Why parental controls for the Mac? Mobicip's most popular parental controls for Mac OS lets you block inappropriate web content before it can be viewed. You can also schedule allowed screen time and instantly lock the device for quality family time. Parents can now manage all settings on Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices for everyone in the. Oct 19, 2019 Therefore, do not get confused if you don’t see the erstwhile Parental Controls icon in the System Preferences. So, first we will start by enabling Screen Time on macOS Catalina and then see how you can use it to set up parental control on your Mac. Enable Screen Time in macOS Catalina and Set Up Parental Controls. Jul 29, 2020 Parental controls keep your kids safe from the dark web, and there’s a no-strings-attached version available for all operating systems. Keep reading to find out more. Built-in OS features. Jul 14, 2020 Windows 7 Parental Controls. Configure Parental Controls in Windows 7 from Control Panel, in a similar manner to what’s outlined above for Windows 8 and 8.1. You’ll need to create a child account for the child in Control Panel User Accounts Give Other Users Access To This Computer. Work through the process as prompted.
Best 10 Parental Control Software for Mac
1. FamiSafe - the most reliable parental control software for Mac
FamiSafe is one of the best parental control software on the market. It is known for its compatibility with different operating systems and flexible subscription types. When it comes to applying parental control on Mac, FamiSafe has topped this list for its comprehensive features.
- Location Tracking & Geo-fencing
- App Blocker
- Web Filtering
- Screen Time Control
- Smart Parental Control Setting
Features:
- Web content filtering: Filtering websites content on a mac is never easier with FamiSafe. Parents can enable different websites categories to be blocked or add specific websites.
- Screen time Monitoring and Control: The parents can control the time period up to which the kids are allowed to use their Macs.
- App blocking: Parents can block apps that kids used most to help kids focus on their tasks.
- Activity Monitor: This feature completely monitors all the activities of the Mac from web browsing to social media apps.
- Smart Schedules: Smart Schedule allows parents to set up different plans to block different apps at different times or occasions. If you would like your kids to focus on their study tasks when using the Mac, you can set a smart schedule to block games and social media apps.
2. K9 Web Protection for Mac
The K9 Web Protection is an easy-to-use Mac parental control software that offers effective web filtering to protect the kids from harmful content. It is a charge-free software and can be configured as a porn blocker, spyware stopper, etc.
Features:
- It has an amazing app filtering support.
- Users can add additional configuration options.
- It can disable HTTPS block notifications and Google SSL redirection.
- It has compatibility with other Antivirus and Firewall Vendors.
Pros:
- It has effective and customizable filters.
- Apply limits to many sites simultaneously.
- Set notification for unauthorized website access.
Cons:
- The notification panel sometimes causes issues.
- Don't work with the AOL browser.
- No reports or keyboard logging features.
Supported OS: It supports Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8.
Cost: It is free of cost.
3. Free Website Blocker for Mac
This parental control software for Mac is primarily designed to block access to specific websites. For the users who only need to block specific content can use this software adequately.
Features:
- It has a simple and easy user interface.
- It can block the complete website or you can choose specific content according to your requirements by defining words or phrases which block.
Pros:
- Works well for blocking websites.
- It is easy to operate, all you need to do is type in the URL or word you would like to block.
Cons:
- It lacks a password protection feature.
- Does not cover the other aspects of parental control.
Supported OS: It supports Mac OS X 10.5, 10.10, and 10.11.
Cost: Free.
4. Qustodio Parental Control for Mac
Qustodio parental control software for Mac will ensure that your kid is safe online. The parents can easily restrict the time and data usage of their kids on the target Mac or block apps or games and keep track of their kid's online activity.
Features:
- Added compatibility with OS X EI Capitan.
- It can set healthy access limits to content.
- All the content which is accessed is supervised accurately.
Pros:
- Improved website filtering and classifications.
- It is tamper-proof.
- It will protect your kids from dangerous websites, id theft, bullying, and other risks.
- It runs in the background without having a negative impact on mac's performance.
Cons:
- Some features are only accessible in the premium version.
Supported OS: It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, and 10.10.
Cost: This software is free but the premium version costs $49.95.
