One of the most common misconceptions regarding mobile technology is that iOS (think iPhone, iPad, and iPod) provides a safer environment than Android based phones and tablets.
While it may seem like a paradox, the open nature of Android (vs. the tightly controlled Apple environment) actually works in favor of parents who desire to lock down their mobile devices.
Apple’s mobile software offers several parental control features that are helpful. However, because Apple tightly controls their operating system third party developers are extremely limited when it comes to developing apps that would afford parents even greater control over their iDevices.
Android, however, allows third party developers much greater access into the internal workings of the operating system. Because of this, there are a number of excellent Android apps on the market that allow parents to lock down their Android phones in ways that iPhone users can only dream of.
Here are 4 Android apps to consider:
- King Kong Lock lock down apps, files, and features of your choice.
- NQ Family Garden numerous features including the ability to control when and even where the phone is being used. An online parental portal allows you to track where the phone is and what the phone is being used for.
- Kids Place – Parental Control offers the ability to lock down apps, block the ability to install new apps, and limit the amount of time the device is used. Also offers a custom app launcher so the home screen will only display the apps that children are allowed to use.
- WAY GPS Phone Tracking tracks the location of your phone in real time through an online portal. The app runs ‘silently’ in the background without displaying an icon.
NOT Just For Kids
It should be noted that filtering and other safety measures are NOT just for kids. Adults need similar protection– there is NOTHING to be ashamed of if you voluntarily install ‘parental’ controls on your own device to help you deal with temptation or accidental exposure to inappropriate content. Your spouse or friend can set and remember the password!
I personally use x3Watch Accountability on my Android phone. After all, accountability is not for sissies! It’s time to man up by taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our families.
About Scott Thomson
Scott Thomson made a profession of faith early in life. However it was during his late teenage years when he obeyed the call of the Lord Jesus to repent. Luke 5:32. In his service to the Lord Scott regularly preaches in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States. Scott also maintains his own blog Digital Sojourner where he regularly writes about technology and Christianity.
Tags: Android, Apps, children, family, Internet Culture, iOS, iPad, iPhone 5, mobile computing
Great post Scott. I will go out there and say that anyone who uses the internet without filtering software is simply leaving themselves very vulnerable to temptation. Another very dangerous mindset is, “Oh my husband (brother, father, son, friend) would never be tempted by that stuff or fall into looking around.” It’s also not just for men but women as it is being proven that addiction to pornography among women is growing as well.
It’s time for everyone to protect themselves against this very serious danger.
Thanks Crawford. You are right, this is an extremely important issue for everyone regardless of gender or age.
Scott – great post. Having own both iphones and currently an android, as well has having had an ipad in the past and now having used an android tablet, I can agree to this. Unless iOS has changed something, the only way you can “lock down” an iphone is to practically cripple it. You have to download a filter based browser, then go into restrictions and lock out safari and turn off the app store. In short if you want a safe iphone you must cut it off from the app store. Android, allows the installation of apps that, like your normal computer, watch what is going on all over the phone – and then return that info to someone else.
In our webinar tonight, I may make the point that this is an example of where people will have to decide between convenience and safety. It may be more convenient, trendy, or just preferable to a person to have an iphone…. but it is nearly impossible to lock down and still be able to come and go from the app store and explore the different apps that can make these devices so powerful. In my opinion, a safer place is to go with android for now. I haven’t tried Windows mobile devices yet. Most of the well known apps exist on both platforms. Perhaps it parents buy android devices because of their ability to be secured, apple will get the message and make some changes.
Thanks Jesse. You make an excellent point about deciding between convenience and safety. The most common objection I hear to using filtering software is that it will have a negative impact on performance. It’ll slow down the computer, it’ll slow down the internet connection, it will take up memory, and on and on.
While most of these issues have been greatly minimized with the latest in hardware and software– it remains true that one’s computer/device performance will be impacted in someway.
The real question is what is more important an extra second to load a webpage or blocking content that could very well destroy every important relationship that you have?
Good post and an excellent discussion… one that could use a lot more air time. I have a long history in battling online “stuff”. I know as a kid I was relatively easy to navigate around any blocks and such that would inhibit my “freedom” on the computer. For my situation, and with my children growing up in it, I have decided for now to only use the iOS because it does disable the app store, and safari completely. There is still the problem of in-app browsing but you just have to limit your apps to ones that connect to Safari (therefore not connecting at all). I know that android has more options, I’m just worried my children (or myself for that matter) will circumvent the block we put up. Give your password to a good friend and live with the inconvenience of filtered browsing and a lengthier process in getting the latest app if you want to be safest with the iOS. In saying that, I don’t know exactly what Android offers, but with my past and hang ups and such, iOS was my safest and only option.