Qustodio Review

Qustodio reached out to us asking if we would be interested in doing a Qustodio review. As a mom of 4 digital kids, I always like to stay on top of the latest and greatest solutions for limiting screen time. Here are my thoughts on Qustodio.

How much time screen time should I give my kid? This is one of my most asked questions. And as I always reply, that is totally up to you on what you feel is best for your kid. I am a firm believer that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, in regards to parenting.

So once you determine how much screen time your kids can have, the next step is enforcing their screen time limits and monitoring their internet usage. Let’s say while you only give your kids 30 minutes a day of screen time – a lot can be viewed in that 30 minutes, so monitors internet activity is critical.

This is where Qustodio comes in. Qustodio offers parental controls for your kids’ devices. With an easy-to-install software on computers, and installing the Qustodio app on your child’s phone – you can be monitoring your kids internet activity and limiting screen time, quick and easy.

Something to know about when I review a product or service – I typically use the product 2-3 weeks before writing a review. So before writing this Qustodio Review, our family has used the parental controls for almost 3 weeks. I am sharing my honest thoughts and opinions on this service.

Effective Qustodio Parenting Controls

Qustodio allows parents to setup controls as to how much time your child can have on their devices on which days. It also allows parents to allow and disallow certain applications. For instance, our 7-year-old – we don’t want him browsing the internet. I was able to easily block this feature. It didn’t take long for him to realize he couldn’t look up Club Penguin cheats. (Don’t get me started! All of the kids are suddenly back on Club Penguin!)

What I Love

During our Qustodio review – here are some features that I absolutely love about their screen time parental controls.

Easy Installation

Installation was easy! Nothing is more frustrating than trying to setup a program when it’s complicated. The installation process to install app on my kids’ phones and on computers was super easy.

Qustodio isn’t! It’s super easy to install and easy to use.

Online Dashboard – Qustodio Family Portal

The online dashboard / Qustodio Family Portal in the parent control app is super easy to navigate, as well as the online interface. You just click on your kid’s profile and access what they are doing online.

Email Notification

One feature that I am loving is the email notifications notifying me if something questionable was accessed and also daily reports of what the kids are doing.

Let’s face it, parents – we get busy. While I would love to say I actively am checking what my kids are doing – well, while I might not be – I love the fact that Qustodio is!

What Qustodio is Missing

No parental screen time monitoring is perfect. Here are a few things that I would love to see Qustodio offer:

iPhone Options

I wish all of the features that are available for Android – such as text message tracking and the panic button were available for iPhone. Crossing fingers that these features can be across both platforms!

Pause the Internet / Devices

While yes, you can set rules for each kid and each device – even turning off access easily if let’s say a kid gets grounded. (Surely, I am not the only mom who is grounding kids from screens!) A feature that I would LOVE to see is a pause the internet button. Hopefully this is something that can be considered as pausing the internet at dinner time is amazing and would even be more amazing to lock down all internet and devices with a single click.

Instagram Monitoring

Right now the main social media monitoring feels like it’s done with Facebook. I would love to see Instagram monitoring that would show me what my kid is posting, looking at and commenting on Instagram. Understandably – I do know there are limitations with Instagram API and what have you, but a mom can dream, right?

Setting Limits on Screen Time and Internet Access

Setting limits on screen time and internet access is a universal parenting issue for 2019 (and beyond!) Right when we started the review of Qustodio, my sister-in-law messaged wanting some advice on how to best handle screen time.

Then just this past week, a hot debate among parents in our little school district is happening in regards to cell phone use in school. Interestingly, in one of the chats – Qustodio was recommended for monitoring and limiting access to student phones.

It was reassuring to hear from others that Qustodio offered a good product and service for parental controls.

Qustodio Parental Control Features

Smart Filters

Using Smart Filters – you can block inappropriate content – even in private browsing mode.

Balance Screen Time

Balance Screen Time by setting limits on your kid’s screen time across all devices that they access.

Control Games and Apps

Control Games and Apps by setting time limits and blocking apps that you don’t want your child using.

Monitor Social Networks

Limit time spent and know what your kids are doing on social media in their free time.

Monitor Calls and SMS

Qustodio allows you to view your child’s calls and texts. Yes, you can read SMS messages – and set a list of blocked contacts.

Location Tracking and Panic Alert

You are able to track your child’s location. In the event of an emergency, your child can send you a panic alert with a panic button.

What Platforms Does Qustodio Work On?

Qustodio can be used on the most popular platforms for mobile devices and computers including: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and Kindle.

How Much Does Qustodio Cost?

Depending on the number of devices that you want to monitor – Qustodio pricing starts at just $33.95. View all pricing and find out what account setup would be best for you.

Kids Hate Qustodio

From the Qustodio reviews from parents – I am seeing great responses on how much they are enjoying the parental controls and what not. But from the kids, yeah that is a different story. Kids hate Qustodio. When researching this product to find out more, I came across a few things written by kids about Qustodio that made me laugh, this in particular:

How do I get rid of Qustodio from my Android mobile I don’t know the password and my dad chose settings that keep me from deleting the app

Sorry kid! Sounds like your dad has it on your mobile phone for a reason – you know because he loves you and wants to know what you are doing online.

Qustodio Review – Easy Way to Limit Kids Screen Time + Monitor Internet Usage