This is a paid review for Blogher Reviews.
Time's Up! The Random.org generator has spoken, and the winner was #18, Joyful abode, who said I don't have kids of my own yet, but I teach. Any computer time (very little) is monitored by me though. I can see something like this being useful in schools.
Congratulations! You have 48 hours to contact me, or I'll have to pick a new winner.
With six kids, two grown ups, and three computers, we certainly have our hands full as far as a need for computer security goes. I'm only one woman with two eyes and two hands, and the kids have proven themselves very, very ingenious and crafty when it comes to being on the computer, even though the computer is in the main room. I've seen some c-r-a-z-y stuff when I check their history, and it boggles the mind to know what they might have seen.
That's why I was so delighted to be invited to review the new program from the good folks at Symantec, well known for their online security products. Their newest offering? Norton Online Family. NOF is a set of controls that let's you monitor your children's usage of the computer - not recording keystrokes, but actually what sites they visited and the length of time, and where they went next. The site visits are also grouped by like interests, so you can determine if your child is spending too much time on, say, popular teen sites instead of multiplication review. Ahem. Not that my girls would know ANYTHING about that.
The steps involved are easy. Create a family account, adding each family member with their own cute icon. Next, you install the safety minder on each computer. (The really cool thing about the Safety Minder? Every time your child goes online, the Safety Minder pops up, reminding your child that every site is being recorded. Kind of an online conscious.) The final step is to create "house rules", letting your child know what sites are acceptable and what aren't. One of the coolest features is that you can designate different rules for each child - I have kids in every single age frame, so it's really nice to know if the little ones stumble onto a site that is more appropriate to an older child.
I really think that this program rocks. The ability to look into the history of each individual child really puts my mind at rest - I could get really upset if I saw a history of sites dealing with breasts, unless I knew that one daughter was writing a health report on breast cancer. One of my other favorite features is that you can set the program to email you if a site is attempted by your child - if you've decided it goes against the family rules. Smart, smart thinking.
Norton wants to get the word out there as to the wonders of this amazing product, so they have graciously donated an iPod Touch to be given away on EACH of the TEN sites reviewing Norton Online Family. You can find all of your chances here, and enter to win one on this site below by following these simple rules. To enter, please leave me a comment below, telling me how you stay in the loop with your kids and whether this new software will help you. You may leave a link to your post or twitter message about this contest in the comments for an additional entry. The contest will begin at 12:00 a.m. (PST) on Monday, February 24th and will end Sunday, March 9th at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Make sure your email address is valid! Rules: * No duplicate comments * This giveaway is open to U.S. residents * Winners will be selected by random draw and will be notified by email. * You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. * See the official rules for details.
Good luck!
This sounds great! I have been looking for a user friendly program to keep my kids internet experiences positive. Currently my kids all share one computer that is in the kitchen so I can see exactly what they're up to. My son has a computer in his room but it doesn't have any internet access.
I'm looking forward to trying this program, I love the time limiting function. There is also a great questionnaire on the NOF website to get the ball rolling when discussing internet safety with your kids .
Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by: KG | February 24, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I stay in the loop with my children because they're always with me, and so we have no other choice. I am a stay at home mom and a homeschooler. I think this software would be able to help me because I can use it to control how much time they spend on the internet. I also like the feature that I can use to check out every site they've been on.
Posted by: Milcah | February 24, 2009 at 12:53 PM
No kids here yet, but if I did, they would be monitored to death! This program sounds like it will be very useful in that goal. Thank you for the review.
Posted by: Maria P. | February 24, 2009 at 04:51 PM
I have an easy time staying in the loop with my girls (6 & 8) because they usually want to use my laptop since it is faster than our desktop. I'm hoping they get their own laptop soon (I'm tired of sharing - LOL!) and the Norton Online Family software sounds like it would be a wise investment when that happens.
Posted by: Deanna | February 24, 2009 at 05:31 PM
I tweeted about the contest - http://twitter.com/deanna_j/status/1246779362
Posted by: Deanna | February 24, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Well, my low tech solution is to hover around the computer. But I know it's about time to invest in some software, and this one sounds great! Thanks for the review.
