on your router to enable the filter【457716114632254†L155-L190】. Services like NextDNS let you create profiles for different ages, use predefined blocklists, view analytics and set time‑based restrictions【154624002489161†L84-L115】. DNS filtering is ideal for families who want network‑wide protection with minimal software.
**Qustodio**
Qustodio is a cross‑platform parental control suite that includes customizable web filtering, screen‑time schedules, app‑blocking, location tracking and a YouTube monitoring feature that shows what your child watches. The service works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Kindle devices. Qustodio is often recommended for parents who want detailed activity reports and real‑time location tracking, although it does not monitor social‑media messages like Bark.
**Net Nanny**
Net Nanny has been a trusted parental control program for many years. Its key features include real‑time internet filtering to block pornography and violence, screen‑time limits, app management and location‑tracking. Net Nanny’s Family Feed provides alerts about your child’s online searches and app usage. While it doesn’t monitor social‑media messages, Net Nanny is known for its powerful web filter and is available on all major platforms.
**Choosing the right tool**
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Many families start with the free controls built into their devices and then add a monitoring service like Bark for older kids or a DNS filter to protect every device in the home. Whatever tool you choose, remember that parental controls should supplement — not replace — conversations about digital safety.
About The Author
My name is Jack and I help Parents protect their kids online. I’ve grown up in this digital age, and I know firsthand the dangers of the internet. I also know all the secrets that kids won’t dare don’t tell their parents.