1. Best Free Parental Control Software For Mac Reviews
2. Mac Parental Control Software Reviews
3. Mac Parental Controls Software
4. Best Free Parental Control Software For Mac Os
5. Mac Parental Control App

Kidlogger (multiple platforms) Kidlogger is an excellent option if you'd prefer to be covert instead of proactive. Instead of blocking sites, Kidlogger automatically tracks keystrokes, web history, and program use (automatically saving any screenshots taken on the computer). How we found the best parental control software. To test parental control software, we downloaded programs onto our home computers and children’s laptops. In this way we were able to see how the programs functioned in the real world. Content Barrier. Monitors keywords and phrases on Mac computers. In addition to a browser, children may also spend a lot of time on Mac apps such as social media apps and game apps. Parental control Mac software should enable parents to block or limit app usage on Mac. A good Parental Control Mac app should be easy to install, set up and customize. Good software is supposed to make things easy. The Best Free Parental Control Software for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. Built-in OS features. Giving your kids technology designed for their age group is an excellent first step toward keeping them safe online. Windows Family Safety. MacOS built-in parental controls. The best free parental control software for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android Built-in OS features. Giving your kids technology designed for their age group is an excellent first step toward keeping. Windows Family Safety. For Windows 10, you need to sign up for a Family Safety account. You can then add a.

Everything in this world has gone digital, and that includes homework (if you have kids). If your children are young, you're probably not giving them laptops or free reign of the family computer. You're probably not always able to monitor their screen activity, either.

That's where parental control software comes in handy. Parental controls keep your kids safe from the dark web, and there's a no-strings-attached version available for all operating systems. Keep reading to find out more.

Built-in OS features

Giving your kids technology designed for their age group is an excellent first step toward keeping them safe online. When they have access to more general computing devices, you can leverage parental control features built right into the OS. The parental controls for both Windows and MacOS provide a convenient and acceptable means for restricting web access and chat functionality, along with viewing detailed logs and monitoring email exchanges.

Windows Family Safety

For Windows 10, you need to sign up for a Family Safety account. You can then add a specific child account (or more) to your family account that your kids can use.

This approach may be a little complicated, but it comes with a variety of benefits. You get activity reports for all online activity from the child accounts and block any apps, games, or sites you want.

For an idea of what apps are genuinely beneficial for kids, please take a look at some of our favorites.

You can also limit how much time they spend on the account and strictly control their purchasing activity. There are also some real-world safety features, including the ability to track your kids' location as long as you use Windows mobile devices.

MacOS built-in parental controls

MacOS touts more than a few options for parental controls, each of which is accessible via the Parental Controls pane housed within the main System Preferences panel. The software includes options for blocking specified applications and websites. You can also block messages from particular people you deem inappropriate. Users must individually set accounts, but once done, users can also set time limits.

There are other options, too, such as the ability to hide profanity in most source content and prohibiting the computer's built-in camera and disc-burning utilities. If there's more than one Mac on a single network, users can even remotely manage said parental controls from a different computer entirely. It's a reasonably comprehensive solution if you don't mind spending some time in Mac settings making sure everything is correct. The catch is that you can only manage parental controls by individual user, so you'll need to set up separate accounts for each child.

Apps and extensions

Windows and MacOS offer a decent selection of parental controls, but they can't do it all by default. In the same vein, parental controls can be a challenge to set up on child-focused mobile devices. Here are downloadable programs that may be more suited to your particular goals.

Qustodio (Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android)

Qustodio has a very intuitive, easy-to-use interface that allows you to sign up for the free version of its software in moments. You manage everything from the dashboard, including social media monitoring, individual time limits for internet use, games, apps, and even tracking text messages and calls on the right devices. The real-time internet filter can detect pornography and ensure everything is blocked, even in private browsing modes.

Compatibility options are impressive since the software supports Kindle, Nook, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. However, Qustodio is trying to make as much money as possible with this program, so many features (like game blocking, location tracking, etc.) are behind paywalls. You can also only use the free version on a single device, which limits its applicability. Qustodio has a great set of features; we wish more of it were available for free.