5. Safe Eyes for Mac
The Safe Eyes is a fast, effective, and reliable parental control software for Mac. It is an ideal solution for the online protection of the whole family. It will block all the objected content and will put a limit on the time kids spend online.
Features:
- It has a customizable program blocking.
- Enhanced security with HTTPS/SSL filtering.
- Provides robust usage reporting that can be limited to Admin access.
- It controls all the internet based programs also.
Pros:
- Amazing security features for advanced protection.
- All the data is saved on the Safe EyesTM server which is helpful if there are multiple devices in the home.
Cons:
- One license is limited to three devices only.
- Will provide false alerts.
Supported OS: Mac OS X 10.4 Intel/PPC, Mac OS X 10.5 Intel/PPC/.6 Intel, Mac OS X 10.6/Intel
Cost: The product cost is $49.95.
6. Familoop Safeguard for Mac
Familoop Safeguard is a Mac parental control software that provides an improved and enhanced background operation. This software will surely give a proper insight into the kid's online activities.
Features:
- It is a complete solution for kid's online protection.
- Secured, safe, and smart digital parenting.
- It offers safe search, web filtering, Geofencing, time limits, etc.
Pros:
- You will get a set of smart tools for parental control.
- It will also provide social networking protection.
Cons:
- Does not time schedule service for the devices and the manual block feature does not work correctly.
Supported OS: This software is compatible with Mac OS X 10.10/ 10.11.
Cost: The software only costs $4.99 after a 10-day trial.
7. KidsServer PE for Mac
It is termed as the most powerful Mac parental control software ever designed. It is a proxy type software that can filter even the most harmful websites. It also offers the time restriction feature to put a limit on computer usage of the kids.
Features:
- It supports compressed sites and forced safe search.
- It is made as Universal Binary software.
- It offers movies and word restriction.
Pros:
- Simple and unique interface for easy operation.
- It has advanced proxy throughput.
Cons:
- The software slows down the computer sometimes.
Supported OS: It supports the Mac OS X 10.3/10.3.9/10.4 Intel/10.4 PPC.
Cost: The price for this software is $40.
8. Intego ContentBarrier X9 for Mac
This software understands that the internet is a sword that is cutting the young mind gradually. The Intego ContentBarrier is a software for Mac that acts as a guardian on the online platforms.
Enable Parental Controls Macos Catalina
Features:
- You can set up customized profiles.
- It monitors the internet habit of the user.
- It can effectively restrict adult content and provide the kids with the content which is appropriate for their age group.
Pros:
- No lurking of strangers through unfamiliar websites.
- Eliminate the risk of id theft to a great extent.
Cons:
- Sometimes the software shows performance issues.
Supported OS: This Software is compatible with Mac OS X 10.10/10.11/10.8/10.9, and macOS 10.12/Sierra.
Cost: You can try the software for free up to 30 days. After that, you have to pay $39.99 for the software.
9. Internet Safe for Kids Web Browser for Mac
The Internet Safe for Kids Web Browser has been effective parental control software. It is suitable for all the kids above age 3. The application already come with 12 parent-approved websites which are also fun and creative.
Features:
- Safe and secure browsing.
- It offers a password protection feature to deny access to unapproved websites.
Pros:
- It is completely free of cost.
- There is a help menu along with the browser.
- The password protection is good.
Cons:
- It requires more control over the time spent.
Supported OS: It supports Mac OS X 10.4 Intel/PPC, Mac OS X 10.5 Intel/PPC, and Mac OS X 10.6/10.7/10.8.
Cost:
The software will run without any registration code for 30 days. After that, it will only require a registration code that the users can have for free.
10. KidsGoGoGo for Mac
This software helps the parents to keep the kids away from malicious content and external threats. There are several ways to customize the user experience to get the proper advantage of the software.
Features:
- It is an effective and convenient software.
- Prevents kids from accessing adult content like porn, gambling, etc
- Offers a set of network peripheral features.
Pros:
- The software has a clean and nice interface that will allow the user to navigate quickly through various sections.
- The best thing about the software is that it doesn't degrade the performance of the computer.
Cons:
- The interface is outdated and non-intuitive.
- Need to set up the proxy manually for Firefox.
Supported OS: It supports Mac/OS Classic.
Cost: The price of this software is $30.
