WhatsApp is all over the tech news sites today with the announcement of GIF support in their app. This is pretty cool news for users of WhatsApp but as parents keeping an eye on our children’s online activity this news makes it more and more interesting to our kids. So, what is WhatsApp and what should parents know? (more…)
I installed Musical.ly on my phone just to see what it was all about. “I have to do this sort of thing,” I said “it’s my job.” I then began to look around on the app and was annoyed very quickly. Unsurprisingly, it’s all about music. It’s about the latest pop hits, it’s about the classic songs everyone knows, and it’s about videos. Lots and lots of pre-teens making their own music videos. (more…)
Accountability software has been around for a long time. I remember installing CovenantEyes in bible school and using x3watch on my first smartphone. It’s been a reality in my life for a long time. Your strategy for protecting your children or yourself online isn’t complete without accountability software. It’s a must have. I think Accountable2You is the best “bang” for your buck. Here’s why. (more…)
I was recently able to set up a family internet filtering hotspot system called CIRCLE. It’s a pretty cool system. It has the ability to filter content with different strictness levels, set time limits and bedtimes, track usage, and lockout certain apps and software. It’s all controlled through an app on the device of the administrator. Disney has got involved and have even made some content available on the app through your purchase of CIRCLE. All in all I give this device a great review. You can listen to a full review on our free podcast at BecauseFamily.org but I’ll cover a couple of points here on my blog as well. (more…)