Kidlogger (multiple platforms)

Kidlogger is an excellent option if you'd prefer to be covert instead of proactive. Instead of blocking sites, Kidlogger automatically tracks keystrokes, web history, and program use (automatically saving any screenshots taken on the computer). When installed on a smartphone, the app automatically logs any phone calls made by number and contact name. It is compatible with popular apps like Instagram and Discord, where parents may want to pay close attention, and updates continue to add more compatibility for the service.

The free version of Kidlogger is OK, but the premium versions add some oomph, though some of the features are downright invasive. If you want to monitor your child's phone conversations and record WhatsApp messages, Kidlogger can do that. Unfortunately, the app doesn't have native password protection, so if you've got a smart kid, you could end up being the one getting caught. The app is available for Windows, MacOS, Android, BlackBerry, and iOS. Like Qustodio, a free account limits you to one device, while paid versions offer more protection.

Zoodles kid-friendly web browser (Windows, MacOS, Android)

Zoodles takes the dramatic step of replacing the typical web browser with one built around children. This software is especially suitable for really young kids just getting to grips with accessing content online. Zoodles combines a filtered online experience with a walled garden of promoted, child-friendly content.

Available on a variety of devices and operating systems, Zoodles offers games, books, videos, and access to other age-appropriate content, all customizable by parents. There are activity reports to see what your child spends time doing and an adjustable recommender engine, which helps parents promote specific learning tools to their children through the application.

The regular free version stops there, but the advanced premium edition - $60 annually or $8 per month - adds many more features, including time management options, storybooks, individual site blocking, multiple languages, and more. You can get a free trial of the premium mode if you want, but it will start to auto-charge your account. Zoodles is excellent for younger kids, but remember that older kids will quickly learn to work around it.

FoxFilter (Google Chrome/Firefox add-on)

FoxFilter provides users with a score of blocking filters based solely on individual keywords and sites, and they also offer solutions for adding trusted sites to a curated list of forbidden content. Moreover, the add-on's sensitivity settings can be tweaked to scan body content, title, and URL. Users can set notification and alert preferences detailing the type of content underlying each blocked site.

This preference-managing is excellent for blocking a range of websites and is one of the fastest options to get filters running. However, inexperienced users may want to stick with the pre-formatted list of warning words. Add the wrong keywords or too many keywords, and you may find nearly every website blocked. FoxFilter does offer free email support, so don't hesitate to contact them if you encounter any issues.

What's next?

If you want full protection for your growing kids, you're probably concerned about smartphone use, too. You should check out our list of the best control apps for your kid's smartphone. And we bet some of you are also interested in learning more about security on gaming consoles.

Also, since you've made sure your kids are safe online, what about making sure your web activities are well protected, too? Ensure you're running a reliable antivirus solution and keeping your passwords shored up with our favorite password managers.

Editors' Recommendations

Updated: January 13, 2020 Home » Computer and Internet Security » Parental Control

Best Free Parental Control Software For Mac Reviews

How to block and filter unwanted web content on XBox, Playstation, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphone, Smart TV and more? Unlike 10 years ago where the only device for accessing the internet is a laptop or desktop, today, almost every device can access the web, therefore parental control software doesn’t make any sense. The best method is to set the DNS IP Address in your home router, this will filter all traffic from all devices that uses the router for internet access, unless the smartphone has mobile internet.

Alternative 2020 Article ➤ 6 Free DNS Changer And DNS Server Speed Test

How do I set up parental controls on my computer? How to configure common routers to use DNS for Huawei HG8245H, TP Link CR700, 3COM, Actiontec, CenturyLink, Apple, Arris (Motorola), ASUS, Belkin, Billion, Buffalo, Bell Connection Hub (Sagemcom), D-Link, Digisol, DrayTek Router, Google Fiber Router, Huawei, Inteno, Linksys, Netcomm, NETGEAR, Rosewill, Sagecom, SkyDog, Speedtouch, Cisco, and Speedstream Router Configuration.

I highly recommend OpenDNS FamilyShield and Norton ConnectSafe, both are equally good in filtering websites and does the job automatically without any software. Unlike software, DNS works on any computer, laptop, tablet, smartphones, Xbox, Playstation or any devices. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and every single operating system. And Yes! DNS filtering works on all browser including internet explorer, chrome, firefox, safari and more. That is the beauty of DNS, it is a gateway.

