Executing them effectively is extraordinarily difficult though. They are a gimmick in the sens most of the time they give a false sense of security. Trying to get the working in a way that allows kids to use devices effectively but blocks what you want them to block is a very hard line to walk. When you finally feel like you are close there’s a new app or something changes and it’s like you are starting all over again. Apple perhaps has the most usable and consistent ecosystem for this, but it’s still not all that good and the cost of the relative simplicity is a lack of granular control when you want it.

I’m not claiming to have the answer, but I can understand why people are scared and frustrated with the current state of parental controls.