Looking at options right now - need something for 2 kids (ages 8 and 13) across iPhone and Android. We've been using iCloud Family Sharing but feeling like I need more granular control on Android for my older kid. Heard mixed things about OurPact, Bark, and Qustodio. Budget isn't really an issue. What's actually worth the money?
lol we went through like 5 different apps before settling on just being honest with our kids about what we're monitoring and why. The 13yo especially pushes back hard against the restrictions anyway so might as well have the conversation
The 8yo age is the sweet spot for parental controls honestly. 13 is gonna push back no matter what you use, so pick something you're comfortable with and just accept there'll be friction
We use Bark and honestly it's worth the subscription just for the content filtering + screen time combo. Catches some gnarly stuff before the kids even see it. Pricey but peace of mind is real when they're on different devices
Google Family Link is solid for Android - way more control than what you get with iCloud. You can set app limits per app, see screen time breakdown, and remotely lock devices. The combo of Family Link + iCloud covers both ecosystems pretty well. For the 13yo you might want to loosen it up a bit though, they'll start resenting it.
Google Family Link is solid for Android - you can set app limits, filter content, and see location. Combined with iCloud it covers both pretty well. The 13yo will probably try to work around it though lol, mine figured out how to sideload apps within a week
Screen Time on iOS is actually pretty robust if you dig into it. Android side though yeah Family Link is the move. One thing I'd add - whatever you pick, let them know you're using it. Sneaky monitoring just breeds resentment when they find out, and they will.
We use Bark - it's pricier but does screen time across both platforms plus monitors texts/social for the older kid. Worth it just for the peace of mind that I'm not missing stuff
honestly the age gap between 8 and 13 is brutal for controls because what's fine for one is either too strict or too loose for the other. we ended up having different rules per device and it's annoying but works
Family Link + Bark combo here too, can confirm. What's your main concern with Android specifically? The fragmentation across manufacturers makes it harder but the built-in stuff is decent
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The iCloud Family Sharing should handle the iPhone side pretty well already - you might be overthinking it for the 8yo. Where does she actually need MORE control? Like what's getting through that you want blocked?