Parental controls help keep your child safe online. But not all parental control apps are created equal — some are prone to glitches, and many are not optimized for iPhones. Others are easy for today’s tech-savvy kids to delete or bypass. Here’s some ways kids can get around popular parental control apps and what to use instead.

How is my child bypassing parental controls?

Ineffective parental controls provide a false sense of security. Here are some of the ways your child might get around parental controls: 

• The app runs off your child’s device: Many parental control apps work by installing an app or software on your child’s device. This makes it much easier for them to delete or disable the app.
• Your child uses an iPhone: Despite the fact that the majority of teens use iPhones, most parental control apps are optimized for Androids and don’t offer the same level of protections on iOS devices.
• App limitations: Even the most robust apps aren’t perfect. In addition, Android and iPhone operating systems can limit what information apps can control. 
• They’ve figured out a hack: Just Google “how to get around” plus whatever parental control app you’re using, and you’ll find tons of kid-to-kid advice. There’s even a subreddit devoted to sharing parental control hacks. 

Parental control apps your child can delete or disable

These popular parental control apps are easy for your child to get around.

Bark

While the Android version of Bark includes uninstall protections, if your child figures out the passcode, they can delete it. Kids can also remove Bark by doing a factory reset on their phone. 

And for Apple products, Bark doesn’t come with any uninstall protections. As a stopgap, they recommend using Apple Screen Time so your child can’t delete apps without your permission, but it’s easy for kids to get around Screen Time restrictions. 

On both Androids and iPhones, kids can go into Airplane Mode before deleting Bark to avoid their parents getting a notification. 

Norton Family

It’s fairly easy for kids to remove or disable the Norton app without their parents being notified. What’s more, when a child deletes the app without the child account being disabled first, it may delete all of the data on their phone, according to one reviewer. 

On a computer, kids can temporarily disable Norton by closing it in the Tasks Manager. Norton also doesn’t work on iOS for Mac. 

mSpy

mSpy sends parents a notification if the app is uninstalled. However, it lacks any two-step authentication like a device code or account credentials. So, it’s simple for kids to delete it without any significant barriers. Kids can also get around mSpy by using anti-spyware apps or spoofing their location. 

Qustodio

If your child figures out your password, they can disable protection and remove Qustodio from their phone. They can also use incognito or private browsing mode to subvert it. 

Kids can also get around Qustodio by using alternative browsers, such as Tor Browser or VPN-enabled browsers. Qustodio requires specific settings and permissions on your child’s device in order to connect, so if they change these, you’ll lose access. 

What to look for in a parental control app

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what features to look for: 

• Doesn’t require anything to be installed on your child’s device. Pick an app that runs off your device. If it requires software on your child’s device, look for a service with uninstall protection.
• Optimized for your operating system. Whether you’re an Android or an Apple user, find an app that’s designed for your device. 
• Easy to use. Avoid apps with cumbersome installation or those that require you to regularly update content on your child’s device.
• Robust privacy protection. Choose an app that encrypts and protects user information.  

What parental control app can’t be deleted?

Apple Screen Time

Apple Screen Time comes built-in on iPhones, offers a lot of options for managing your child’s device, and is very customizable. Plus, it’s free! 

Google Family Link

Google Family Link is an excellent, free parental control app for Android devices. And because it runs off the parent’s account, kids can’t delete it. 

BrightCanary

For iPhone users, BrightCanary is the best parental control app that kids can’t delete. Parents don’t have to install anything on their child’s device to get visibility into what they see, send, and receive online. BrightCanary monitors text messages, Google, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram — all from the parent’s phone.

Wondering how BrightCanary works? You install the app on your phone, then add the login credentials for the accounts you want to monitor. From your dashboard, you’ll be able to view summaries of what your child is doing online, and we’ll let you know if they encounter anything concerning.

While your child can’t delete BrightCanary, it’s true that they can use alternate accounts to browse the internet and social media (also known as finstas and faketoks). That’s why we recommend using BrightCanary along with conversations about online safety. 

Summary

It’s a parent’s responsibility to help their child stay safe online through parental control apps and regular check-ins. That’s why it’s vital to stay informed and find the right tools for your family’s needs. BrightCanary offers comprehensive monitoring on iPhone devices and, unlike other parental control apps, your child can’t delete it!