Announcing new features: Panic Button and Calls/SMS Blocking!

If you’ve been following us on Facebook or #QustodioNews on Twitter, then you know our elves have been hard at work on two amazing new features for our users. Today, we’re making these features available, so, get ready to unlock some new digital parenting tools that are sure to keep your child safer on and offline and give you even more peace of mind. And the best part? In the spirit of the holidays, we’re giving all users these great new features for free until the end of December, and Premium users will have continued access to these tools at no additional charge! Excited yet? Read on.

### Panic Button for Android

Ever wish your kids had a way of contacting you and trusted family and friends if a real emergency were to take place? With Qustodio’s new Panic button for Android, they can. Once the feature is enabled (you can find out how to do that here), your child can contact you and up to three trusted contacts—think grandparents, family friends, etc.—at the touch of a button.When the Panic Button is activated, Qustodio will begin sending alerts to all trusted contacts via email or text message.

Panic Button (Child’s View)

Please note that the Panic Button is turned off by default, so you will need to log in to your account and enable this feature. Setting up the Panic Button on your child’s phone is simple. Just click on the Rules tab on your child’s profile and enable the feature. Also be sure you let your child know that its been installed for their safety and take a moment to discuss with them when and how to use it.

Panic Button Rules Settings

These alerts will not only let you and your circle of trusted family/friends know that your child needs help, but will also include GPS location information so that you can get to them as soon as possible. Plus, from the Family Dashboard, you can also begin tracking your child’s location every five minutes.

Also, although it is our intent that the Panic Button help keep your child safe in an emergency, we cannot contact any emergency services such as police, ambulance, or fire department on your behalf.

### Calls/SMS Blocking for Android

If you are a Qustodio Premium user, then you’ve already seen how beneficial our Calls and SMS monitoring feature is in the effort to keep tabs on who your child is calling and texting. Now, with our Calls/SMS blocking feature, you have even more control over who your child contacts as well as who contacts them. If you’re a parent who wants your child to use their phone for the purposes of app usage only or to be in contact with only certain trusted friends and family, then you now have the option to block all other incoming and outgoing calls to your child’s phone.

You also have the option to block all incoming text messages except those you approve of, or block messages from certain contacts, such as a friend you disapprove of or someone who is harassing or bullying your child. These features are also great for temporarily quieting your child’s phone during dinnertime or whenever else you’d like to enjoy quality family time without interruption!

Learn how to set up Calls & SMS Blocking for Android here.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about these great new digital parenting tools for Android. And don’t worry iOS users, we’re working on these features for you as well!

Wanna get started using it now? Visit your Family Portal or Professional Portal.

Note: You will need to update Qustodio for Android to the latest version on Google Play to enjoy Panic Button and Calls/SMS Blocking.

Head over to Google Play and try out these new Qustodio features free. For more information on digital parenting and online safety, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.