If you have children, you’ll want to keep them safe when they’re using the internet.

From viruses to explicit content and online trolls, there’s plenty of dangers out there on the world wide web to keep parents up at night.

Using such a tool, you can place limits on the sites that your children can access – either by blocking access to particular sites that concern you, or by only permitting access to sites you know to be suitable.

It does not matter what age your child is, or whether they are using a mobile device, Windows, or macOS – here we take a look at the perfect free parental control software to look after your little ones…

QUSTODIO

Qustodio is available for a variety of platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle, and even Nook.

The free version allows you to enable rules and time schedules, as well as block pronography and any other unsuitable content.

You’ll also get SMS monitoring, social media features and per-app controls.

For more information on Qustodio, click here.

OPEN DNS FAMILYSHIELD

Block domains on your whole home network at router level with OpenDNS FamilyShield.

FamilyShield is a free service from OpenDNS. Its parental control tools automatically block domains that OpenDNS has flagged under the headings tasteless, proxy/anonymizer, sexuality, or pornography.

The programme can run on PCs and mobile devices, you can also apply it to your network router and filter all the traffic that passes through it – it’s just a matter of changing the DNS server numbers in your control panel.

For more information on Open DNS FamilyShield, click here.

 

KID LOGGER

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 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 privacy.

The free software only covers one device and lacks some of the features of the premium editions, including silent monitoring of WhatsApp conversations and the ability to listen to Skype calls.

For more information on Kid Logger, click here.

 

KIDDLE

Even with safe search enabled, even the most innocent Google search can bring up unsavory content. That’s why Google has developed Kiddle – a visual search engine specially made for kids.

Each search brings up results from sites that Google staff have hand-picked as safe sources – including Kiddles’ own Wikipedia-style simplified encyclopedia.

The first few search results will be sites presented in particularly kid-friendly language, while lower results will still be OK content-wise, but may be too technical for young children.

For more information on Kiddle, click here.

 

 

WINDOWS LIVE FAMILY SAFETY

Easily download Windows Live Family Safely and keep everyone protected.

The free program allows users to set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and avoid surprise spending.

What’s more, it can also be used across devices so you can stay aware of what your children are doing online, even when they’re using their phones.

For more information on Windows Live Family Safety, click here.

 

NORTON ONLINE FAMILY

Norton Online Family is one of the best for parental control.

With this app, you can easily access the kid’s online activities such as time tracking, monitor web history, location and many others.

This app is currently supported various OS such as Window, iOS, and Android and downloads from the official website.

For more information on Norton Online Family, click here.