Best Parental Control Apps for Gaming Consoles

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Best Parental Control Apps for Gaming Consoles

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Best parental control app for all devices including Xbox and Nintendo switch

r/parentalcontrols • 1

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

r/playstation • 2

Xbox launches a mobile app that allows parents to control their children’s game content

r/xbox • 3

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Best Parental Control Apps for Gaming Consoles

TL;DR

Xbox Family Settings and PlayStation Family App are the primary options for parental control on gaming consoles.
These apps offer features like screen time management, content filtering, and social interaction limitations.

Xbox Family Settings

The Xbox Family Settings app allows parents to manage their children's gaming experience effectively. It provides options to limit daily screen time, adjust playtime during weekends or free hours, filter content based on age appropriateness, and restrict communication with unknown players [3]. Additionally, parents can manage the friends list by accepting or rejecting friend requests [3].

PlayStation Family App

The PlayStation Family App offers parental controls and family management features that include limiting spending, controlling social interactions, and filtering content [4:1]. While some users appreciate these features, others have noted challenges when managing multiple consoles within a family due to restrictions on game sharing and subscriptions [4:2][4:5]. The app has faced technical issues such as crashing, which may affect usability [5:3][5:4].

Limitations and Alternatives

Currently, there is no universal "kill switch" app that can simultaneously control multiple devices across different platforms like Xbox and Nintendo Switch [1:2][1:3]. Parents seeking to enforce offline restrictions may need to physically remove controllers or use router settings to disable internet access [1:2][1:5]. Some users suggest focusing on communication with children rather than relying solely on technological solutions [1:1].

Considerations Beyond the Discussions

While technology can aid in managing screen time and content exposure, effective parental control often involves a combination of setting boundaries, open communication, and understanding the individual needs of each child. Exploring additional resources and guides provided by console manufacturers can also be beneficial in maximizing the effectiveness of these apps.

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POST SUMMARY • [1]

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Best parental control app for all devices including Xbox and Nintendo switch

Posted by Hobobo2024 · in r/parentalcontrols · 9 months ago

1 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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ORIGINAL POST

My sister's kids have a phone (which has lte data) , xbox, and Nintendo switch. She wants to be able to push a button on her phone and make it so none of the devices will play any games or play youtube. This includes games offline that dont require wifi or lte data.

Is this possible and if so how?

If this is not possible, what is the best app for seeing cumulative video gaming and YouTube screen time across all devices. Preferably one that can limit the number of cumulative hours as well and then prevents further play after the limit is crossed.

Thanks.

12 replies

Rybro8_ · 9 months ago

There’s no real way to have basically a kill switch like you want. Your best bet is to use your router and just unplug it killing off the online games. Then just take the controllers away so they can’t use the Xbox or switch for offline games.

2 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

or you could just...take the controllers away?

also, the Switch has a touchscreen, something could be done with that

2 upvotes on reddit

Shejetonmysquelcher · 9 months ago

Well because Microsoft and Nintendo are competitors there is no such thing as a killswitch app that will work for both devices but what you can do is take the consoles away and monitor the kids properly. YouTube screen time is separate from Xbox and that’s separate from Nintendo. Each device has its own parental controls but there’s no such thing as a cumulative app for all of that. I don’t know what other advice to give because when my teenage cousin is grounded we just take the device or controllers away so he can’t play it. When he isn’t grounded he respects us enough to get off his game when we ask.

1 upvotes on reddit

Hobobo2024 · OP · 9 months ago

thanks for your input. yeah I thought my sisters request was a bit of a wishful thinking but thought I'd ask anyway.

We've had a death in the family recently plus my sisters divorce which has not been cooperative has made the kids act up more than ever (coupled with their adhd and their young age).

1 upvotes on reddit

Hobobo2024 · OP · 9 months ago

10 and 12. thanks.

I can use her router app to essentially turn off anything that needs wifi. but those offline games are tougher. as well as shutting off lte data.

1 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

Jesus christ, that's way to fucking old! By that time they probably know their way around the internet better than you. Plus, what's restricting what games they can play gonna do? They're old enough. They know things. They are not stupid. They are smarter than you think. You cannot win.

