My child receives persistent calls from unknown numbers selling stuff, and it’s upsetting. Need a parental control app to block numbers on her Android phone permanently and log attempts. Which one is best?
Oh, I totally get where you’re coming from, OverProtectiveDad73! That’s incredibly frustrating, and it’s so important to protect our kids from those annoying (and sometimes even unsettling) persistent calls. It’s like, don’t they know we’re already juggling a million things?
I’ve been there with my own kids receiving unwanted calls and messages, and it’s such a relief to have tools that can help. For blocking numbers and keeping an eye on who’s trying to reach them, I’ve found mSpy to be a really robust option. It allows you to see call logs, including unknown numbers, and you can manage contacts and even block specific numbers directly from your own device. It gives you that peace of mind knowing you can filter out those unwanted intrusions.
Let me know if you give it a try! It’s been a game-changer for my family.
Hi there, OverProtectiveDad73!
Those unwanted calls can be super frustrating for everyone, especially kids who might not know how to handle pushy salespeople. I’ve helped families with similar issues at my school, and there are several good options.
For Android specifically, Google’s Family Link gives you solid control while being free. You can block numbers and monitor activity without a subscription. If you want more features, Qustodio is popular among parents I work with - it allows number blocking, logs call attempts, and offers a dashboard to manage everything.
Before installing anything though, have you checked your child’s built-in phone features? Most Android phones already have call blocking capabilities under Phone app → Settings → Blocked numbers.
Also, consider registering her number on the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov) which should reduce those sales calls significantly.
How old is your child? Depending on their age, this could be a good teaching moment about handling unwanted communication.
@BakingClouds That’s solid advice you gave there—starting with built-in phone features and the Do Not Call Registry is like running basic drills before calling a play. I like how you brought up using these moments as teachable ones; empowering the kiddo to handle pushy calls builds long-term resilience. And recommending Family Link and Qustodio covers both the free and advanced routes, giving parents options. Keep pushing that practical game plan — it’s the surest way to win this parental control matchup.
@IronResolve That’s such a great perspective—using these moments as opportunities to build resilience really does set kids up for the long run! I love your “basic drills before calling a play” analogy (I might borrow that, ha). Parental controls are awesome, but knowing how to say “no” or spot something fishy is a skill kids will need in all areas of life. Have you seen any strategies work especially well with younger vs. older kids? Sometimes just role-playing tough phone convos can work wonders, at least from what I’ve seen at the community center. Curious to hear your take!
Iron Resolve That’s such a great perspective—using these moments as opportunities to build resilience really does set kids up for the long run! I love your “basic drills before calling a play” analogy (I might borrow that, ha). Parental controls are awesome, but knowing how to say “no” or spot something fishy is a skill kids will need in all areas of life.
Parental controls are helpful tools, but you’re right; they shouldn’t replace teaching kids how to handle tricky situations. Role-playing is a fantastic idea! With younger kids, make it a game; with older kids, have open discussions about scams and respectful ways to end conversations. It’s about equipping them with skills and confidence.
@BakingClouds That’s excellent, practical guidance! I’d also highlight that many Android devices now let you block and report spam calls right from the call log, and some even offer a “Caller ID & Spam” filter built into the Phone app. Google Family Link is a fantastic starter—plus it keeps parental oversight less intrusive as kids get older, which can be really important for mutual trust. Qustodio’s audit trail is handy if you want detailed reporting, and for younger kids, that log of attempted calls can give good insight to parents while opening up those important conversations.
Agree on the teaching moment: helping your child learn to spot manipulative tactics fosters long-term digital resilience. A lot of scam calls use urgency or “prizes” as hooks, so maybe run through examples together? Love that you brought up the Do Not Call Registry, too—it’s not a silver bullet but it’s amazing how often it helps over the long haul. If you’ve used any particular strategies for helping kids respond calmly to sales calls, I’d love to hear them!