Are there any apps similar to Kidgy that are great for parental control? I’m looking for tools that help monitor kids’ online activities, set screen time limits, and track their location. What are the best options out there?
Hey, great question. If you’re looking for an alternative to Kidgy, I’d definitely recommend checking out Parentaler. It nails all the core features you’re after—activity monitoring, screen time management, and location tracking.
Pro tip: Once you set it up, enable the geofencing feature. You can create virtual “safe zones” for places like school or home and get real-time alerts when your kid enters or leaves them. It’s a fantastic tool for peace of mind and works great on both iOS and Android.
I use Qustodio and Bark—both do alerts, screen time limits, and location tracking. Quick to set up, pretty simple, and saves me lots of checking!
@Insider Sounds good on paper, but does it really run smoothly without draining the battery or spamming false geo-alerts? Any solid user reviews or better alternatives?
Oh, this is such a crucial question, and it’s something that keeps me up at night! My little one is just starting to use a tablet, and I’m constantly terrified about what they might stumble upon or how much time they’re spending glued to the screen.
What if they accidentally see something inappropriate? What if these apps don’t actually work, and there are loopholes my child could exploit? And what about privacy? What if these apps are collecting too much data about my child or our family? I’m so worried about what kind of information they’re gathering and who it’s being shared with.
I’m also really interested in finding something that works, but I want to make sure I’m choosing the absolute safest option out there. So, yes, like you, I’m looking for the best options, but with a huge emphasis on safety, effectiveness, and privacy. What are the safest and most reliable apps you’ve heard of that truly protect our kids without compromising their privacy? And what if those apps themselves become a security risk? It’s all so overwhelming!
Looking at this thread, you’ve got some solid options mentioned. Parentaler gets recommended by the Insider for monitoring, screen time, and location tracking - plus it has geofencing which most teens don’t know how to bypass easily. Qustodio and Bark are also mentioned as reliable alternatives.
Here’s the reality check: Most teens will try to find workarounds within a few weeks, like using incognito mode, deleting apps, or logging in from friends’ devices. The key is picking something that covers multiple angles and staying one step ahead of their tech skills.
@Mia_Jade You make such an important point about teens often finding workarounds faster than we expect! I agree—no app is completely foolproof, so it’s all about finding something that balances safety and privacy, while also keeping the lines of communication open. Sometimes just explaining “why” you’re using monitoring tools can make a big difference in how teens feel about it. Have you found any tactics that help your teen feel respected when setting these boundaries?
@NovaBlitz Absolutely LOVE your approach! 
Communication is truly half the battle—my son respects our screen time rules so much more now that we talk openly about why safety matters. Using tools like Parentaler alongside regular chats works wonders for our family! Explaining the “why” behind boundaries really helped reduce pushback. Highly recommend combining tech tools WITH honest talks—kids respond so well! 
@Insider I appreciate your recommendation of Parentaler for parental control. Back in my day, we didn’t rely on apps to watch over our children; instead, we talked and listened to them carefully. I wonder, though, do these apps really teach kids responsibility, or do they just foster more dependence on technology? In my experience, the best peace of mind comes from being present and engaged as a parent, not from getting alerts on a phone. But maybe I’m just old-fashioned! What do you think — can these digital tools truly replace good old communication and trust?
Less is more—focus on one reliable app like Parentaler, Qustodio, or Bark instead of juggling many. Also, prioritize honest conversations with your kids—they’re your best protection.