Consumer's Advocate says...

"Bark offers one of the most comprehensive monitoring packages in the parental control app landscape, and does so at a very reasonable price. In addition to email and text monitoring, Bark covers an extensive list of social media platforms as well. Additionally, Bark’s approach to monitoring text messaging does not require jailbreaking/rooting the phone, nor does it cause Apple password lockouts like other services. Since children have so many lines of communication open to them, Bark provides unprecedented coverage, monitoring posts and messaging for signs of bullying, communication with dangerous strangers, etc. What's more, Bark’s AI-based algorithms analyze all activity itself and issues parents notifications via their chosen communication method. Although full locator services are not available, Bark does have a check-in feature that allows parents to request their children's location at any given time. However, parents wanting filtering and usage control will have to choose an alternative as Bark does not support these at this time."

familyeducation.com says...

"This free app allows you to instantly lock and unlock your child's Android device remotely from your own device so that you can enjoy more quality family time, or help your child focus on schoolwork or sleep. Note: The parent's device can be an Android or an iPhone/iPad/iPod, but the child's device must be an Android. You can choose from three modes: "Dinner Time" pauses any activity for up to two hours; "Take a Break" pauses any activity for up to 24 hours; and "Bed Time" pauses any activity for any given start and end time, while still allowing kids to access their alarm clock. The free version of DinnerTime works on up to two kids' devices, controlled by up to two parents' devices. DinnerTime Plus ($3.99) works on up to five kids' devices, and offers detailed reports on how long your kids have used their devices and which apps they have used the most, so you know exactly what's distracting them."

TechRadar says...

"Kaspersky Safe Kids is parental control software for all devices – desktop and mobile – with both free and paid-for versions.

The free edition includes a blacklist that prevents your kids seeing inappropriate content online, plus app controls that let you manage app use by time used, age restrictions, and category (if you don't want your kids playing games on a school night, for example). There's also a screen time management tool to help you control overall device use.

The paid version adds more mobile-specific features, including a battery tracker so you can see if your kid's phone is about to go flat, leaving them without a way to contact you. You can also keep an eye on their location with GPS tracking, manage their social media use, and receive real-time alerts if they visit websites they shouldn't or leave a pre-defined 'safe' area.

We found that it took longer than usual to log into a Windows account when Kaspersky Safe Kids was running on a Windows 10 PC, so this is worth bearing in mind if your kids' PC is a little on the slow side already."

TechRadar says...

"Nothing gets past KidLogger. This free parental control software not only tracks what your children type and which websites they visit – it also keeps a record of which programs they use and any screengrabs they take.

If you're concerned about who your kids might be talking to online, there's even a voice-activated sound recorder. If your children are a little older and more responsible, you can pick and choose which options to monitor and give them a little privacy.

The free software only covers one device and lacks some of the sneakier features of the premium editions (including silent monitoring of WhatsApp conversations and the ability to listen to Skype calls), but it's still a well-rounded tool if you're concerned about your kids' safety."

familyeducation.com says...

"This app has so many useful features including social media monitoring, location tracking and alerts, and more. Social media monitoring is one of the most helpful features. With MamaBear you can monitor Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook activity to know when they have new tags, check-ins, or upload photos. You can also be aware when inappropriate language or indication of bullying are posted to their profiles by building your restricted words list. You can also get notifications when your teen drives or rides over a speed limit you set. There are several plan options including a free version. "

Consumer's Advocate says...

"Quostodio offers comprehensive parental monitoring tools at a very good price. It works across nearly all platforms and operating systems and is configurable to specific needs. Although it only offers annual pricing, its charges are among the lowest in the industry on a per-month basis. The company doesn't offer real-time ways for customers to contact it, but it does have a well-developed support section on its website. The service it provides is solid all around, but is especially well-suited to larger families and/or to families who have a large number of online devices."

familyeducation says...

"Want to send a strong message when your child repeatedly ignores your texts and phone calls? RespondASAP freezes the child's phone by taking over the kid's screen and sounding an alarm. This forces the child to call the parent back in order to unlock their phone. It's a better option than taking your child's phone away because he'll still be able to make emergency phone calls to you or 911 even when his phone is otherwise locked. The app is currently only available on Android devices but will be available on iPhones soon."

familyeducation.com says...

"Screen Time is committed to letting kids be kids, and exploring the realm of childhood, outside their screens. Screen Time lets parents remotely monitoring the amount of screen time kids spend on their mobile devices. Screen Time lets you set daily time limits, assign tasks to your kids to complete like homework, see which apps your child uses the most, and more. Our favorite feature? Instant pause, allowing parents to instantly pause their child's devices."