1 upvotes on reddit

rch-out · 9 months ago

yeah that is about all you can do. I would normally just say forget parental controls, but since they are 12 and 10 I understand. sorry

1 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

WHY!?

Thank GOD it's not possible, there's not even a parental control app that can be installed on any of them.

The best way to do it is to talk to your fucking child. It'll accomplish way more than any parental controls will do.
Because even the mother fucking Nintendo Switch has exploits.
They will hate you.
They will resent you.
They will hide things from you.
They will find out whatever it is you want to hide.

& if it's solely to limit device time, why? What does that accomplish?
"Stop having fun right now you piece of shit"
If they have homework to do, they will learn, or you could just, I don't know, take it away? Punish them? Did you forget you're a parent?

Are you really trying to block something on the web that most schools straight up have unblocked? You think that will accomplish anything?

Not to mention, all of this can be done on their school computer. Yes, even playing Nintendo Switch & Xbox games. Yes, even on a Chromebook. Yes, it is unpatchable, & yes, it can be undetectable.

Have you ever thought about friends? They will have games too. Matter of fact, if a friend has a Switch or any Xbox, you can just plug in your games & play them there. Unless they're digital, of course, but that doesn't stop you from playing their games. The best part is figuring it out is pretty hard.

On top of all of this, you didn't even say what Xbox they have. How do you expect anyone to help you when they don't know which one? Is it the original Xbox? Is it the Xbox 360? Is it the Xbox One? Is it the Xbox Series X? Scratch that last one actually, I doubt that one the most. It's most likely an Xbox One S.

How old even are these kids? Are you trying to limit a 13 year old?

If one were to make software that could do exactly what you said, that still wouldn't block the web browsers or other apps such as the Blue Ray Player. An unblocked web browser can play games & watch YouTube, so that defeats the entire purpose of the software. It's just forcing them to play different games, which you could barely keep track of & they could play just about any game that plays in a browser, no matter the rating. Hell, they could look up some things I know you wouldn't want them to look up. Which could be fixed by talking to your child, but at that point why have the software?

If they're disobedient, well then just punish them when you notice. You won't notice everything, but that's just a standard. You are a parent with authority...unless your child is like 17 in which in that case...

2 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

I thought I'd scroll through your history, see any details I might have missed & HOLY FUCK.

Your political views explain a lot, but let's not go there.

You said your child has a phone. Why. Why are you putting parental controls on them?
I assume they are around 14. If you're gonna say "oh no they're 6 that's why I put it on", that's too young for a phone.
14 changes everything. Besides the fact they have a school computer that can do everything you don't want him to, they are smart enough to know their way around the internet & such. Hell, I bet they can do it better than your boomer ass can.

0 upvotes on reddit

Hobobo2024 · OP · 9 months ago

I'm a Democrat and not a boomer. it's my sisters kids like I said, not mine and she has her reasons.

I'd tell you more but seems pointless to talk to you. this sub is supposed to help people. not criticize and shame those you don't agree with.

0 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

nah, it's fine we all are

1 upvotes on reddit

JackWagon885 · 9 months ago

nah, it's fine we all are

1 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/playstation • [2]

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Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Posted by Skepller · in r/playstation · 6 days ago

blog.playstation.com

7 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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horrus70 · 6 days ago

I love this. Now I can setup play time for my son. Did the same thing on his switch

3 upvotes on reddit

ToeChan · 6 days ago

too bad it crashes instantly.

4 upvotes on reddit

Brandonh75 · 6 days ago

Same here, on Android.

1 upvotes on reddit

ClacksInTheSky · 5 days ago

Can't even see it in Google Play Store

2 upvotes on reddit

AutoModerator · 6 days ago

=== SUPPORT BOT AUTO-RESPONSE ===

Hi there! If you're seeking information regarding Parental Controls or Family Management, please review our Family and Parents Guide for a detailed overview on how Family Management can be used to manage Child Accounts on PSN.

