Since July 13, 2024 and the entry into force of the Studer law, all internet-connected devices marketed in France must propose an application easily accessible parental control system. At the very least, it must enable you to block downloads and access to "services and content likely to harm the physical, mental, or moral development of minors,» states the decree.
Our recommendation:
The parental software we recommend ☑️
Regarding the features that may seem insufficient for some parents who would like to go further in protecting their children from screens, particularly in the case of suspected cyberstalking. Between offers that allow you to monitor text messages and social media, those that block purchases on Google Play or the App Store, and those that collect location data, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate the multitude of services available.
But don't panic, we're here to help you make the right choice! In this article, we focus on best parental control tools to help you with your digital parenting.
1 - mSpy
A parental control application more effective than a spyware application
The name of the app says it all: mSpy is a real spy! This parental control software lets you find out what your children are doing on their phones—Android or iOS—without them knowing. The tool's features are very advanced and allow you to follow each keystroke on the keyboard, listen to the phone's microphone or record telephone conversations. You can find our opinion Mspy on alucare.fr.
mSpy follows communications of your child through visibility on their call log and in analyzing all their messages, even those that have been deleted. The software also allows access to their conversations on social networks. It also provides visibility onesearch carried outallows you to view images downloaded and access to geolocation.
mSpy rates:
- mSpy premium for one month : 59.99 / month
- mSpy premium for three months : 33.66 € / month
- mSpy premium for 12 months : 14.17 € / month
mSpy does not offer free trials.
2 - Eyezy
Parental control software powered by AI
Eyezy also acts like a modern-day James Bond. The application offers functions for monitor all online activity on Android or iOS. SMS, social networking discussions, images, phone calls, geolocation, browsing history, keystrokes, you access the entire device on which it is installed. You can also block access to certain sites and applications. All without being detected, thanks to the invisible shield that hides the application icon. You can find our opinion Eyezy on alucare.fr.
The great plus of Eyezy is the use of artificial intelligence that alerts you thanks to geolocation and keyword monitoring systems. This means you don't have to constantly monitor your child's device; the app takes care of it all by itself. The app also features a encryption system to protect all your kids' personal data.
Rates for Eyezy :
- Eyezy for one month 59.99 / month
- Eyezy for three months 34.27 / month
- Eyezy for 12 months 14.27 / month
You can try it for free Eyezy for one week.
3 - FamiSafe
Parental control for all media
FamiSafe offers a parental control application for all devices Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Kindle Fire and Chrome. Visit features are more than numerous : screen viewer, limited screen timeapplication blocking, geolocation, YouTube application control, access to TikTok history, detection of inappropriate content, viewing of phone activity, remote listening to the environment…
For ease of use, an IA blocks inappropriate content and an activity report for easy viewing of your kids' data. What's more, FamiSafe adapt to your child's age with three offerings: Early Years (6-11 years), Early Teens (12-14 years) and Teens (15-18 years).
FamiSafe rates:
- Annual Plan : $4.99 per month (excluding tax). Protection for an unlimited number of devices.
- Quarterly Plan : €6.67 excl. tax/month. Up to 10 devices protected.
- Monthly Plan : $9.99 per month, excluding tax. Includes up to five devices.
Possibility of a free trial on a device.
4 - Norton Family
One-stop online security for the whole family
You may already be using Norton as an antivirus or VPN. Among its many online security products, the American publisher also offers parental control software. Norton Family offers simple features. It allows you to set limits of use, access to search terms and videos viewed, of block access to inappropriate content. It also offers a view of downloaded applications and frequency of use.
A geographical surveillance is also available. It lets you set authorized perimeters at specific dates and times. Alerts are sent to you when the device leaves the defined zone. Your child can also send you the position of his or her device at any time.
Norton Family stands out with the “School mode” which provides access management tools, allowing you to authorize specific educational websites while blocking others. This helps your kids avoid distractions during school hours.
To make it easier to keep track of our business, we provide detailed reports are available through mail and on the application portal.
Norton Family is available on Windows, Android and iOS.
Norton Family rates :
- Norton Family subscription 39.99 / year.
- Norton 360 Deluxe subscription 104.99 / year. Provides access to device protection and online privacy features for the whole family, including Secure VPN and Dark Web Monitoring.
- Norton 360 Premium 114.99 / year. More Norton services.
Free 30-day trial.
5 - Qustodio
Parental controls for screen-free time
Another little spy, Qustodio! This parental control software makes it easy to monitor and manage your child's activity on all its devices Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Kindle Fire and Chrome.
This parental control application lets you filter websites, block certain applications and check your geolocation. You can also access the list of contacts and view SMS messages. You can also block incoming or outgoing calls to a number. Last but not least, it also lets you set usage limits and screen-free time by suspending the Internet connection.
To make it easier for you to keep track of your kids' activities, you'll be provided with rdaily and weekly intakes directly into your mailbox. Also, a IA supports you in your digital parenting thanks to a system of search alerts.
