UAE parents can now track children’s online activity using their phones

Built-in tools, apps now give parents more control over kids' digital safety, screen time

Last updated: August 06, 2025 | 10:10

2 MIN READ

UAE parents can now track children’s online activity using their phones

Agency

Dubai: Smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices are no longer just entertainment hubs — they’ve become essential tools for parents to monitor, guide, and safeguard their children's online experiences. Thanks to built-in parental controls and third-party apps, digital supervision is more accessible and effective than ever.

Built-in tools from Apple and Google

Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link offer free, native features that allow parents to:

Set daily screen time limits
Schedule downtime during school hours or bedtime
Filter content based on age or topic
Monitor app usage and browsing history
Approve or block app downloads
Track real-time location via GPS
Lock devices remotely when needed

Google’s Family Link also supports content filtering across Chrome, YouTube, and the Play Store, while Apple has added Communication Safety, which detects explicit content in photos, FaceTime, and messages — with real-time alerts for children.

Also Read: Choosing wisely: parents' handbook for kids' first gadget

Monitoring and alerts

Most tools offer dashboards where parents can view:

Websites visited
Time spent on each app
Google and YouTube search history
Alerts for inappropriate or flagged content

Some parental control apps use AI to detect signs of cyberbullying, self-harm, or suspicious communication, flagging potentially harmful content without exposing every message.

Popular third-party apps

For more robust control, parents often turn to apps like:

Bark – Monitors texts, emails, and social media for harmful content
Qustodio – Offers screen time control, content filtering, and app blocking
Norton Family – Includes activity reporting, location tracking, and search supervision
Circle by Aura – Allows scheduling, location tracking, and content blocking

More than just apps

While software helps, digital parenting also requires open dialogue. Experts suggest combining these tools with regular conversations about online risks, responsible behavior, and privacy.

Ultimately, phones and gadgets are not just gateways to the internet — they’re also powerful allies in keeping your child’s online world safer and healthier.

Also Read: No phones, smartwatches: Abu Dhabi schools clamp down on mobile use

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.