Posted by: Joy | February 24, 2009 at 06:07 PM
I (we) recently got custody of his 14 yr old who has very minimal unsupervised previous experience on the internet. While we try to give him his space, we worry too. This sounds like a perfect solution.
Posted by: Cathy | February 24, 2009 at 06:57 PM
I (we) recently got custody of his 14 yr old who has very minimal unsupervised previous experience on the internet. While we try to give him his space, we worry too. This sounds like a perfect solution.
Posted by: Cathy | February 24, 2009 at 06:57 PM
what a great review and great giveaway. We constantly give reminders to our kids regarding what is OK and not OK to access online and when it's ok for them to be surfing the internet. We talked about naughty things that are available and showed them how to use the favorites buttons to keep good websites available and easy to get. I also just simply try to be around when they are online--never leave them to it alone, never at night, never when a babysitter is here, etc.
Thanks for the chance. =)
Posted by: amie | February 24, 2009 at 08:00 PM
Hm. Right now, my staying in the loop is very labor intensive, with me checking histories on computers. We've got 3 laptops and a desktop in constant use, plus one child who takes his laptop to school to use during class. NOF would simplify that greatly for me!
We've worked very hard to teach the two older kids about internet safety, but now that they are teens, it's so hard to check up on them and make sure they're staying out of chat rooms, etc.
This would be particularly helpful for my almost 9 year old, who wants more computer independence but isn't ready for it!
Great review!
Posted by: paige | February 24, 2009 at 08:13 PM
We keep our computer in an open area where it is easily viewed by others. We also sit with the girls while they are on the computer. They are still really young to be using it by themselves.
The time limits sound great on Norton. That's the hardest thing right now is keeping them to a limit. They always want to play more.
Posted by: lace | February 24, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Looks like something I'd buy when my son (he's only 2.5 now) discovers the wonder of the internet!
Posted by: Sarah V | February 24, 2009 at 08:51 PM
I really need to monitor my child's chats more - this would be perfect. thanks jtrophy at aol dot com and please check out my blog - Who can't use a deal ???? subscribe ! www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jeanine P. | February 24, 2009 at 09:01 PM
I really need to monitor my son's internet usage more ... I could really use this.
Please check out my blog and subscribe ! Who can't use a deal too ?
www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com
and thanks for the give !
Posted by: Jeanine P. | February 24, 2009 at 09:05 PM
right now I either am sitting right there watching what every one is doing or I check History to see what site they were on. Of course this is not a perfect solution. I think this software would be great to help me know what is going on.
Posted by: sheree | February 24, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Tweet Tweet. I twittered here http://twitter.com/millaa1/status/1248007729
Posted by: Milcah Syner | February 24, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Six kids! Yup, you definitely need this!
I already use Norton, so once my little guy is of age (as in knows what a computer is!), no doubt this will be on our TO BUY list!
[email protected]
Posted by: LaskiGal | February 24, 2009 at 11:55 PM
I don't have kids of my own yet, but I teach. Any computer time (very little) is monitored by me though. I can see something like this being useful in schools.
viperemily at hotmail dot com
Posted by: Joyful Abode: Domesticity by Trial and Error | February 24, 2009 at 11:55 PM
one of the biggest tips I heard from John Walsh was to keep your family computer in a public area not in kids rooms. I am lucky right now that my daughter is little enough that she really can't access the computer without help but once she can, you had better believe I will be looking into software that helps me not only keep her safe online but allows me to track where she has been. I don't see this as nosey at all but as a necessary part of parenting in todays techno age. There are bad people out there and unfortunately, it is our job as parents to do everything we can to protect our children from them even if it means a little high tech spying. We certainly don't live in the same world where you couldn't even say pregnant on television anymore and it can be dangerous to pretend that we do.
Posted by: Anna | February 25, 2009 at 03:00 AM
Well, I'm a sorta-mom. What my mother calls a 'village mom'. I teach 40 preschoolers, then tutor 6 or seven more kids afterschool and on weekends.
