The Gauteng High Court’s landmark order compelling Meta to hand over subscriber data in the wake of sexually explicit content targeting South African schoolchildren (Read more) underscores a painful truth: no platform is immune to abuse. Beyond safeguarding against online predators, parents must also consider the benefits of controlled screen access. By setting clear boundaries, families not only protect children from harmful content but also foster healthier relationships with technology.
Excessive screen use can disrupt developing brains—raising anxiety levels, impairing sleep quality, and even skewing dopamine responses that leave young users chasing constant “hits” of novelty. As health experts warn in 2025, too much time on phones or tablets is linked to poor concentration and emotional burnout (Read more). And with “dopamine addiction” on the rise—where quick rewards from social media or gaming train us to expect instant gratification—establishing healthy tech habits is critical (Read more). In this article iNews will discuss our list of the four top apps for safer, healthier screen time.
Bark Premium (Paid)
Bark Premium pairs AI‑driven monitoring with real‑time alerts to scan texts, emails and over 30 social platforms for signs of cyberbullying, self‑harm, online predators and explicit content. Parents receive instant notifications when concerning material is detected, plus tools to schedule screen‑time limits, block apps or websites, and track device location. After a 7‑day free trial, unlimited devices and children are covered for approximately R247 per month or R1 745 per year.
Learn more: https://www.bark.us/pricing/
Net Nanny (Paid)
Net Nanny delivers granular control over online activity via real‑time web filters, profanity masking and time‑of‑day schedules. Its “Family Feed” dashboard aggregates alerts and usage summaries across up to five devices for about R969 per year, making it easy to spot worrying trends. Custom content categories let you permit or block sites on the fly, and intuitive app‑blocking ensures children only access approved content.
. You’ll also find intuitive app‑blocking and the ability to permit or deny content by category.
Explore pricing: https://www.netnanny.com/pricing/
Google Family Link (Free)
Google Family Link offers a zero‑cost foundation for Android families: approve or block apps, set daily screen‑time limits and lock devices remotely. You’ll also get activity reports detailing which apps your child uses and for how long, plus built‑in filters for age‑appropriate Google Search and Chrome browsing. It’s an excellent starting point for basic oversight—no subscription needed.
Get started: https://families.google.com/familylink
Microsoft Family Safety (Free)
For households spanning Windows PCs, Xbox consoles and mobile devices, Microsoft Family Safety provides unified, no‑charge controls. Cap screen time per device type, filter web and search content, review activity reports and share real‑time location. Geo‑fencing alerts notify you when kids enter or leave designated safe zones—helping you balance independence with peace of mind.
Download here: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/family-safety
While the Meta ruling marks a crucial step in holding platforms accountable, families need tools they can deploy today. By combining open dialogue about online risks with practical solutions—whether Bark’s advanced alerts, Net Nanny’s content filters or the zero‑cost protections of Family Link and Microsoft Family Safety—parents can reclaim control and nurture healthier, more balanced digital habits for their children.