should i switch to free feeding?

As a minor with parents that dislikes my cats i am in responsibility for both my 4 year old cats (male and female). My cat’s constantly beg for food, sneak dogs food, and try to find ways to even break into human foods. they both eat about 1/2 cup split up between 12 hours with a scoop of canned food for a treat. Lately i have been curious if I should introduce free feeding. I’ve a lot of this is common cat behaviors but it has become very extreme the past few months and it needs to come to a stop. I just wanted advice if I should free feed or find other ways to prevent this.