No matter your child’s age — whether they’re receiving their first smartphone or upgrading to their fifth — it’s completely normal for parents to feel anxious about what goes on behind all that scrolling and tapping. Parental control applications have become a useful compromise between kids reluctant to part with their devices and parents who are hesitant to remove them.

How Do Parental Control Apps Function?

Essentially, parental control apps enable parents to oversee and manage their child’s online engagement from afar. These applications are generally installed on both the parent’s and child’s devices. Once configured, parents can keep track of browsing records, monitor search behavior, block unsuitable or distracting applications, and even impose limits on screen time. It’s a more considerate and less intrusive method than physically checking a child’s phone or computer — and when kids are aware their usage is being tracked, it can promote healthier digital habits.

Concerns regarding children becoming excessively reliant on technology are not new; however, they have become increasingly pressing in today’s social media-centric era. As stated by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, kids aged 8–12 spend an average of four to six hours per day on screens, whereas teenagers average about nine hours. This screen time can bring about risks: In recent years, platforms like TikTok and Meta have faced lawsuits for allegedly designing their services to be addictive and detrimental to the mental health of young users.

In summary, navigating the digital realm can be challenging for kids — and parental control apps can assist families in establishing a safer, more balanced connection with technology.

Apple’s Screen Time vs. Third-Party Parental Control Apps

If you and your child both have iPhones, Apple’s integrated Screen Time feature is frequently the most straightforward option. It permits parents to oversee usage, establish app limits, and restrict content — all without the need to download extra software. Well-known apps such as TikTok, Roblox, and Instagram also provide their own in-app parental controls.

However, the marketplace for third-party parental control applications has evolved over time. In 2019, Apple limited the capabilities of many third-party apps in the App Store, which drew criticism. Around that time, Apple launched Screen Time as a free, built-in resource to assist parents in managing device usage. Currently, Screen Time remains a reliable, cost-free option for many families — and two-thirds of our top recommendations for parental control apps are free of charge.

Recently, Apple has taken further measures to enhance child safety, including mandating app developers to implement age verification and restrict access to certain features based on a user’s age.

While iOS’s built-in controls work well for many families, they may be inadequate in specific scenarios — such as when a parent or child uses an Android device, or when devices are shared. This is why it’s beneficial to investigate alternative options beyond Apple’s native features.

Utilize Parental Controls as a Safety Tool, Not a Surveillance Tool

Some parents might feel inclined to install a parental control app on their child’s device without informing them. However, our recommendation is: Don’t. Although it’s true that children might attempt to find loopholes if they know the app exists, secretly monitoring their behavior can quickly damage trust and incite conflict. Depending on the level of access the app has, it could also raise significant privacy issues.

Instead, engage your child in the process. Collaboratively agree on screen time limits and which applications or websites are suitable. This joint approach fosters trust and helps kids comprehend the reasoning behind specific limitations. When children understand why apps like TikTok or Instagram are restricted during study sessions or at night, they are more likely to cultivate healthy digital habits and a greater awareness of online safety.

Here are our top selections for the best parental control apps for Apple devices in 2025: