Best Parental Control Apps to Manage Screen Time

Controlling the amount of time children and teenagers spend on their cell phones. It can be a real challenge.

Between videos, games, social media, and apps, a few hours of use can easily turn into an entire day of being connected.

If you've ever had to ask your child to turn off their cell phone multiple times, you probably know how exhausting that situation can be.

The good news is that there are parental control apps which help parents set usage limits, control apps, and create schedules directly from their own cell phones.

And you don't necessarily need to start by paying for a subscription.

Some solutions offer free features, while others have paid plans with more advanced tools.

There are also resources for screen time control Integrated directly into Android, iPhone, Windows, and other devices.

In this guide, you will learn about some of the main options for Control your children's screen time and manage their cell phone use..

What can a parental control app do?

Modern parental control apps go far beyond simply locking the phone.

Depending on the platform chosen, parents can find resources such as:

• Daily screen time limit
• Schedules for locking the device
• Individual application control
• Blocking certain apps
• Website filters
• Game controller
• Activity reports
• Managing multiple devices
• Internet pause
• Alerts and notifications

For example, the Qustodio It allows you to set daily limits, create screen-free periods, and control internet access.

The platform also offers tools to block or set limits for certain applications.

This can greatly simplify the parents' routine, especially when each child has different schedules for studying, playing, and using their cell phone.

1. Question

THE Qustodio It is one of the most complete alternatives for those looking for a specific application for Parental controls and screen time management.

The platform allows parents to set daily limits, create screen-free schedules, and control internet access.

It's also possible to control apps and games. Parents can block specific apps or set individual limits for them.

Another interesting point is its compatibility with different systems, including Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire.

How to get started

1. Download the Qustodio Or access the platform.
2. Create an account for the parents and add the child's device.
3. Set time limits for apps and websites.

Qustodio offers a free initial option, while additional features are available in premium plans.

Official website: https://www.qustodio.com/

👉Download for Android

👉Download for iOS

2. Google Family Link

If your child uses an Android phone or tablet, the Google Family Link It's one of the first options worth exploring.

The tool was developed by Google to help parents establish digital rules for children and teenagers.

With Family Link, you can manage apps, set usage limits, and establish specific rules for compatible devices.

One of the main advantages is precisely not needing to start by hiring a third-party application.

How to get started

1. Install the Google Family Link on the responsible person's cell phone.
2. Connect the child's Google account to the compatible device.
3. Configure the time limits and available management options.

Features may vary depending on the device, operating system, and account settings.

For families who already use various Google services, it's a very practical alternative.

Official website: https://families.google/familylink/

👉Download for Android

3. Apple Usage Time

Those whose families consist primarily of iPhone and iPad users may not need to install any additional apps.

Apple itself offers the feature. Usage Time, integrated into your devices.

It allows you to track and manage device usage, as well as set limits for apps and categories.

It's also possible to create downtime periods and specific restrictions to help organize your digital routine.

How to get started

1. Open the Settings on the Apple device.
2. Enter in Usage Time.
3. Configure your desired app limits, schedules, and restrictions.

One of the great advantages is that the feature is part of Apple's system, without requiring a subscription to a third-party parental control app for its basic functions.

Official information: https://support.apple.com/pt-br/

4. Bark

THE Bark It follows a slightly different approach.

In addition to resources related to screen time, the platform is geared towards helping parents deal with digital safety issues and certain types of online activity.

Depending on the device and plan used, administrators can set rules for apps and usage time.

Bark also has its own features for managing devices and application limits.

On Bark Phone devices, for example, administrators can set daily limits for apps, categories, or all apps.

How to get started

1. Create a parent account on Bark.
2. Connect the child's compatible device.
3. Configure app and screen time rules.

Some features require a subscription or compatible products, so it's important to check your current plan before subscribing.

👉Download for Android

👉Download for iOS

5. Norton Family

THE Norton Family This is another option for families looking for tools to manage their children's digital use.

The solution was developed to help administrators establish rules and supervise specific online activities.

Depending on the plan and system used, parents can find resources for managing digital habits and controlling device usage.

For those who already use other Norton products, it may be beneficial to keep their security tools within the same ecosystem.