I let the tutees use my laptop for various research-and-paper requirements.
Also? I live with my college-age brother.
I'm thinking this software is probably what I'd use to allow me a little more freedom with my tutees and brother on my computer, since right now I actually sit right next to them in order to let them use my computer. I'm conservative when it comes to internet and all sorts of stuff, so they don't get away with anything, and they don't see images that will harm their minds. I do love the ability to set up an account for each one, again, since I have several different kids I tutor at different ages and in different subjects, some of whom speak languages I don't, it's good to be able to allow or block access to territory I might otherwise not know is dangerous.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Marisa | February 25, 2009 at 09:52 AM
We haven't had to worry about the internet with our child yet being that he is still a preschooler, but this would be great when that time comes!
[email protected]
Posted by: Amy | February 25, 2009 at 11:39 AM
My daughter is still to young to use the computer but I'll hold on to this for when she gets a bit older.
Posted by: Kimberley | February 25, 2009 at 12:05 PM
My kids are too little to use any internet connected computer, though we have a couple of the Leap-Pad type computer dealies. I don't look forward to the day when they are on the internet. This software sounds like a great way to keep an eye on them.
Posted by: Erin | February 25, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Sounds like a must have in any home with children and a computer. Now that ipod touch, just a must have.
thanks
Posted by: anna | February 25, 2009 at 01:19 PM
We have a 2 yr old who loves "surfing the net", shhh, don't tell her the mouse she's using isn't actually plugged in!
Of course it's not gonna be like that for much longer and this product sounds terrific for busy families!
Posted by: Amy in Ohio | February 25, 2009 at 04:38 PM
This software would totally help me. I have an 11 year old daughter who loves to surf the internet, and sadly windows parental controls just don't cut it!
Posted by: Kmommy | February 25, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I love the idea of Norton Online family. My girls are "almost" grown.. the youngest is in College, so this is something I will keep in mind for nieces, nephews, and ... later, Grandkids!
I stay in the loop by talking daily with my girls, and I always had Parental controls on the computer!
The internet is NOT a safe place.. and Computers ARE a Blessing but can also be a curse! Parents need to be IN Control!
Leslie
[email protected]
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:00 PM
I love the idea of Norton Online family. My girls are "almost" grown.. the youngest is in College, so this is something I will keep in mind for nieces, nephews, and ... later, Grandkids!
I stay in the loop by talking daily with my girls, and I always had Parental controls on the computer!
The internet is NOT a safe place.. and Computers ARE a Blessing but can also be a curse! Parents need to be IN Control!
Leslie
[email protected]
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I love the idea of Norton Online family. My girls are "almost" grown.. the youngest is in College, so this is something I will keep in mind for nieces, nephews, and ... later, Grandkids!
I stay in the loop by talking daily with my girls, and I always had Parental controls on the computer!
The internet is NOT a safe place.. and Computers ARE a Blessing but can also be a curse! Parents need to be IN Control!
Leslie
[email protected]
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:01 PM
I love the idea of Norton Online family. My girls are "almost" grown.. the youngest is in College, so this is something I will keep in mind for nieces, nephews, and ... later, Grandkids!
I stay in the loop by talking daily with my girls, and I always had Parental controls on the computer!
The internet is NOT a safe place.. and Computers ARE a Blessing but can also be a curse! Parents need to be IN Control!
Leslie
[email protected]
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:01 PM
LeslieVeg left a tweet on Twitter. Here's the link
http://tinyurl.com/au7xyc
Leslie
[email protected]
http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:03 PM
LeslieVeg left a tweet on Twitter. Here's the link
http://tinyurl.com/au7xyc
Leslie
[email protected]
http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Leslie Mayorga | February 25, 2009 at 08:04 PM
My daughter has her own user profile on the computer and it has parental controls that I monitor. She is also only on there if I am in viewing distance!! She is 11 and not really interested in being on it but about every other day.
Thanks for the chance!!
Posted by: lori richardson | February 26, 2009 at 01:26 AM
Sounds great! Would definately help with older kids who love to chat. You can never be to safe with kids.
