It’s hard to imagine anything less child-friendly than an uncensored internet. A rabid wolf, maybe, or a playground floored with broken glass and razor wire. The more connected we become the more we need everybody online – and that means trying to ensure that our children aren’t exposed to the very worst content, ideas and behaviour that exist online.

Software can’t do everything, of course, but it can help to make parents’ lives much easier. These are our picks of the best parental control tools.

Protect your kids on Windows, OS X and mobile devices with Qustodio’s free app

Qustodio

A full suite of parental control tools 

Most parental control software is aimed at Windows, but Qustodio (think ‘custodian’) is also available for Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle and (weirdly) Nook.

The free version covers the basics, enabling you to set rules and time schedules, block pornography and other unsuitable content; if you go for the paid-for version that adds SMS monitoring, social media features and per-app controls. But even the free version is one of the most comprehensive parental control apps around.

Its raft of features and support for a wide range of platforms make Qustodio the best free parental control software, but there are some other excellent free programs available, some of which may be better suited to your individual needs as a parent. Read on for our top choices.

Download here: Qustodio