Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

FamiSafe

$9.99/month

FamiSafe is a comprehensive parental control app that offers location tracking, app blocking, and screen time management for children's devices.

Our take

Comprehensive app for managing your child's phone activities.

Alright, so let's talk about FamiSafe. It’s this parental control app that promises to keep tabs on your kids' digital lives. First off, the setup is pretty straightforward, which is always a win. You download the app on your phone, and then on your kid's device. Once that's done, you can start monitoring things. The interface is pretty intuitive, so you’re not left scratching your head trying to figure out what does what. You get a bunch of features like location tracking and screen time control, and they do what they say on the tin.

Now, the location tracking is one of those features that sounds great in theory, and it mostly delivers. You can see where your kid is in real-time, which is kind of comforting. However, it's not always spot-on. Sometimes the GPS can be a bit off, showing your kid as being a block away from where they actually are. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're relying on it for peace of mind.

Screen time control is another biggie here. You can set limits on how long your kid can use their device, which is pretty handy. It’s a nice way to make sure they’re not glued to their screens all day. But here’s the thing: kids are smart, and they might find ways around it. You might have to play tech detective if they start getting sneaky. So, it's not a foolproof solution, but it adds a layer of control if you're trying to manage screen time.

One thing I found a bit iffy is the app blocking feature. In theory, you can block specific apps you don’t want your kid using, but it doesn’t always work seamlessly. Some apps sneak through or don’t get blocked properly, which can be frustrating. I guess it’s always a bit of a cat-and-mouse game with these things, but it’s worth knowing it might not catch everything.

Overall, FamiSafe is a decent tool if you're looking to keep an eye on your kid’s digital habits. It’s got its strengths, like ease of use and a decent set of features. But it’s not without its hiccups. If you’re okay with a bit of trial and error and some minor inaccuracies, it’s definitely worth a shot. Just don’t expect it to be a magic wand that solves all your digital parenting woes.