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It’s important to keep your little nerds safe on the internet. There is one major thing you can do in addition to talking to them, password protecting file sharing programs and making sure your malware and antivirus software is up-to-date. Installing internet filtering software is a quick and simple way to protect your children when they are on the internet.
The three main programs that I will be looking at today are Sentry PC, Qustodio, and Covenant Eyes. These programs will alert you if a search topic that is considered inappropriate is entered into the search bar. Each of these programs has pros and cons. Below is a quick overview of each of the three systems and links for more information.
SentryPC
SentryPC is a cloud-based computer monitoring and filtering software. You are able to view activities in real time or have stored activity logs. With SentryPC you can operate in stealth mode or you can have pop up warnings to alert the user that they are attempting to view blocked content. It gives you the option to just monitor and not block the activity. Once the software is installed on a computer, you do not need to access that computer again. All activity logs can be accessed through the web-based account. The basic account is $59.95 a year. This price includes a single license and can store up to 500 screenshots.
Qustodio
Qustodio gives you the option of using a parental control app on your phone or using the web-based dashboard to monitor kids’ activities in real-time. With Qustodio, you simply download the app to all kids’ iOS, Android, Mac, Windows and Kindle devices. This device offers more applications for Android phones including location tracking, call monitoring, and a panic button. There does not seem to be a stealth mode so your child will know that they are being monitored. The small account is $38.47 a year. This price includes protection for up to 5 devices.
Covenant Eyes
Covenant Eyes focuses on filtering out pornography and providing reports to the account administrator. Reports sent to parents detail conversations and provide a list of websites that were accessed. An optional Filter can be downloaded, which provides age-based content ratings and will provide an extra level of protection for your nerd. Covenant Eyes can be used on all your devices including Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire HD devices. The family account is $15.99 a month. This price includes unlimited devices and filtering can be added for an additional $1.50 a month.
As you can see, all of the programs have pros and cons. Which one you choose depends on your individual family needs and budget. There are many reasons to keep an eye on your children when they are going online. Whatever you do to make your child safe on the internet the most important thing to do is listen. Listen to what they say to you, to their friends, and to their siblings.
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