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I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

0 upvotes on reddit

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r/xbox • [3]

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Xbox launches a mobile app that allows parents to control their children’s game content

Posted by podapanne · in r/xbox · 5 years ago

limiting daily screen time, allowing parents to reduce playtime on weekends or free hours; filter content according to different ages, or limit access to communication with unknown players. It even allows users to manage their friends’ list, being able to accept or reject friend requests.

Xbox Family Settings is now available on Google Play with early access and for the first 10,000 people on iOS.

4 upvotes on reddit

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1 replies

SubToJustDoggo2onYT · 5 years ago

-1 upvotes on reddit

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r/Games • [4]

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Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Posted by willdearborn- · in r/Games · 6 days ago

blog.playstation.com

32 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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Sheffield178 · 6 days ago

This is helpful, but the family experience is still awful on playstation ecosystem with more than one system. They desperately need a better family subscriptions and game sharing.

10 upvotes on reddit

aimy99 · 4 days ago

It's funny, because it was perfect on PS3.

Log into homie's PS3 => download game => they now have access to the game until they uninstall it.

But for some reason we need console DRM. Ironically, after years and years of being worse in this regard, Steam (and by extension the Steam Deck) is now the absolute best. You can slap like 5 accounts in a family group and play the games from any of them in one big merged library so long as there is a free copy available. For example, two of the people in my friend group own Vampire Survivors, one with most of the DLC. One person can play the copy with all the DLC, one can play the other copy, and while the others cannot play Vampire Survivors, they can play any of the other games in the library.

Just give us that if you want the damn DRM so badly, Sony.

1 upvotes on reddit

Sheffield178 · 4 days ago

its a nightmare to play digitally with 2 consoles in a family with more than 2 people right now. My kids have their own accounts for their saves, so previously I would just buy the game on my account and it was primary, so the kids could play.

But with two playstations, I cant make them both primary, so really my kids cant play any of my digital games on one of the other playstations.

1 upvotes on reddit

MadeByTango · 6 days ago

Until they allow parents (and any age gamers) to completely block mechanisms like loot care gambling, FONO storefront rotations, and blocking in-game cosmetics that serve as advertisements using their friends these kinds of things are ineffective liability shields and nothing more.

-13 upvotes on reddit

NotTakenGreatName · 6 days ago

It clearly mentions being able to limit spending, social interactions, and content. If you think that's not useful as a parent, I'm not sure what to tell you.

19 upvotes on reddit

kulehandluke · 4 days ago

This is great - no more fiddling about with the ps app, finding the family link and signing in again - the old process was so cumbersome

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/playstation • [5]

Summarize

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Posted by Black_Dragon959 · in r/playstation · 5 days ago

blog.playstation.com

5 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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Substantial_Key7437 · 5 days ago

Why wouldn’t they just integrate this with the current app?

3 upvotes on reddit

Excellent-Battle7446 · 5 days ago

Cuz parents wouldn't want to download the normal ps app they just want parental controls

2 upvotes on reddit

Substantial_Key7437 · 5 days ago

That’s a good point actually. I hadn’t considered that.

1 upvotes on reddit

froggyjm9 · 5 days ago

Is this app constantly crashing for anyone else?

2 upvotes on reddit

JTStarkiller · 5 days ago

Just downloaded it and yes, won’t open for more than one second for me.

2 upvotes on reddit

Legal-Astronomer-546 · 4 days ago

Yep, looks like it's gonna load then crashes completely every time.

1 upvotes on reddit

Realistic-Archer-695 · 5 days ago

I hope this means I can finally separate my account from my 16 year olds account.

2 upvotes on reddit

AutoModerator · 5 days ago

=== SUPPORT BOT AUTO-RESPONSE ===

^(VIEW GUIDE DIRECTORY)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/PS5 • [6]

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Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Posted by Turbostrider27 · in r/PS5 · 6 days ago

blog.playstation.com

229 upvotes on reddit

10 replies

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ClacksInTheSky · 5 days ago

Bollocks. You can manually approve games for them to play up to any age and it's not a huge hassle.

