FAMILY-SECURITY
COMMUNICATING
MONITORING
TRACKING
RESTRICTING
Security Family Plans
Security that helps you monitor
Baby monitoring
Using Skype, WhatsApp etc
How to setup Skype, etc
Family settings to restrict children
Software to monitor use
Get location of a child's mobile
Parental authorisation for apps
WHAT'S A FAMILY SECURITY PLAN?
Simple, it's a plan offered by a security software provider that covers not just 1 device but lots, PC's, MAC's, mobile phones, tablets, etc (if they can download the software). You also, if you get the right kind, have an online portal that you can monitor the installs and setup parental controls if it has them. It also works out much cheaper per device. It's a lot like buying in bulk.
HOW CAN I RESTRICT WHAT MY CHILD ACCESS AND DOES ON A TABLET?
That depends upon lots of different factors. What device, what operating system, what is it you are trying to restrict, do you want them to have any internet access, do you want to restrict what apps they can use, do you want to stop them spending thousands in side games. The list goes on and it will depend upon the age and what maturity level your child is at and what you think is appropriate.
So, can you restrict yes, but it depends and does not have an easy answer, and in most cases does not have a one stop shop solution. If you need help doing this, I recommend getting help if you are not technically minded. Would you let your child walk around at night in a dangerous part of your town? No, so why would you let them on the internet without restrictions.
I WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH MY FAMILY?
There are many options for this, and depends upon if you want direct communication, group communication, and what kind of security you want.
Obviously, you can call, and text, and email. Calling and texting are secure, email not so much. How can I communicate using Wi-Fi and keep costs down on mobile plans and call charges? There is Skype which has been around for a while, it allows internet calling, both voice and if you have a camera images/video, which for family you don't see often is great. You can also send text style messages. A very popular app for communication is What'sApp - this allows calls and texting and picture and video sending with ease, it can work on Wi-Fi and mobile data and is encrypted. It is also easy to setup family and friends' groups, as many as you like. So, you can message lots of people or just 1 or 2.
HOW CAN I SEE WHERE MY CHILD IS?
There are lots of ways, most involve them having a mobile phone, which has a app on it, you have that app also. You then setup an account and link your mobiles using the account. The app then uses, Wi-Fi or mobile data plus the GPS location system built in to show you where they are on a map. Great I hear you say, well there are limitations, usually the battery on the mobile. Having the Data, Wi-Fi, GPS etc all turned on, eats battery in most phones. So, you must be careful. If you use Apple devices, they have a system as part of the ecosystem, that can allow you to track devices, but you usually access a website to see that. Not as convenient as an app. You can also get mini mobile GPS child trackers from some mobile providers, that do a similar job and the battery although not great is better than a phone, no big screen! So, it depends upon what you need, just track or track and communicate. Other limitations are GPS or Data unavailable or blocked - so no location. Can cause worry also.