The free social media app helping parents manage children’s Android phones
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Messages, games and websites deserve attention too, with a free app and parent guide offering practical starting points for safer phone habits
The decision to give a child a mobile phone often brings with it a dual sense of freedom and apprehension. While phones offer practical benefits like keeping in touch and ensuring safety, parents frequently grapple with concerns about unsupervised online activity.
Much of the parental focus often lands on social media, with the Government planning an under-16 ban by 2027 alongside broader online protections for young people. However, these future regulations do not address the immediate challenges parents face regarding their children's current phone usage.
This creates a significant oversight: even if social media is prohibited, questions remain about the content children might encounter in messaging apps, games, videos, and websites they are permitted to access.
Simply blocking one type of app doesn't guarantee safety within others. SafetyMode, developed with input from Mumsnet parents, offers a starting point for addressing these concerns.
This free parental control application is available for compatible Android phones, allowing families to utilise its core features without needing to purchase new hardware or commit to a subscription.
The app is designed to filter content within applications, block specific websites and apps, and enable parents to set screen time schedules.
This tool could be particularly beneficial for families where children already use Android devices. Instead of revisiting the initial 'first phone' discussion, parents can assess existing apps and collaboratively decide on appropriate access levels based on their child's age.
While a paid SafetyMode Plus option is available at £5.99 per month, offering remote setting adjustments and content alerts, it is not required for the basic functionality.
Parents should verify their child's Android device compatibility before downloading either version. It is important to recognise that technological solutions are only one part of online safety.
A phone setting cannot guide a child through receiving an upsetting message from a friend or encourage them to admit to clicking on something they regret.
Open communication is crucial, ensuring children feel comfortable approaching parents without fear of immediate phone confiscation.
SafetyMode has also published a complimentary guide for parents. This resource addresses seven key areas of concern, including cyberbullying, online scams, privacy, grooming, misinformation, and the impact of phone use on attention and wellbeing.
It provides actionable advice and conversation starters for families, regardless of whether their child is new to phones or has been using one for years.
The guide is relevant for both Android and iPhone users, despite the SafetyMode app's current Android-only compatibility.
Ultimately, a simple question can be more effective than a lengthy lecture: “If something on your phone made you uncomfortable, would you show me?”
The answer might be challenging, but it provides an honest foundation for discussion. While legislative changes are underway, parents can proactively explore available settings, establish clear boundaries with their children, and foster an environment where seeking help is always an encouraged option.
With the housing market continuing to shift in many parts of the UK, homeowners often choose to start by getting an up-to-date view of what their property could be worth. Estate agent Purplebricks offers a free, no-obligation valuation carried out by a local property expert familiar with current prices and demand in the area 📊.
The appointment typically includes an assessment of the property’s likely market value along with guidance on pricing and presentation if the owner decides to sell 💷. Valuations can be arranged online in just a few minutes by choosing a convenient appointment time and requesting a visit from a local property specialist.
👉 Book a free property valuation with Purplebricks here.