↓ 01 – OpenDNS FamilyShield | 208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123

OpenDNS Home is a free internet based parental control solution which allows parents to manage web access on every device that accesses the Internet on a home network including, wired and wireless computers and laptops, network enabled game systems and internet enabled wireless devices such as iPods and ipads. Works great on Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Apple’s macOS.

Mac Parental Control Software Reviews

OpenDNS categorizes websites into 56 categories, like “adult,” “games,” “academic fraud” and “social media.” Parents can block entire categories of content, or just choose to block individual websites that are problematic or unsafe for your family. Or, for easier setup, you can choose a filtering level: low, medium or high. The low filtering level blocks just adult content, where the high filtering level blocks adult content, social networking sites, video sharing sites and more.

↓ 02 – Yandex.DNS Family | 77.88.8.7 / 77.88.8.3

Yandex has over 80 DNS servers located in different cities and countries. Each user’s queries are processed by the server closest to him/her, that’s why sites open faster with Yandex.DNS in “Basic” mode. Many users want to protect themselves and their children from adult sites. Yandex’s family search algorithms can detect not family friendly keywords. When opening an adult site on a computer or in a network with Yandex.DNS in “Family” mode, the user will only see a closure.

↓ 03 – Comodo SecureDNS 2.0 | 8.26.56.26 / 8.20.247.20

As a leading provider of computer security solutions, Comodo is keenly aware of the dangers that plague the Internet today. Secure DNS helps users keep safe online with its malware domain filtering feature. SecureDNS references a real-time block list (RBL) of harmful websites (i.e. phishing sites, malware sites, spyware sites, excessive advertising sites, etc.) and will warn you whenever you attempt to access a site containing potentially threatening content. Directing your requests through highly secure servers can also reduce your exposure to the DNS Cache Poisoning attacks that may affect everybody else using your ISP.

Secure DNS 2.0’s new dashboard, available to beta users, makes it simple to set content filters at a network level to help prevent unwanted content from being accessed in your home or network. To enable, simply add your network and set the categories of domains you wish to block. Customize your preferences from more than 25 categories, including proxy and anonymizer blocking.

↓ 04 – Dyn Internet Guide | 216.146.35.35 / 216.146.36.36

Mac Parental Controls Software

Finally, a better, faster, and safer way to surf the Internet with our recursive DNS service. Take complete control of your Internet experience by blocking unsafe or unwanted content based on categories or via custom white/black lists with Dyn’s free Internet Guide.

Easily install within your router to provide the same safe and fast experience on all devices connected to your network or use our Update Client to configure IG on a local Windows or Mac OS X computer. Simply install our update client to monitor your device, and your hostname will update whenever its IP address changes.

↓ 05 – DNS for Family | 94.130.180.225 / 78.47.64.161

DNS for Family is created with the intention of providing safe and clean internet to users all around the world. As you might be aware that today internet is an open ended place, anybody can create website, do some publishing and bring users to their websites.

In one side this is very productive for everybody especially when we consider that it can be used to share knowledge, news, entertainment and lot’s of productive and fun activities with each other. Website creator earns money by placing advertisements on their website and visitor receives the service. So it’s a nice circle.

DNS for Family aims to block websites which are considered porn so that you and your children can safely surf internet to their heart desire without worrying that your children might get followed to such harmful websites.

↓ 06 – Norton ConnectSafe [ Discontinued ] | 199.85.126.30 / 199.85.127.30

Best Free Parental Control Software For Mac Os

Norton ConnectSafe is a free service that provides a first layer of defense by blocking unsafe sites automatically. On a computer, Norton ConnectSafe does not replace the comprehensive protection of a full security product such as Norton Internet Security or Norton 360. Instead, Norton ConnectSafe provides basic browsing protection and content filtering for all Web-enabled devices on your home network. Blocks Unwanted Content – Norton ConnectSafe helps keep your kids safe from Web sites with undesirable content. Norton ConnectSafe blocks inappropriate content in 23 different languages.

Mac Parental Control App