AV-TEST evaluates parental control apps for mobile devices

The German testing institute AV-TEST has released a new study evaluating parental control applications for mobile devices. The research aimed to assess how effectively various apps and built-in operating system features protect children online from potential dangers.

The test compared Google's Family Link for Android, Apple's native control functions for iOS, and Amazon's protection features for Kindle Fire OS. Dedicated applications, such as Kaspersky Lab's Safe Kids and Symantec's Norton Family, were also included. Both Kaspersky and Norton achieved the "APPROVED Parental Control Android 11/2018" and "APPROVED Parental Control Apple iOS 11/2018" certifications. Other apps evaluated included offerings from F-Secure, McAfee, and Qustodio.

Findings suggest that dedicated, often paid, parental control applications generally provide more comprehensive protection and advanced reporting features compared to the often complimentary features integrated into operating systems. These protections encompass content filtering, time management controls, device location tracking, and safeguarding of personal information.

AV-TEST, a specialist in IT security, noted that many tested applications offered limited content categories or only filtered pornography, leaving other risk areas inadequately protected. The study emphasized the necessity for comprehensive safeguards addressing seven key risk domains: cyberbullying, inappropriate content, private data transfer, excessive screen time, online financial scams, online sexual exploitation of children, and privacy protection.