Pew Research Center reported last year that teenagers are more online than ever before. The majority own smartphones, 90% use YouTube, around 60% use TikTok and Instagram, and over half report that they are online “almost constantly.” Lawmakers, caretakers, and even teens themselves have expressed concern about these trends. A variety of tools have emerged to meet these concerns and help guide parents in keeping their children safe online. The selection is ever-growing and developments that prioritize safety and ease of access are occurring weekly. The following are but a few notable examples of recently enhanced tools that have risen to meet the needs of the market and the worries of parents—but parents must use them.
These tools have been recognized this year for their innovations in helping families create a safer, more sustainable online experience. While forms of this software have been available for years, recent developments leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and responding to new trends in social media and internet use/features have been added.
Qustodio: Named the leading parental control app for iPhone in 2025, Qustodio combines features from different styles of online monitoring to create a one-stop-shop. The software offers location tracking, time limits, call and text monitoring, app insights, app filters and blockers, and alerts about emerging risks.
Mobicip: Like Qustodio, Mobicip offers a variety of mechanisms for monitoring and limiting online usage. The app includes time limits, activity monitoring, blockers, and filters. Forbes recognized it for its affordability and versatility, with a selection of plans to best accommodate individual families’ needs.
Google Family Link: In February of this year, Google released an updated version of its Family Link parental control app. Updates include a “down time” and “school time” setting, allowing parents to minimize distractions during select time windows so that their children’s internet usage is productive instead of detrimental to their rest and academics.
Open AI: In September of this year, the parent company of ChatGPT unveiled the Sora app with parental controls. This feature allows parents to link their own ChatGPT accounts with that of their children. After linking accounts, parents can adjust the settings on their child’s account with customizable features like a non-personalized feed, direct message capabilities, and scrolling limits. This development comes in response to the increased adoption of AI chatbots among teens and concerns raised by parents about the reliability of that relationship. As AI continues to become a widespread alternative to traditional search browsers, more tools for monitoring use and maintaining safe practices will certainly enter the market.
Meta: Like OpenAI, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has recognized parents’ desire to have more involvement in their teen’s use of AI and chatbots. After announcing its “teen accounts” for social media platforms earlier this year—a continually updated feature that allows parents to link accounts with their children and monitor their activity, limiting screen time, contact, and communications—the company expanded parental oversight to its AI features. Parents can block various AI features, like certain chatbot characters or one-on-one chats. Meta’s AI also falls under the restrictions associated with any teen account, and nothing beyond “PG-13” level material will be included in conversations. Additionally, the company is employing its own AI technology to detect when teens are attempting to get around personalized parental controls or standard teen account restrictions.
TikTok: The video sharing app announced enhanced parental controls in July 2025. In addition to linking their own account to their teens, parents can block other accounts from their children, monitor privacy settings, receive activity notifications, and limit screen time. Step-by-step instructions for linking accounts and leveraging these oversight tools can be found on the official TikTok website.
Roblox: The online platform and game system announced new tools for parents in April of this year. This announcement followed an update-intensive 2024, wherein the brand released more than 40 new safety updates. Currently, parents can view and block their child’s friends list and can block in-game experiences depending on their maturity level. The parental tools for Roblox also include insights into users’ screen time so parents can engage in thoughtful conversations with their children about their online activity.
As with any product, particularly tech ones, the tools for parents are continually evolving and improving. The more parents are informed about the resources available, the more parents will use them and provide helpful feedback to help companies adjust where needed. As social media faces heightened scrutiny from lawmakers and families, parents are in a uniquely empowered position to leverage their voice and provide constructive criticism for the companies to apply.
While these tools continue to grow and improve, it’s important to recognize that nothing—neither manufacturer tools nor government intervention—can replace the value of parental responsibility, active supervision, and ongoing conversations between caregiver and child. The Pelican Institute released a comprehensive guide for parents eager to educate themselves and their children about the benefits and risks of online activity and social media use. “Protecting Youth on Social Media: It Starts at Home!” offers resources to empower parents as they navigate the digital age and seek to protect and guide their children. Education about the media itself, the tools available, and the resources that can help is a powerful step to keeping kids safe online.
