In today’s digital age, where children have easy access to the vast world of the internet, concerns about their online safety have become a top priority for parents.

As a result, the demand for parental control software has skyrocketed, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the software industry. 

With its ability to empower parents to protect their children from harmful content and online predators, parental control software has become an indispensable tool in the modern household.

Let’s find out the latest parental control software market size and industry statistics in 2023.

Key Statistics

• The market value of parental control software reached $1.3 billion in 2021
• Approximately half of American parents use parental control applications to protect their children
• It is projected that the parental control software market will reach a market value of $4.3 billion by 2031
• Reports of online enticement of children saw a significant increase of 97.5% in 2020
• The responsibility for regulating children’s digital behavior is believed to lie with parents and the family by 82% of respondents
• Boop Kids, a parental control app, achieved a quarterly revenue of $1 million in 2021
• About 32% of children aged 7 to 9 years old use social media applications
• 53% of parents in the United States set limits on their children’s screen time

Enhancing Child Safety: The Rise of Parental Control Applications

1. In 2021, The Parental Control Software Market is Valued at $1.3 Billion

According to recent market research, the global market for parental control software experienced substantial growth in recent years.

In 2021, the market was valued at an impressive $1.3 billion. 

One of the key factors driving the growth of the parental control software market is the increasing awareness among parents about the potential risks associated with unrestricted internet access for children.

With the escalation of social media platforms, online gaming, and instant messaging apps, parents are recognizing the need to protect their children from various online threats.

(Allied Market Research)

2. 50% of American Parents Utilize Parental Control Applications to Safeguard Children

A recent survey conducted in the United States has revealed some interesting insights about the usage of parental control apps and monitoring children’s internet history.

According to the study, approximately half of the American respondents, accounting for 50%, utilize parental control applications to safeguard their children’s online activities. 

Moreover, nearly 49% of these respondents reported regularly checking their children’s internet history.

Parental control apps offer a range of features that allow parents to monitor and regulate their children’s internet usage.

These applications often include features such as content filtering, time restrictions, app blocking, and location tracking, among others. 

(Kaspersky)

3. The Parental Control Software Market is Projected to Have a Market Value of $4.3 Billion by 2031

According to industry projections, the Parental Control Software Market is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming decade.

With a projected market value of $4.3 billion by 2031, the sector is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2021 to 2031.

The market’s growth can be attributed to several factors.

One of which is the abundance of smartphones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices that have expanded children’s access to online content, making it crucial for parents to have control over their online experiences. 

(Allied Market Research)

4. In 2020, Online Enticement Reports on Children Increased by 97.5%

According to recent data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there has been a significant surge in online enticement reports, with a staggering increase of 97.5% in 2020.

This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced measures to ensure online safety, especially with the widespread adoption of online education during the ongoing pandemic.

With the shift towards remote learning, children are spending more time online, engaging in virtual classrooms, and exploring digital platforms for educational purposes.

This increased online presence also exposes them to potential risks and dangers lurking on the internet. 

(Fortune Business Insights)

5. 82% Believe Parents and the Family Are Responsible for Regulating Children’s Digital Behavior 

Based on the findings of a recent survey, it is evident that the primary responsibility for guiding children’s conduct in the digital realm lies with parents and the family, as reported by 82% of the respondents.

However, a notable portion of the participants, about 33%, expressed the belief that teachers and schools should assume this role. 

Interestingly, approximately 31% of those surveyed indicated that children themselves should take personal responsibility for their behavior online.

The overwhelming majority of respondents emphasized the crucial role of parents and the family in setting guidelines and boundaries for their children’s online activities.

This viewpoint highlights the significance of parental involvement in fostering a safe and responsible digital environment for the youth.

(Kaspersky)

6. Boop Kids, a Parental Control App, Reached a Quarterly Revenue of $1 Million in 2021

The year 2021 witnessed a surge in revenues for the prominent mobile parental control applications operating in the United States.

This upward trajectory in in-app revenues can be attributed to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the 3rd quarter of 2021, the following parental control software peaked in their quarterly revenue:

• The app, Boop Kids – Smart Parenting, amassed $1,021,367 in revenue 
• The app, mSpy: Find My Friends Phone, amassed $699,770 in revenue 
• The app, Bark – Parental Controls, amassed $503,975 in revenue 
• The app, Find my Kids; Location Tracker, amassed $475,271 in revenue 
• The app, Parental Control App – OurPact, amassed $436,597 in revenue 
• The app, SaferKid Text Monitoring App, amassed $185,435 in revenue 
• The app, Qustodio Parental Control App, amassed $158,384 in revenue 
• The app, Famisafe – Parental Control App, amassed $139,801 in revenue 
• The app, Parental Control App – Kidslox, amassed $107,983 in revenue  

(Statista)

7. 32% of Children Aged 7 to 9 Years Old Engage in Social Media Applications

According to the findings of a recent study conducted, it has been revealed that a significant portion of children in the United States, specifically those aged between 7 to 9, are actively engaging with social media applications. 

The report highlights that approximately 32% of children in this age group are using various social media platforms.

However, this growing trend is raising concerns among parents who worry about the potential negative effects on their children’s mental well-being.

(Fortune Business Insights)

8. 53% of Parents in the United States Limit Their Children’s Screen Time

In a recent research among parents in the United States, a growing number of them are imposing restrictions on their children’s screen time.

The study, which examined data from the second quarter of 2021, revealed that 53 percent of respondents reported setting limits on the amount of time their kids spend in front of screens. 

Additionally, 51 percent of parents acknowledged that their children were spending more than three hours per day engaged with screens.

This finding raises concerns about the potential negative impact excessive screen time may have on children’s well-being and safety on the internet.

(Statista)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the parental control software market size and industry statistics reflects the evolving landscape of digital parenting.

It highlights the collective responsibility of parents, educators, and technology providers to create a safe and empowering digital environment for children.

To add, the growth of the parental control software market also reflects the increasing concern among parents regarding the potential risks children face in the digital world.

With a market value of $1.3 billion in 2021, these software solutions offer a sense of security and control over children’s online activities.

Sources