The Best Social Media Monitoring Apps for Parents to Keep Kids Safe

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, especially for children. While these platforms offer benefits like staying connected with friends and family, accessing educational resources, and exploring new interests, they also come with risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best social media monitoring apps to help you keep track of your children’s activities and protect them from online dangers.

The Dangers of Social Media for Kids

For kids, social media comes with several risks that you need to be aware of, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the risk of addiction. It’s important for you to recognize these dangers so you can take steps to protect your children and help them have a safer online experience.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can affect kids in many ways, like sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, or sharing embarrassing photos without permission. The impact can be devastating, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and, in some cases, even suicidal thoughts. It’s important to stay aware and support your children through these challenges.

Research from the Pew Research Center reveals that 59% of U.S. teens have been bullied online, yet only 25% of those who experience cyberbullying report it to a trusted adult (Pew Research Center, 2023).

Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate content includes things that aren’t suitable for kids, like violent images, bad language, or adult themes. Even though many social media platforms try to filter this out, some harmful material can still slip through. Children might accidentally see these kinds of things, which can hurt their mental and emotional well-being.

A global survey involving 12,394 parents and children across multiple countries found that 32% of Australian children encountered sexual or violent content online, leading to distress in 49% of cases.

Addiction

Social media addiction happens when someone spends too much time on these platforms, affecting other parts of their life. For kids, too much social media can mess up their sleep, interfere with schoolwork, harm their physical health, and limit their participation in real-life activities and relationships.

A study in Computers in Human Behavior found that excessive social media use is linked to lower academic performance, with students spending over 3 hours daily on social media experiencing a 15% drop in grades.

Top Social Media Monitoring Apps for Parents

Managing social media can feel challenging, but social media platform monitoring apps provide a helpful way to stay informed. These tools let you track your children’s online activity and warn you about risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and too much screen time. By using these apps, you can create a safer online space for your kids.

1. iKeyMonitor

iKeyMonitor is the best social media monitoring app for remotely tracking your kids’ online activities. It enables you to monitor chat messages, voice and video calls, pictures, and screenshots on various social media apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Tinder, Snapchat, and more. It also lets you track GPS, limit screen time, block specific apps, and listen to phone surroundings. Just log in to your online cloud panel to view recorded logs anytime and anywhere.

Monitor Social Media Chats

With iKeyMonitor, you can see your child’s conversations on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Snapchat. It captures text messages, voice notes, shared images, and even takes screenshots. This helps you understand who they are talking to and spot any potential dangers like cyberbullying or suspicious individuals.

Record Phone and VoIP Calls

The app records both regular phone calls and VoIP calls from apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Instagram, Wechat, etc. You can listen to past conversations, view call details, and ensure your child isn’t engaging with strangers or being manipulated by someone online.

Limit Screen Time on Social Media

Social media can be addictive, and too much screen time can affect sleep, focus, and overall well-being. iKeyMonitor allows you to set time limits for social media apps, ensuring that your child isn’t scrolling endlessly when they should be studying or sleeping.

Block Certain Apps and Games

If you’re worried about your child spending too much time on a particular app or game, you can block it remotely. This is especially useful for preventing access to apps with inappropriate content or those that distract from schoolwork and real-life interactions.

Get Alerts for Inappropriate Content

iKeyMonitor can detect specific words or topics in your child’s messages and alert you if something concerning comes up. Whether it’s inappropriate language, cyberbullying, or mentions of dangerous activities, you’ll be notified so you can step in when necessary.

More highlights:

• Monitor SMS Messages
• Track Web History
• Monitor Photos And Pictures
• Record Video in Real Time
• Log Keystrokes Remotely
• Track GPS Location
• Set Up Geofencing
• Capture Screenshots
• Listen To Phone Surroundings
• Monitor Installed Apps
• Monitor Clipboard History
• Watch Live Screen Video

PROS:

• iKeyMonitor is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Once installed, you can access everything from a dashboard, where you can monitor messages, calls, social media activity, and more.
• If you encounter any issues, iKeyMonitor’s support team is available 24/7. You can reach them via live chat or email anytime if you need help setting up the app or troubleshooting a problem.
• iKeyMonitor supports several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. This makes it easier for parents worldwide to use the app comfortably.
• Are you not sure if iKeyMonitor is the right fit? You can try it risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee. If unsatisfied, you can request a full refund within the first month.

CONS:

• One downside is that iKeyMonitor needs a jailbroken iPhone or iPad to unlock all its features.

2. Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free social media monitoring app that helps you manage your children’s Android devices. It allows you to monitor online activities, control app usage, set screen time limits, and lock the target devices remotely. With features like app management, activity tracking, and content filtering, you can protect your children from online risks.

Monitor App Activity

With Google Family Link, you can see which apps your child is using and how much time they spend on each one. This helps you understand their online habits and step in if you notice excessive screen time or inappropriate content.