How to get started

1. Access the website of Norton Family.
2. Sign in or create your Norton account.
3. Add the compatible device and configure the available rules.

Features may vary depending on the subscription and device used.

Official website: https://us.norton.com/products/norton-family

👉 Download for Android

👉 Download for iOS

6. Microsoft Family Safety

Another alternative for families who use Microsoft computers and devices is... Microsoft Family Safety.

The tool allows you to create a family group and configure specific rules related to the use of compatible devices and services.

This can be especially useful for families who use Windows computers along with other devices.

How to get started

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Create or configure your family group.
3. Access the available security and management options.

One of the advantages is the integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, preventing parents from necessarily having to use a completely separate platform.

Official website: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/family-safety

👉Download for Android

👉Download for iOS

What is the best app for parental control?

There is no single answer for all families.

If you are looking for a complete solution specifically dedicated to parental control, the Qustodio It is one of the most interesting options to compare, mainly because it combines time limits, app control, filters, and management of different devices.

For Android phones, the Google Family Link It could be a natural choice.

For those who primarily use iPhones and iPads, the Apple Usage Time It can offer most of the necessary controls without installing another app.

THE Bark This could be interesting for parents who want to combine screen time management with tools focused on digital safety.

And families who already use Microsoft products may consider... Microsoft Family Safety.

Free or paid parental control?

Before choosing an app, it's worth paying attention to this detail.

There are tools with free features and others that use a model of monthly or annual subscription to unlock advanced features.

THE Qustodio, For example, it has a free initial option and premium plans with additional features.

On the other hand, resources such as Apple Usage Time They are already part of the Apple device system.

This means you don't necessarily need to pay for an app to start setting basic boundaries.

A good strategy is to start with the native tools available on the child's device.

If you need more detailed reports, additional controls, or management of multiple devices, then it might make sense to compare premium apps.

How can we better control our children's screen time?

An app alone doesn't solve everything.

Ideally, technology should be combined with simple and clear rules at home.

For example:

Study schedule

Determine specific times when cell phones should be reserved for school activities.

Bedtime

Establish a schedule when devices should be turned off or kept out of the bedroom.

Family meals

Establish cell phone-free times during meals.

Daily limit

Set aside an appropriate amount of time for entertainment.

Limits per app

Some apps allow you to separate time for games, videos, social media, and other activities.

With tools such as Qustodio, For example, parents can create daily limits and scheduled screen-free periods.

The goal doesn't have to be to completely eliminate the use of technology.

The idea is to create a better balance between cell phone use, studies, sleep, physical activities, family, and offline time.

Start controlling your screen time.

You don't need to constantly check the time or ask your child dozens of times to put away their cell phone.

With a good parental control app, It is possible to set limits, create schedules, and manage applications in a more organized way.

Among the options presented, you can test solutions such as Qustodio, Google Family Link, Apple Usage Time, Bark, Norton Family and Microsoft Family Safety.

The choice depends mainly on the device used by the child and the level of control you are looking for.

If the device's native features are already sufficient, you may not even need a subscription.

If you need more advanced tools, it's worth comparing plans before choosing.

Most importantly: talk to your children about boundaries. The app can help enforce rules, but good digital habits are built with guidance and family involvement.

Which of these options would you choose to control screen time in your family?

Official websites

• Qustodio: https://www.qustodio.com/
• Google Family Link: https://families.google/familylink/
• Apple — Usage Time: https://support.apple.com/pt-br/
• Bark: https://www.bark.us/
• Norton Family: https://us.norton.com/products/norton-family
• Microsoft Family Safety: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/family-safety

Written by Nara

I think, therefore I write! Content Writer, Compliance Analyst, and SEO Editor | Over 7 years of experience. As an introvert, I discovered that writing is the perfect way to connect, engage, and communicate with others. I deeply believe in the power of words; for me, transforming complex concepts into accessible content is a simple act of inclusion. I specialize in transforming Finance, Credit, and digital world topics into clear, search engine optimized (SEO) content that brings brands closer to their audiences. My experience is backed by certifications from leading market references: ANBIMA, Rock Content, and HubSpot.

Updated on August 19, 2026