Never give your children unfiltered access on the Internet on any device. Within a few clicks or finger taps, their lives could be destroyed forever and that is not an exaggeration. There are many tools that parents can use to protect their children from online dangers. This is a list of some of the most popular options available. (Click Safe Online is not affiliated or sponsored by these tools in any way.)
1. Parental Control Apps
These apps allow parents to filter harmful content, set screen-time limits, and monitor online activity in a balanced way.
- Qustodio – Excellent for content filtering, app blocking, and real-time alerts.
- Bark – Strong focus on detecting cyberbullying, predators, self-harm, and explicit content across apps and messages.
- Net Nanny – Very effective for blocking pornography and harmful websites.
- Google Family Link – Free option for managing Android devices, screen time, and app access.
2. Safe Browsers for Children
Child-friendly browsers restrict access to unsafe sites and provide a cleaner online experience.
- Kiddle – Google-powered search engine designed for kids.
- KidRex – Child-safe browsing with strong filtering.
- Safe Search Kids (by Google) – Requires no installation and blocks explicit results.
3. Device-Level Safety Tools
Built-in controls that many parents forget to use.
- Android Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls – App timers, bedtime mode, content filtering.
- Apple Screen Time – App limits, content restrictions, purchases control, and communication safety.
- Microsoft Family Safety – Ideal for Windows PCs and Xbox, including web filters and activity reports.
4. Social Media Safety Features
Every major platform now includes tools parents should activate.
- Instagram Family Centre – Allows supervision, content controls, and activity insights.
- TikTok Family Pairing – Restricts DMs, screen time, and inappropriate content.
- YouTube Restricted Mode / YouTube Kids – Filters harmful videos and flags unsafe channels.
5. Safe Gaming Tools
Helps parents manage chats, strangers, and spending in online games.
- PlayStation Family Management – Limits chat, spending, and playtime.
- Xbox Family Settings App – Real-time control over friends, privacy, and screen time.
- Nintendo Switch Parental Controls – Monitors play activity and enforces time limits.
6. Secure Communication Tools
Encourage children to use safer platforms for messaging.
- WhatsApp Safety Controls – Disable “last seen,” limit who can add them to groups, block unknown contacts.
- Messenger Kids – Parent-controlled messaging for younger children.
7. Cybersecurity and Device Protection
Tools that protect devices from malware, hacks, and scams.
- Bitdefender Total Security – Reliable antivirus with parental controls included.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids – Affordable and strong on app management and web filtering.
- Malwarebytes – Excellent for removing malicious software from devices.
8. AI-Specific Safety Tools
New tools designed to safeguard children from AI-generated risks.
- Google Gemini Safety Filters (Family Settings) – Blocks explicit AI images, unsafe conversations, and harmful requests.
- OpenAI ChatGPT Child Safety Settings – Limits mature responses and inappropriate content.
- Online Image Reverse Search (Google Lens or TinEye) – Helps detect fake, edited, or AI-generated images your child may receive.
9. Location and Identity Protection
Tools that help prevent oversharing and track kids safely.
- Life360 – Family location sharing with privacy controls.
- Norton Family – Protects identity, blocks dangerous websites, and monitors online behaviour.
10. School-Friendly Learning Tools
Safe, education-focused apps that reduce exposure to harmful content.
- Khan Academy Kids – Learning without ads or open internet access.
- Duolingo Kids – Language learning in a protected environment.
This list is not exhaustive. It is just a short summary of some of the most popular tools and apps available. We know that for any device, any operating system, every reason to access the Internet, you can find tools that will protect your child from harmful experiences. We recommend using more than one to make sure that you have the maximum protection available.