Parent Resources

Block or view Digital Distractions

Monitoring & Surveillance Tools

These are generally used by parents who feel they need a high level of oversight for safety reasons.

• mSpy: A comprehensive "stealth" monitoring app. It allows parents to see almost everything on a child’s phone, including text messages, social media chats (like Snapchat and WhatsApp), GPS location, and even deleted messages. Because it runs invisibly in the background, it’s often used in high-risk situations where a parent needs to monitor without the child knowing.

• TeenSafe: Similar to mSpy, this is a monitoring service that gives parents a "dashboard" view of their teen’s phone. It focuses on tracking location history, call logs, and text messages. It’s designed to give parents "peace of mind" by showing who their child is talking to and where they are physically.

Proactive Behavior Tools

These tools focus on teaching "digital citizenship" and helping kids make better choices in the moment.

• ReThink: This is a very cool, non-intrusive app designed to stop cyberbullying before it happens. It uses a custom keyboard that detects hurtful or offensive language. If a teen tries to send a mean message, the app sends a "nudge" asking, "Are you sure you want to send this?" Research shows that when given a chance to pause, the vast majority of teens choose not to send the hurtful message.

Focus & Productivity Blockers

These are "digital willpower" tools that help students (and adults!) stay off distracting websites during homework or study time.

• SelfControl (Mac only): A "hardcore" focus app. You create a "blacklist" of distracting sites (like YouTube or Reddit) and set a timer. Once you hit start, those sites are completely blocked until the timer runs out. You cannot undo it by restarting the computer or deleting the app—it’s great for students who struggle with the "just one more video" urge.

• Freedom & AntiSocial: These are sister services that work across all devices (phones, tablets, and computers).

  • Freedom allows you to schedule "focus blocks" in advance (e.g., "Block social media every day from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM").

  • AntiSocial is a specific feature/app that tracks how much time you spend on your phone compared to others, helping teens realize exactly how much of their day is "disappearing" into their screens.

A Note for Parents

There is a big difference between monitoring (like mSpy) and blocking (like Freedom).

• Monitoring is about oversight and seeing what has already happened.

• Blocking is about productivity and helping your child build the habit of putting the phone away to get work done.

Local Community Support

• MaineStay Youth & Family Services: A community-based department (located in Maine Township) that offers affordable counseling and a wide variety of youth programs. They host everything from anxiety-coping groups and summer camps to fun family nights. It is a fantastic local resource for families looking for low-cost professional support and social growth opportunities for their kids.

National Mental Health & Learning Resources

• Child Mind Institute: Think of this as a "gold standard" encyclopedia for parents. It offers incredibly clear, clinician-approved guides on everything from ADHD and anxiety to managing digital screen time. If you have a question about a specific behavior or diagnosis, this is a great first place to look.

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): This is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. They are famous for their "Family-to-Family" classes and support groups, which help parents and caregivers understand mental health conditions while finding a community of others who "get it."

• Understood.org: This site is specifically designed for parents of children who learn and think differently (like those with Dyslexia or ADHD). It provides very practical "life hacks" for school and home, such as how to help with homework or how to talk to your child's teacher about their learning needs. 

• HelpGuide.org: A very user-friendly, non-profit website that provides evidence-based articles on mental health. It’s excellent for parents who want to learn about self-help strategies, stress management, and how to improve the overall emotional wellness of the entire family.

Specialized Identity Support

• The Trevor Project: While widely known for its 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth, they also provide excellent resources for parents. They offer guides on how to be a supportive ally to your child, how to navigate coming-out conversations, and how to ensure your home is a safe and affirming space.

Parent Tip: If you are feeling overwhelmed, NAMI and MaineStay are excellent for human-to-human connection (classes and groups), while Child Mind Institute and Understood.org are best for quick, high-quality information you can read at your own pace.