Manage Your Child’s Online Activities with KoalaSafe

I know there is a lot of debate about whether or not children should have access to tablets, smartphones, devices, computers, , etc.  It was not so much of a concern back when I was a child, because that kind of technology was not available at that time.  Today, however, there is so much technology incorporated into every day life, and it seems that I, as a parent, have to embrace that.  My husband and I have made the decision to introduce such technology to our children and allow them to use our smartphones and tablets because that is the way of the world that we live in.  Plus, there are so many great programs, games, and apps that are both entertaining and educational for children.

However, while I support my children’s access to technology, I recognize that too much could be a bad thing.  I do not want them to be constantly sitting and staring at a screen, and I know that it is important for them to get offline, go outside, run around, and play with other children.  They are usually fine when we tell them it is time to give back our devices and go do something else, but there are the occasional tears, arguing, or tantrums (and that is not fun for anyone!).

There is now a product available that will help parents manage their children’s online and screen time.  KoalaSafe is a small box that plugs into your existing wireless router and sets up a separate wireless network for the devices used by children.  Parents can then regulate this wireless network, schedule it to turn on and off at specific times, and block apps and sites, thereby controlling their children’s online activities.

The KoalaSafe is incredibly easy to install.  All you have to do is connect the box to your wireless router with the enclosed ethernet cable and plug it in with the USB power adapter. It is good to go when there is a flashing green light (showing power) and either a solid or flashing red light (showing wi-fi connection).

In order to control the KoalaSafe wireless network, you have to download the KoalaSafe app (available from the AppStore and Google Play).  After the app is downloaded, you create an account with your email address and a password of your choice.  You then pair the app with the KoalaSafe box and set the KoalaSafe network password – make sure it is different from your regular wireless network password so that your children cannot just get on the regular network when the KoalaSafe network shuts off!

Once connected and set up, you then set up a profile for each child or group of children and add your devices to the profile.  You can then set up the schedule for internet access (such as specific hours each day), and block or allow certain apps or sites (like shopping, images, gaming, and social media).  The KoalaSafe also keeps track of your children’s usage and which sites and apps are used the most.  There is a parent mode that can be turned on with no restrictions, so if you want to use the device, you do not have to go through the process of disconnecting from the KoalaSafe network and connecting to your regular network.  Finally, there is the “Big Red Button” which immediately shuts down the internet for all profiles.  The KoalaSafe app is very user-friendly, and there is a help guide that takes you through all of the steps if you are having any trouble.

My girls are getting their own tablets for Christmas, and I think the KoalaSafe will be great for maintaining control over their activities and usage.  We can set up the KoalaSafe network to run an hour or two each evening, and when it shuts off, it will be time to put their tablets up.  I like having the ability to block certain sites and apps (like app stores and shopping so they don’t inadvertently buy something).  I like how everything can be controlled from the KoalaSafe app that I downloaded on my phone (or if you don’t want to download the app, you can use the available web app).  And I think the “Big Red Button” will come in handy if my children are not listening or misbehaving and I want to shut off their internet access right away.

Learn more about the KoalaSafe and how it works.  The KoalaSafe sells for $99.00 and is available online or from Amazon.  It is definitely something you need to check out if you want to have some control over what your children are doing online!

Connect with KoalaSafe on Facebook and Twitter.

Enter below to win a KoalaSafe box here at Eighty MPH Mom!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One (1) winner will receive a KoalaSafe box.

Open to residents of U.S. only.  Ends 1/4/16.  ARV: $99.

No purchase necessary. Open to residents of  US only. Giveaway ends January 4, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. (PST). ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated. Winner(s) will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner(s) will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will be displayed on the post, and will also be posted on Winners List shortly after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen randomly by Giveaway Tools. Screenshots of winners available by request. Prize will be shipped directly from sponsor or their PR Agency unless otherwise noted. Eighty MPH Mom is not responsible for prizes lost in transit, although every attempt will be made for prize delivery.

**By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Odds of winning: The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law.