Want to keep your children’s activities in check? Want that your children shouldn’t watch an offensive content online? As such content commonly have malicious codes attach with them. Worry not Apple has a feature named parental control that will help you protect your machine and kids from the infections while they are online, using an app or playing games online.
Not only this even you can set limits for the machine usage. Here’s how you can enable and manage Parental controls on Mac Os High Sierra.
Creating new account having parental control
If you have administrator account, to enable parental control you need to create a new account.
To do so follow the steps below:
1. Open System Preference by clicking the Apple iconpresent at the extreme left of the Mac homescreen and from here chose System Preferences.
2. In the new window that opens select and hit Parental Controls.
3. Next, select the radio button with option that reads “Create a new account with parental controls” and click Continue button.4. You will see a window asking to enter username and password. Here enter your administrative username and password and click Unlock.5. Now under Parental Controls window, select age group and enter name of the account holder.6. Give it a username and create password for the account.
7. Re enter the password to verify it.8. If you think you can forget the password Add a password hint.
9. Next hit Create Userto complete the process.
Also Read:Low Storage on Mac? Here are The 10 Best Mac Cleaners
To create multiple accounts for each child, repeat the steps when asked for signing into iCloud, skip it if your kid doesn’t have one.
Enabling remote access
Once account with parental controls is created you can access it from another system. Meaning you don’t have to be in front of that system. To remotely access the machine, make sure both machines are on same network and you have access to the administrator username and password.
Free Parental Controls For Mac
1. Open System Preference by clicking the Apple iconpresent at the extreme left of your Mac’s screen and from here chose System Preferences.2. Select Parental Controls in the System Preferences window that opens.
3. Next hit the lockicon and enter administrator username, password for your Mac in the new window that opens.4. Now, select the box next to “Manage parental controls from another computer.” To avoid making any further changes without your knowledge click the lock icon.
Also Read:How to Remove Malware and Adware from Your Mac
Accessing parental control from another Mac:
1. Click on the Apple icon as you did in previous steps to open System Preferences.2. Now select and click on Parental Controls followed by selection of radio button that reads “Manage parental controls on another Mac.”
3. Click Continue
After following all the steps, you will now be able to manage all parental control operations remotely.
Manage app usage
Once the account with parental controls is created you can specify the apps your child can use. Also you can specify if certain app can use camera, play multiplayer games with Game Center and more.
Open parental control by following the steps already discussed and then follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Enter administrator username and passwordand click Unlock2. Next, choose the account with parental control and click on the Apps3. To disallow camera from being used unselect the box next to “Allow use of camera.”
4. To allow multiplayer gaming to select the box next to “Allow joining Game Center multiplayer games.”5. Now to limit the app usage select the box next to “Limit Applications on the Mac”and select the apps manually that you want him to play. Unapproved apps will ask for administrator name and password.
Before exiting the window click on the lock icon to avoid any further changes to be done.
Also Read: 5 Best Ransomware Protection Tools For Windows
Restricting website access
Internet is a scary place for children, they need to access it under supervision. But we all know it isn’t practical so to protect them and restrict access to specific sites use parental control.
To do so follow the same steps as discussed above and click on Web tab instead of App followed by steps mentioned below:
1. Next to give unrestricted access to websites select the radio button that reads “Allow unrestricted access to websites.”
2. To limit access, select “Try to limit access to adult websites” and specify the sites by clicking Customize3. Once specified the sites select “Allow access to only these websites” to limit website usage.
Note: Use (+) button to add sites and (-) to remove sites.
4. To view what your child tried to access and has visited click Logs
Note: Don’t forget to click lock icon before closing the Parental Controls window.
To restrict usage of iTunes, follow the same steps and select the iTunes tab.
Plus, you can set time limits for computer usage to do so select Time tab under Parental Controls and follow the steps below to proceed.
1. To restrict weekday usage select “Limit weekday use to”, likewise to restrict weekend usage select “Limit weekend use to.”
You can select between 30 minutes and eight hours.
Also Read:10 Best Anti-Malware Software for Windows
These were the steps to use Mac Parental Control on Mac OS High Sierra. Using these simple steps, you can keep a check on your child’s internet activity and can be vigilant. This will not only make your child learn how to intelligently use internet but will also help him to differentiate between the right and the wrong content.