With the recent Momo events, I am sure parents are wondering how to keep their kids safe online. How do you get them away from things like Momo, because I know I am. There are apps for parents to monitor social media to help our kids and us.
I grew up in an age where technology was just beginning. AOL was the big thing because they had chatrooms. I remember having this huge contraption called a computer on our family desk. You could use it for weights. Also, using dial-up to connect to the internet. Now, there are devices that you can carry with ease in your pocket and your purse. Internet you can access anywhere you go – wireless.
The world has changed, and now there is easy access to everything, even our kids. I have talked many times to my kids about internet safety, and I am sure there will be more in the future. As a mom, I am taking the extra steps, and we currently use apps to monitor their computer usage. But if you are looking for apps to monitor social media here are some great apps to check out.
WebSafety https://www.websafety.com
WebSafety is based out of California. They monitor Facebook and Instagram only. You can use this app on both Android and iOS and it works on tablets as well as phones. They will also monitor when new apps are in installed and web browser history. Unfortunately, monitoring text messages and browser history is only available on Android devices.
However, all other features such as location, geo-fencing, app installation history, and screen time blocking are supported on both Android and iOS devices.
Our Pact https://ourpact.com
Our Pact focuses on not only monitoring your child’s device but promotes creating balance. You can set schedules for screen time. Block or grant access to the internet or apps at any time, from anywhere. Monitor all the apps on their devices and block certain ones as well. You can block texts, locate your child and set alerts when your child leaves a specific area such as a school or friend’s house.
Uknowkids https://www.uknowkids.com
Based in Virginia, this app does a little of everything. They are very focused on social media monitoring and focused on parents of kids in mind. In addition, to monitor apps, you can monitor the images your child sends by text message or stores on their phone, review incoming, outgoing, and * deleted iMessages and text messages (SMS & MMS.) Plus identify and translate the text-lingo.
Bark https://www.bark.us
Bark monitors not only phones, but Amazon devices, and computers. They cover 4x more social media apps than any of the other child monitoring applications. They track conversations and content on apps, search through texts, photos, and videos for concerning interactions. And you get automatic alerts when Bark detects potential issues, along with expert recommendations from child psychologists for addressing them.
These apps can serve as tools to help monitor your child and how they use their devices and also help with the changing world of technology. Don’t forget to still have these vital conversations with your kids as well. Teaching them about the dangers of the internet and things they can do themselves to be safe online.