-4 upvotes on reddit

solongehhbowser · 6 days ago

Nice, and now also family sharde PS Plus please, like Nintendo Online

10 upvotes on reddit

ObliviousGuy32 · 6 days ago

This would be awesome

1 upvotes on reddit

MrYK_ · 6 days ago

With these systems in place, I hope it means we don't need UK's OSA messing things up for us

11 upvotes on reddit

Darkone539 · 6 days ago

They already confirm ages in the uk and Ireland. Sony is compliant already.

10 upvotes on reddit

ClacksInTheSky · 5 days ago

These tools go hand in hand with the OSA and neither one is a replacement for the other.

If you try to create an adult account you'll have to verify your age, verify that you're an adult.

2 upvotes on reddit

JackBauersGhost · 6 days ago

Thank god cuz it’s a pain in the ass how it is now. I almost regret making my kids account a child account.

40 upvotes on reddit

Gingerman424 · 6 days ago

Oh this will make my life much easier

42 upvotes on reddit

HyperRobbo1 · 6 days ago

Good, now parents don't have an excuse

94 upvotes on reddit

Opkio23 · 6 days ago

Oh, they will… people always find a way to blame others…

23 upvotes on reddit

See 10 replies

r/parentingteenagers • [7]

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What is the best parental control app?

Posted by WitchesDew · in r/parentingteenagers · 2 years ago

I am in need of something that allows blocking of specified apps and websites.

8 upvotes on reddit

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TemperatureNo8489 · 2 years ago

I use an app called Bark. It monitors my son's online adventures and I get notifications if he is looking at self harm, porn, violent videos, etc. It also sends me notifications for texts that sound like bullying, inappropriate photos, and that type of stuff. It will monitor any app you put in a username and password for. You can set up times when the kid is allowed to use the internet and when they can't and denies access. They also have great resources for parents. It's $99 for a year and covers up to 5 kids I think.

2 upvotes on reddit

mimosadanger · 2 years ago

Does he know that his every move is being watched?

1 upvotes on reddit

TemperatureNo8489 · 2 years ago

Yes. I don't have access to all his texts and browsing history. I get alerts if there is specific language or concerning content.

1 upvotes on reddit

No_Set_4418 · 2 years ago

I've got a gryphon router has all kinds of stuff on it. Works pretty good. My kids hate it.

1 upvotes on reddit

DallasStogieNinja · 2 years ago

Screentime. Set limitations during school hours.

1 upvotes on reddit

Desertkweene · 2 years ago

Anything good for apple/iPhones?

1 upvotes on reddit

Partigirl · 2 years ago

I recommend getting an Eero system and downloading the app. From there you can block both apps and sites, you can also put in specific sites. You can turn off just their profile or everything. You can have certain up/down times as well. It's very flexible and easy to use and is a solid block.

r/eero

1 upvotes on reddit

dancing__phalanges · 2 years ago

Does this work outside of the home ?

1 upvotes on reddit

Partigirl · 2 years ago

Outside of the home, I go directly to the phone provider and use their tools to it switch off completely.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/parentalcontrols • [8]

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Best parental control tool

Posted by Black_F0x · in r/parentalcontrols · 4 years ago

Hello there! Hope you're having a great day! A user has brought me her tablet and her laptop claiming her 12years old daughter more than often visits certain adult video/chatting sites. What she wants is for me to find a way to block all or at least most of the known adult chat and porn sites. I have already suggested her talking to her daughter about the dangers of the internet and proper use (in the most professional manner cause no parent likes to be told how to raise their children) but the question is this. Is there a free (no subscription) software that can achieve the aforementioned goals in Android OS (tablet) and on Windows 10 (laptop)? What's the best way to make a user not being able to access those certain websites from any browser or downloading any relevant app? I have thought installing browser extension, making separate "limited" account or installing an app but I would like your opinion too. What would you do in my position? Thanks in advance for all the input and stay safe!

3 upvotes on reddit

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[deleted] · 3 years ago

Inbuilt Microsoft family controls.

But even the best controls aren't infallible and kids will easily get past them

1 upvotes on reddit

AdrianEric1 · 4 years ago

These apps suck. They have made my life miserable. My parents had installed qustodio on my tab previously and I somehow managed to by-pass most of its features (thanks to the almighty youtube) but they figured it out and replaced it with XNSPY.

