Add a streamlined easy-to-use Parental controls system

[grannovax]

The parental controls system I'm proposing is similar to the parental controls on Windows:
With it you can block websites, block access to certain apps, limit time use for certain apps, set time limits for the session as a whole. When the child user runs out of time, the parent should be able to enter the administrator password to extend screen time.

The lack of a parental controls system is a downside to Linux and doesn't really exist outside of GNOME, and the parental controls in GNOME aren't that great compared to Windows.

This addition would make Linux Mint more suitable for families

[Angedestenebres]

Hey 🐱

I agree that parental control tools is globally missing in all distribution including Mint. The one for Gnome, I guess you talk about "malcontent" is really limited. This is a topic I recently addessed in this article (in French sorry): https://tugaleres.com/2026/03/13/quelles-sont-les-solutions-de-controle-parental-pour-nos-appareils/

The only real solution I know for Linux is CTParental but this is not in Debian, Ubuntu or Linux Mint repository and you have to install it manually by using the .deb file provided by the projet: https://gitlab.com/ctparentalgroup/CTparental

I could be really nice to have it as a native solution in Mint (at least in the repo).

[ost-guy]

this is perfect for families

[Secret-chest]

I propose that they would be in separate apps, but a parental control centre could link to them.

Examples:

• Disable users from executing files in their home
• Disable certain programs for specific users
• Per-user domain blocking
• Session time limiter
• A reminder to add BIOS password
• GRUB menu password
• California age bracket API

I am not personally in favour of using some of these measures, but some parents may be and also it will help stay safer legally in California.

[ost-guy]

ok good idea for kids using linux mint