For parents of teenagers, not knowing where your child is can be frustrating, even frightening. Giving them a cell phone doesn’t always mean they’ll answer.
That’s why one local mom took control and invented an app that her kids — and your kids — can’t ignore.
Sharon Standifird was livid the day she called and texted her children and they didn’t respond.
“It went from a frustration to a worry,” Standifird said.
Once she knew they were safe, but ignoring her calls, she got an idea.
“We need to develop an app that just shuts their phone completely down and they can’t even use it,” she said. “I got on the internet and I literally just started researching how to develop an app.”
Her husband said he wasn’t surprised.
“Anything she’s really set her mind to, she’s done,” William Standifird said.
She has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and has even served in the Gulf War.
“We did patrolling as military police. So we did convoys, security, escorts and things like that,” Sharon Standifird said.
Becoming an app developer was just one more challenge for this mom on a mission. After months of design and working with developers, the ‘Ignore No More‘ app was born.
After parents download and setup the app, they just have to tap their kid’s name and enter a four-digit code. The phone locks up until kids call back their parents or other selected contacts. The parent or guardian tells the kid what the password is during the call so that the phone can be used again.
Other apps for parents:
Aura Parental Controls
Cost: Free Trial – $10/mo. thereafter
- Comprehensive identity theft protection bundled with parental controls
- AI-powered content monitoring that scans for concerning language
- Includes VPN and antivirus protection for complete digital safety
Set screen time limits, block inappropriate websites and apps, and get real-time alerts about cyberbullying or predators in online games — plus access new safety and wellbeing tools developed with Aura’s team of clinical psychologists.
Bark
Cost: Try It Free – $20/mo. thereafter
- Monitors 30+ social media platforms including text
- Alerts sent only for genuinely concerning content
- Covers unlimited devices per family subscription
Bark gives parents the ability to monitor their child’s device without having to resort to snooping or spying. Monitor text messages, photos, social media, and other online activity. Plus, set screen time limits.
Qustodio
Cost: $59.95/year ($5/mo.)
- Works seamlessly across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Kindle devices from one dashboard
- Detailed activity reports show exactly how much time kids spend on each app and website
- Panic button feature lets kids instantly alert parents during emergencies
Block inappropriate apps, games, and websites allowing your kids to visit child-friendly websites safely. Discover app insights such as descriptions, age-appropriate alternatives, and learn about any potential risks.
FamilyTime
- One touch filter to block explicit apps & games
- Block inappropriate or age sensitive websites
- SOS (Panic Button) – Receive panic alerts from child when they need help
Each FamilyTime plan includes app and game blocking and time-limiting, new app approvals, low battery alerts, web content blocking and filtering, image and video filters, location tracking, safe driving alerts, social media monitoring, and the ability to limit your child’s internet access.