Internet kid safety techniques

It used to be that you could kick your children outside to play and that was enough. Kids would group together and play. You would have clubs and creativity. That has all changed. More kids are inside and you can't go anywhere without seeing a child on an electronic device.

I, myself, am guilty. ALL of my children know how to get around on mobile devices. Peanut is almost 12 and has her own phone. It is a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and is actually tied to a phone line. Bullfrog has a "play" phone. Basically, he has a Samsung Galaxy S3 that is no longer connected to a phone number, but works just fine with WiFi. He is able to access anything when he has a connection to the Internet. Monkey and Turtle have their own "play" phone and they also use my iPad Mini on numerous occasions. I also now have a Samsung S5 that is mildly waterproof because they are known to walk off with my phone.

So the question becomes, how do we keep them safe in this world. The Internet is a very adult place ... not one that naive little children can wander aimlessly. You can't just say "no" to the technology, especially if your child is in public school. More schools are turning to iPads and computer programs to aid with teaching. Even Peanut commented how they use Smartboards more and the chalkboards are tedious.

After attending Type-A Con in Atlanta in September, my husband and I have found a solution that we are comfortable with. We will be installing it on Peanut's phone in a few days (waiting for payday) and then we will consider Bullfrog's phone after we have worked out the tweaks. Jeremy needs to be able to control things, which is why we have rooted phones. This is NOT a knock. I LOVE that about him because I know he can create a device that gives us more control as a parent, without feeling like we are overbearing.

*Note - The program I am about to tell you about, I do NOT have an affiliation with. I am just VERY interested in their service and the fact it covers almost all of the necessities we have with our children*

 

Before I really get started on the application that we have selected to put on our children's phones, let me first tell you what we were looking for.

• Control over who my daughter texts
• Control over when my daughter has access to texting
• Control over who my daughter can call
• Control over when applications are available
• Notifications when certain words are used (such as condom, sex, *any* cuss word)
• Ability to see who is sent messages, when, and the pictures sent (even if the text is deleted)

Currently, we have a combination of AppLocker and Tasker helping us out. However, we have problems when school is out or if there is an update. We also had the dilemma of not being able to monitor her text messages and when she is online, nothing synced. *sigh*

THEN, I found WebSafety. This app you install on the phone (for free) and then you pay for a subscription plan. They have monthly or annual payment plans. We will be doing the annual plan because it is so darn affordable! The parents have a dashboard you log onto on the computer where you will receive real-time notifications and tweak your settings. In addition to the notifications on your dashboard, you will receive real-time alerts on your phone so you do not have to be at the PC all the time. The only downside to this app ... it is currently only available for Android devices, but iOS will be available in a few months!

Here's a quick tour video:

Key Features:

• Monitoring of Applications - You will know what apps they install, when they are installed, and how often they are used. You can also determine when they have access to the apps.
• Monitoring of SMS - You can monitor who they are texting and receive flags if unapproved contacts send messages. You will also receive flags based on topics conversed (sexting, bullying, social pressure, etc.). Finally, you will be able to see all pictures they message to others or receive.
• Monitoring of the Internet - This is monitoring from the device. This means, when your child accesses browsers from their mobile device, you will be able to monitor it. You will receive flags when certain sites are visited or terms are searched for.
• Monitoring of Social Media - Receive real-time notifications when pictures are sent or terms are used that you have flagged. You can also determine when they have access to social media.
• Track Locations - You will receive notifications if your child leaves a set zone (such as the school zone during school hours) or receive notifications if they enter a set location. You can also have the phone automatically lock when your child leaves (or enters) a set zone.
• Curfews - You can set a curfew when your child will not be able to access certain apps, make (or receive) calls and text messages, or anything else. You will receive notifications if the child attempts to access the phone.

Cons:

I have two chief complaints about the WebSafety app. The first is that it is not available on PCs yet. So my kids can get on their computer and still send things that I won't receive notifications about. The second is that it isn't yet available for iOS. Since I do have an iPad and we are getting an iPhone soon (work purchase - I am still a diehard Android fan).

HOWEVER ... with that said, we are REALLY pleased with the price. It is only $40 for an annual subscription. That is CRAZY cheap. That is for one device. They do have different rates with discounted prices for more than one device. There is also a current LIMITED TIME OFFER going on right now!

So ... how are you planning on keeping your kids safe in this technological age?