How to choose a parental control app: 10 questions to ask

There are dozens of parental control apps. Some are excellent, some do little more than the free tools already on your child's phone, and some collect far more data than they need. These questions help you compare.

We make eGuard, a parental control app, so we have a stake in this. The questions below are the ones we'd ask of any app, including ours.

1. What do the free tools already do?

Try Google Family Link or iPhone Screen Time first. A paid app should add something specific you need: managing several children in one place, mixed Android and iPhone families, alerts, reports, or easier setup.

2. Does it work on your children's devices?

Check the exact platforms: Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Chromebook, browsers. iPhones limit what third-party apps can do, so features often differ between Android and iPhone. Look for a clear list of what works where.

3. How does it know a setting is working?

Many apps show a setting as "on" once you save it, even if the child's phone never received it. Ask whether the app confirms settings on the device, and whether it tells you when a device goes offline or a setting is switched off.

4. What data does it collect?

Read the privacy policy. Does it read messages? Record screens? Keep browsing history? For how long? Can you export and delete your data? More data isn't always better: it's more to lose in a breach.

5. Where is the data stored, and who is responsible?

Look for a named company, a contact for privacy requests and, for Philippine users, compliance with the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173).

6. Is it honest with your child?

Avoid apps that advertise secret monitoring, hidden icons or reading every message. Covert surveillance usually damages trust when discovered and may raise legal issues for teens. Good apps are visible on the child's device and explain what they do.

7. Does it grow with your child?

Can you loosen settings for a teenager? Is there an age-based starting point? See parental controls for teens.

8. Can your child remove it easily?

Check for uninstall protection and alerts if the app is removed or disabled.

9. What does it really cost?

Look at the price in pesos, what the free plan includes, how many children and devices each plan covers, and how you pay (card, GCash, Maya). Check how to cancel before you subscribe.

10. Is there real support?

Can you reach a person? Is there a help center with setup guides? Is support available in your time zone?

Red flags

• Claims to "see everything" or be "undetectable"
• No clear company name or address
• No privacy policy, or one that allows selling data
• Fake reviews or ratings without a source
• Pressure to subscribe before you can try anything

Whatever you choose, no app replaces talking with your child. See how to talk with your kids about their online life.