Look, I get it. The internet is terrifying, and Norton Family promises to wrap your kid in bubble wrap while they browse. And for a 7-year-old getting their first tablet, maybe that makes sense.

But here's the thing: this app doesn't teach your kid anything except how to resent being monitored. It's a surveillance system, not a learning tool. You'll know every website they visit, every YouTube video they watch, exactly where they are at all times—but they won't learn how to make good choices when you're not watching.

The privacy implications are also significant. You're essentially installing spyware on your kid's device, and the app uses accessibility features to prevent them from removing it. That's... a lot.

For families with very young children or specific safety concerns (like a kid who's already gotten into trouble online), Norton Family can be a short-term solution. But if you're looking for a long-term parenting strategy, this ain't it. Real digital wellness comes from conversation, trust, and teaching kids to self-regulate—not from tracking their every move.

If you do use it, be transparent about what you're monitoring and why, and have a plan to gradually reduce surveillance as your kid demonstrates good judgment. Otherwise, you're just training them to be sneaky.