Rates for Qustodio:
- Basic : 42.95 € / year. Access to application blocking, daily usage limits, web filter, geolocation and internet suspension functions.
- Complete : 75.95 / year. Basic functionalities plus creation of routines, AI alerts and call and SMS monitoring.
Available at try it for freet Qustodio for three days.
6 - Xooloo
An educational French parental control software
French company Xooloo offers a parental control application age-appropriate Xooloo App Kids for kids and Digital coach for teens.
The version for younger children allows you to select applicationsgames, cartoons or any other digital service to which you wish to authorize access. Visit apps on the device to which you do not authorize access are blocked by a code. The tool can therefore be installed on your smartphone.
The version for teenagers allows your child to become independent in his or her digital life. There are no no default rulejust an encouraging coach in real time to a better control uses. However, this does not mean that there is no protection against inappropriate content. An engine analyzes the content of Web pages visited and blocks them if necessary. Digital Coach does not offer no geolocation and no access to messages or the sites visited. The aim: to provide a positive digital experience, based on trust and communication.
Xooloo prices:
- A single device 2.99 / month or €29.99 / year.
- Three devices 4.99 / month or €49.99 / year.
- Unlimited number of devices 6.99 / month or €59.99 / year.
Free trial for 30 days.
7 - Parentaler
The parental control application that accesses all social networks
Available on iOS and Android, Parentaler offers a parental control application discreet and comprehensive These include localization, application and search browser restriction, Wi-Fi blocker, and access to call, SMS and e-mail lists. The software also offersaccess social network messaging the most popular: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Discord, Telegram and Tinder.
A keyword alert system alerts you as soon as your child searches for a word you've pinned, or uses it in conversation. Another alert system lets you know if your kids leave a geographical area you've previously defined. All in discreet monitoringwith the application running in the background.
Parentaler rates :
- Standard plan per month : 59.99 / month. For one device.
- Standard quarterly plan : 33.66 / per month. For one device.
- Standard plan per year : 14.17 / per month. For one device.
- Family kit per quarter : 69.43 / per month. For three devices.
- Family kit per semester : 52.83 / per month. For three devices.
- Family kit per year : 35.17 / per month. For three devices.
8 - Family Link
Free parental controls made by Google
Parental control application free of charge from Google, Family Link, offers simple, unobtrusive functions on devices Android and Chrome. Setting a time limit for certain applications will help your child find a balance in his or her use of screens.
Added to this is a authorization management to ensure the confidentiality of your child's data. Finally, you can check the device's battery life to make sure you'll stay connected.
9 - Screen time (Apple)
The free parental control application already on your Apple devices
Directly integrated into your Mac, iPhone or iPad, Screen time allows you to monitor your child's digital activity free of charge. Functionality remains basic: activate content restrictions and confidentiality, block content explicit, block the purchases and the game's downloads and set screen times for applications. The settings you set will also apply to Siri searches.
10 - Microsoft Family Safety
Free parental controls extended to Xbox
If you want to control the use of your Xbox, Microsoft Family Safety is made for you. Available on all devices, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android, The app offers simple, unobtrusive features. What's more, you can use it for free.
Microsoft Family Safety's functionalities remain basic, but are consequently not very intrusive. They allow you to apply time limits to devices, applications and games. From content filters are also available to set access limits and block inappropriate applications and games. These target applications and games as well as online searches.
Rates for Microsoft Family Safety :
- Microsoft Family Safety free version.
- Microsoft 365 Familly 10.00 / month access to a range of useful tools for the whole family, including the Office suite and 1 TB of cloud storage per person.
Try out premium options free for a month.
Which is the best parental control software for your family?
A parental control application tailored to you and your child's needs
Choosing the right parental control software several questions need to be asked. Want to protect against inappropriate content? Manage online time? Ensure online safety? Support digital education? Prevent unauthorized purchases? Fight cyberbullying?
And above all, ask yourself what's in your child's best interest. We don't want a good intention to end up as a bad one. breaking trust that either binds you to your kid or infantilizes him. Depending on your child's age and maturity, certain functions, such as access to text messaging or social networking, are not necessary and can be used for other purposes. can be intrusive, even illegal.
"The law allows you to using a surveillance application without telling the target person when the target person is your child. In addition, the child must be living under your roof and under the age of 18. For a person aged 18 or over, this is not possible," says Eyezy.
Choosing the right level of control and monitoring
In our opinion, the only reason you should choose a service allowing access to social networks, messages and microphonessuch as mSpy, Eyezy, Qustodio or FamiSafe is in the case of a suspected cyberstalking. In the most cases, minimally intrusive solutions such as Norton Family, Xooloo, Family Link, Screen Time and Microsoft Family Safety. We put a little extra for Xooloo which, in addition to being a French solution, has a real pedagogical approach.
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