Initially I wasn’t able to track whether the app was installed on my tab or not. All this time I thought that I wasn’t being monitored as the membership for qustodio had expired.

I could clearly see a big difference in my parents’ behaviors after they had installed the app and it was like they knew exactly what I was up to. At times they remotely locked my device through XNSPY and I thought my tab had malfunctioned. And I’m sure they’ll be watching me write this as well. But perhaps this way they’ll know what they are doing to me.

They’ll know that putting more restrictions is not going to help them. They need to connect with me more!!!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/PS5 • [9]

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PlayStation Family App - Simplified family gaming

Posted by SweetyGonzalez · in r/PS5 · 6 days ago

youtu.be

32 upvotes on reddit

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footyDude · 6 days ago

Interesting.

Didn't seem like it does anything new in terms of family management but I guess it does it all in a slicker / faster / easier to use way than how I have to manage it all currently via the Playstation App.

4 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/parentalcontrolsfind • [10]

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Free apps?

Posted by hypersexultgirl · in r/parentalcontrolsfind · 2 years ago

Looking for free apps that are good for phone control

5 upvotes on reddit

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[deleted] · 2 years ago

The best is Family link that provides adequate value between privacy and supervision. However, it's also dangerous as it's really really hard to get rid of. Only do it with someone you really trust.

3 upvotes on reddit

hypersexultgirl · OP · 2 years ago

What exactly can it do?

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

Monitor apps/phone usage (time spent in apps in overall), limit the time spent, set bedtimes, see location and block apps. It also forces the google safe search and allows to filter youtube and finally, it allows to controlling person to approve all the apps you want to download before they get installed.

There are two types of account. Account for teen, more precisely normal google account that get under control later and second, the child account created directly for kid which is less than 13 years old. In the first case, controlled person can stop supervision, but it will lock the phone for 24 hours.

For the second option, you can't turn off supervision. No chance. Factory reset won't work and maybe only authorized service place would be able to fix this without parent password or access code.

4 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

Do you know a dom that uses it?

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 2 years ago

I would love to let someone use family link on my phone

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Best parental control apps for gaming consoles

Key Considerations for Parental Control Apps:

Platform Compatibility: Ensure the app is compatible with the gaming consoles you use (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch).
Content Filtering: Look for apps that allow you to filter games based on age ratings and content types, helping to restrict access to inappropriate games.
Time Management: Choose apps that enable you to set time limits for gaming sessions, helping to manage screen time effectively.
Activity Monitoring: Opt for apps that provide detailed reports on gaming activity, including time spent on games and the types of games played.
Communication Controls: Some apps allow you to manage communication features, such as voice chat and messaging, to protect your child from unwanted interactions.

Top Recommendations:

Net Nanny: Offers comprehensive parental controls, including content filtering, time management, and activity monitoring across multiple platforms, including gaming consoles.
Qustodio: Provides robust monitoring features, time limits, and activity reports. It supports various devices and platforms, making it versatile for families with multiple gaming systems.
Norton Family: While primarily focused on internet safety, it also offers features for monitoring gaming activity and setting time limits, making it a good choice for overall digital parenting.
Xbox Family Settings App: Specifically for Xbox users, this app allows you to manage screen time, set content filters, and monitor your child’s gaming activity directly from your smartphone.
PlayStation Family Management: For PlayStation users, this built-in feature allows you to set restrictions on games, manage playtime, and monitor your child's gaming habits.

Recommendation: If you have multiple gaming consoles, consider using Net Nanny or Qustodio for their comprehensive features and cross-platform compatibility. For console-specific needs, the built-in family settings for Xbox and PlayStation are excellent options that integrate seamlessly with the systems.

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Best Parental Control Apps for Gaming Consoles

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Source Threads

Summarize

Best parental control app for all devices including Xbox and Nintendo switch

Summarize

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Summarize

Xbox launches a mobile app that allows parents to control their children’s game content

Summarize

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Summarize

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Summarize

Announcing PlayStation Family App for parental controls and family management

Summarize

What is the best parental control app?

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Best parental control tool

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PlayStation Family App - Simplified family gaming

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Free apps?

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