Manage Apps

You have the power to approve or block apps before your child downloads them from the Google Play Store. This ensures they only access age-appropriate content and stay away from potentially harmful apps.

Set Screen Time Limits

Family Link lets you set daily screen time limits, helping your child develop healthy digital habits. When the time is up, their device locks automatically, preventing them from spending too much time online.

Track GPS Location

Want to know where your child is? Family Link includes real-time GPS tracking, so you can check their location anytime. This feature gives you peace of mind when they’re out with friends or on their way home from school.

Lock Devices Remotely

You can instantly lock your child’s phone or tablet when it’s time for homework, dinner, or bedtime. This ensures they don’t get distracted and helps enforce screen-free routines.

PROS:

• Unlike many parental control apps, Family Link doesn’t cost a dime, making it a budget-friendly option for monitoring your child’s digital activity.

CONS:

• Setting up Family Link requires creating a new child account and linking it to your own, which can be a bit of a hassle.
• If your child already has a Google account, you’ll need to make a new one to use Family Link.
• Unlike professional spy apps, Family Link doesn’t offer features like social media monitoring, call recording, or keystroke logging.

Download: Android, iOS

3. ChildMonitor

ChildMonitor is reliable social media monitoring software for Android devices that helps you track your children’s phone usage. It allows you to block inappropriate apps and games, set screen time limits, and track websites visited. By using this monitoring app, you can prevent your children from being exposed to cyberbullies, online predators, and other online threats.

Monitors Visited Sites

ChildMonitor tracks your child’s website visits and allows you to see their browsing history. This helps you ensure your child is accessing age-appropriate content and not stumbling upon harmful websites.

Set Time Limits and Schedules

ChildMonitor enables you to set screen time limits and schedules to promote healthy screen habits. You can restrict phone usage during school hours, bedtime, or family time to ensure your child isn’t spending excessive time online.

Block Inappropriate Apps and Games

Worried about addictive games or harmful apps? ChildMonitor lets you block specific apps and games to prevent distractions or exposure to inappropriate content. This feature ensures your child stays focused on their studies and avoids risky online interactions.

Alert Words for Safety

With the alert words feature, ChildMonitor notifies you if your child searches for or uses flagged words related to cyberbullying, violence, or inappropriate content. This allows you to step in early and address potential risks.

PROS:

• Unlike many parental control apps, ChildMonitor is free to use, making it an accessible option for parents looking to monitor their child’s phone activities.
• ChildMonitor works without the need to root the device, ensuring your child’s phone remains secure while still allowing you to track their online behavior.

CONS:

• While it covers basic monitoring, ChildMonitor lacks advanced features such as listen to phone surroundings, watch the screen in real time, etc.
• Unfortunately, ChildMonitor is only compatible with Android devices.

Download: Android

Features to Look for in a Social Media Monitoring App

When choosing the best monitoring app to monitor social media platforms, consider the following key features:

• Multi-platform Support: Ensure the app can monitor various social media platforms your children use, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more.
• Content Filtering: Look for apps that allow you to filter and block inappropriate or explicit content based on keywords or categories.
• Location Tracking: Many apps offer location tracking features, which can help you monitor your children’s whereabouts and set up geofences for restricted areas.
• Screen Time Management: The ability to set time limits and schedules for app usage can help prevent excessive screen time and promote a balanced lifestyle.
• Reporting and Alerts: Detailed reports and real-time alerts can inform you about your children’s online activities, allowing you to take prompt action if necessary.
• Remote Control: Some apps offer remote control features, enabling you to monitor your children’s devices, block apps, or even view their screens remotely.

Tips for Effectively Monitoring Your Kids’ Social Media Activity

Social media can be a great way for kids to connect with friends and explore new interests, but it also comes with risks. To help you ensure their online experiences are positive, here are some simple tips for effectively monitoring your kids’ social media activity. By following these steps, you can help protect them from potential dangers.

• Establish Clear Rules and Expectations: Involve your children in setting reasonable rules and expectations regarding social media usage. Explain the importance of online safety and the reasons behind your monitoring efforts.
• Maintain Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your children about their online activities. Foster an environment where they feel comfortable discussing any concerns or issues they may encounter.
• Respect Privacy: While monitoring is important, it’s also crucial to respect your child’s privacy to a certain extent. Avoid excessive snooping or invading their personal space unnecessarily.
• Educate and Empower: In addition to monitoring, educate your children about online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible social media use. Empower them to make informed decisions and report any concerning incidents.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you encounter serious issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from counselors, therapists, or law enforcement authorities, if necessary.

Conclusion

Overall, using the best social media monitoring app for parents is important for keeping your kids safe online. If you’re looking for a free option, Google Family Link is a solid choice with basic tools to help you monitor your children’s social media use. For a more complete solution with advanced features, iKeyMonitor is the best option. It offers a range of tools to track all your children’s social media activities effectively.