The 5 Best Parental Control Apps for Mac

The increasing use of technology in today’s world makes it impossible for parents to restrict children from using devices and connecting to the Internet. However, through technology, children are exposed to online threats. We can keep them safe by monitoring their online activities and device usage.

Fortunately, several parental control apps help parents keep their children safe. These apps limit screen time, block apps, and filter website results. We run through the best free parental control apps available for Mac users to help parents choose the right one for their needs.

1. Kaspersky Safe Kids

Kaspersky has an excellent track record in creating cybersecurity software and applications. Kaspersky Safe Kids is set up to protect your child from online threats and keep them safe in the real world.

With features like GPS tracking of different devices, you can know your child’s location at any time. You’ll also get reports on your child’s devices, such as battery level, so you can remind them to plug them in when needed.

You can also limit the amount of time each child spends on a Mac by setting Screen Time controls. Also, if you have multiple children, you can set Screen Time for each of them individually on your Mac. Kaspersky allows you to use one parent account to manage more than one child and multiple devices.

Although you can block websites in any browser, Kaspersky allows you to set up website filters while enjoying all the other features. Although you can start using a free plan, you may need to upgrade your plan to enjoy all the features the app has to offer.

After downloading and installing Kaspersky Safe Kids on your Mac, you need to update the security permissions in System Preferences to complete the application setup.

Download: Kaspersky Safe Kids (free with subscription)

2. KidLogger

KidLogger is not an app that you would use to control your child’s online activities, instead it tracks their activities and generates a detailed report. It is a monitoring application that parents can use to monitor their children’s activities while using their Mac. It can be hidden without being detected on your Mac.

KidLogger tracks activities such as websites and apps used, screen time, takes regular screenshots, takes photos of the child while using the Mac, and can also keep a record of everything they type. You can access these features with a paid subscription, but there is also a free plan.

Since this is a spyware program, you may need to disable any antivirus installed on your Mac before installing KidLogger. After setting up the application, click the button Start and follow the on-screen instructions to choose what you want to watch on your child’s Mac.

Download: KidLogger (free with subscription)

3. KidInspector

KidInspector is the parental control app you need if your child needs constant supervision. These monitoring apps work very similarly to spyware, the difference is that you allow these apps to spy on your children’s activities. This is another spy tool that allows you to monitor every action of your child on your Mac in real time.

You can monitor your child’s activities on social networks, online messaging platforms, apps and websites, view them via webcam, and take screenshots of your child’s screen – all remotely monitored from a secure account.

Parents can set up KidInspector on their child’s Mac by registering a personal account. Then download the app from your account and install it on the target devices. You can then view the monitoring results in the form of text, graphs and screenshots, and remotely remove the application from targeted Macs without being noticed.

After downloading and installing the app, log in to your account and follow the instructions to set up your monitoring account. Once set up, the app is hidden on your Mac, but you can log into your KidInspector account to view your child’s activity logs.

Download: KidInspector (free trial, subscription required)

4. FamiSafe

Wondershare FamiSafe offers all the features you need to keep your kids safe online, reduce and limit the time they spend on devices, and track their location.

This parental control software includes all the standard tools to keep your kids safe, such as setting time limits and blocking inappropriate content. You can also recognize and filter potentially inappropriate images and text messages.

You can also track your child’s whereabouts using GPS and geofencing. Block apps and games you don’t want your child to play and use Smart Schedule to set different access plans. An excellent choice for managing your child’s screen time and content consumption.

Download: FamiSafe (free trial, subscription required)

5. Norton family

Last on our list, but definitely not least, is the Norton Family. Even though it’s not a free app, it’s worth mentioning because Norton takes a significant burden off parents and helps make the internet a safer place for your kids.

The Norton family is designed to keep little ones safe, with features that help track and limit the websites they visit, balance time spent on devices, report online time including activity and search queries, and help reduce distraction from school work.

Norton Family keeps you up-to-date with the mobile app and sends an instant email notification every time your child tries to visit a restricted website. With Norton Family, you can open or limit access for your children and help them learn healthy online habits.

Download: Norton Family (free trial, subscription required)

Keep your kids safe with parental control apps

In conclusion, parental control apps are essential to keep track of your kids’ online activities and keep them safe online. The above list of best free parental control apps for Mac offers many features such as web filtering, application and time management, and online activity monitoring.

Whether you want to protect your children from online dangers or simply monitor their use, these apps offer a cost-effective way to keep your family safe while using your Mac. So choose the app that best suits your needs and fits your budget.