Posted by: Marla | February 26, 2009 at 10:28 AM
I am the mom of a preteen son and a ten year old daughter. My daughter is pretty limited to Nick.com, Club Penguin and Disney. My son, is a whole different story. He used to be limited to sports sites (Sports Illustrated, team websites etc). However, he recently discovered YouTube. YIKES! Right now, our security system consists of either me or my husband sitting in the room with him. I would love a program that allowed BOTH of us a little more freedom. The Norton program sounds great!
Posted by: Becca | February 26, 2009 at 12:03 PM
This product sounds great! I am going to check into it more and possibly start utilizing it. I worry about my kids and what all they are doing (although, I try to keep tabs on it). This will definately help monitor, anyway!
Thanks for the helpful review.
Posted by: Mary | February 26, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Right now my kids (7, 5 & 2) and only allowed to go on sites that we approve and add the favorites. I can see that changeing as the older two get more computer savey and better spellers. This would be a great thing!
Posted by: HeatherL | February 27, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I recently have had issues with my teen daughter sending and recieving inappropriate messages via IM. I wasn't a fan of the keystroke monitoring so when I stumbled across your review I was thrilled! I am definitely installing this on all of our computers -- we have four computers and seven kids -- and will be prepared and good to go as the younger ones get older. Thank you so much!!
Posted by: Mimi | February 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM
My son is only allowed to access the Internet under my supervision. This software would be a great tool to give me a break as well as peace of mind. Thank you for the great giveaway!
Posted by: Bing | February 28, 2009 at 05:15 AM
My tweet!
http://twitter.com/luckytoddler/status/1261679319
Posted by: Bing | February 28, 2009 at 05:16 AM
We currently only let the kids surf the net every once in a while and at 6 and 4, they really aren't 'surfing'. We put them on the site of choice (Dreambox Learning, Noggin, etc) then keep an eye on them.
When they get older, a program like this will be very helpful.
Posted by: Nicole | February 28, 2009 at 10:25 AM
We employ a system of parental controls, keeping the computer in the family room and shoulder surfing to stay in the loop. We could definitely use another layer in the ever growing quest to protect our kids.
Posted by: Reva Skie | February 28, 2009 at 08:14 PM
I think that this is a great idea. As a mom and a teacher of tweens... you really can't be everywhere all the time. I for one need some help!
Posted by: egirlsmama | March 01, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Thank you for sharing this software with us. These kind of programs are essential when you have kids. Many times I myself have been googling a subject and end up at the wrong site. Just imagine what a child could do. I only wish the government pushed to have these sites on their own domain.
Posted by: Joshua | March 01, 2009 at 10:17 PM
I would love to win this Norton software to put on our home computer as another line of defense. Our kids are constantly using the computer for school reports, etc. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Lisa Andringa | March 02, 2009 at 01:56 AM
You can never be too safe these days! We don't have children in our home now, but my granddaughter visits and even though she doesn't check the internet yet, I'm sure that time is coming and this would be great!
Posted by: Nancy | March 02, 2009 at 05:08 AM
I made a blogpost on my myspace here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=127645435
Posted by: Milcah | March 02, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I am the mom of a preteen son and a ten year old daughter. My daughter is pretty limited to Nick.com, Club Penguin and Disney. My son is a whole different story. He used to be limited to sports sites (Sports Illustrated, team websites etc). However, he recently discovered YouTube. YIKES! Right now, our security system consists of either me or my husband sitting in the room with him. I would love a program that allowed BOTH of us a little more freedom
Posted by: Becca | March 03, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I see this programme being very useful on the days where my mother and i aren't home to watch my little sister while she's navigating the internet.
If i get this Ipod touch, i'll have to give it to her but not without installing this programme on it first!!!
Posted by: Adaeze | March 03, 2009 at 02:15 PM
I keep in the loop with my kids by checking the internet history and talking to them about where they are allowed to go on the internet. I think this software would help alot with keeping tabs on what they are doing, better than just talking to them or looking at something that they could have deleted items from.
Posted by: holly | March 04, 2009 at 01:37 AM