A Simple Solution for Internet Safety: WebProtectMe

Funny how life and parenting weave together.

It was a beautiful chilly day.

We had decided to take a hike along the windy and wild Kern River. Such a wonderful day.

Right up to the moment that our son fell into the water.

We had hiked in about 2 miles and had paused for a snack.

Our butterfly catching daydreamer of a son crouched near the edge of the river. Squatting low; something  had caught this little guy’s attention. Instinct whispered, “move closer…”

The Kern River is a beautiful and wild river.

…and dangerous.

There are signs everywhere warning people to stay out of the water.

Yes, he fell in.

There is a different kind of danger luring our kids right to the water’s edge.

The internet.

Yes. The internet is a wonderful tool. Our kids have the world at their fingertips.

But there is also a darkness that is lurking like a monstering the closet.

Like every parent, you want to protect your kids. But how?

 

Recently, WebProtectMe asked me to review their  Safe Web browsing app.

While I was compensated for the review, everything I share is my own unbiased opinion.

Inside This Review:

• What is WebProtect me?
• System Requirements
• Set Up
• Minor Set Up Issues
• From Trusted Readers
• It’s time to make the internet feel safe
• Parents, Never Stop Being Careful

 

Related Reading: Kids and Pornography: the Statistics Every Parent Needs to Know

 

What is WebProtectMe

• Safe Web browsing: As the internet comes to more and more homes, how do you stop kids from stumbling across inappropriate Internet content and child predator sites?
• WebProtectMe^™ allows parents to create a custom filtering package, deciding what should be blocked. It lets you create a personal list of sites that family members can visit, with everything else limited or blocked. This is great for young kids if you only want them to visit appropriate children’s sites.
• WebProtectMe Guardian^™ helps you keep tabs on the web browsing of your family and accountability partners.
• With millions of children from ages 5-17 using the Internet, there is no better time to get the Internet/Web protection for your loved ones that are subject to web-threats when surfing the web.

 

Since WebProtectMe is new to us, I asked some of you, my trusted readers to do a review with me. I wanted to hear from other parents too so I could give you a better recommendation.

System Requirements

Nothing is one size fits all. Darn.

This app requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

It’s for handheld devices and my family loves it.

Set Up

Can I be honest?

I didn’t read the instructions when I first loaded the app, so I bumped into issues when I installed it.

My advice to you, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. You’re welcome.

Once I asked a few questions and found the instructions, I set up our iPads.

A piece of cake!

Some Minor Set-up Issues

Most parents give up too soon when installing internet protection.

While WebProtectme effective on handheld devices, it needs customizing.

Many parents, like me,  fail to make sure we set it up correctly and have it locked down to our personal standards.

My recommendation: Ask a TEENAGER for help

 

When we are setting up a net to catch our kids before being exposed to the junk on the internet, we need to ask for help.

First, from the people at the help desk.

 

Take the extra 10-45 minutes necessary to make sure you have all the setting set-up to block what you do not want your kids falling into:

• explicit language
• nudity
• violence
• anything you want to keep away from your kids.

 

Then, ask a teenager to break in.

{Sigh} They really are pretty tech savvy.

 

Don’t be shocked if (or when) they gain access to EVERYTHING in 2.7 seconds.

They have an uncanny ability to understand and navigate technology.

As your teen breaks in:

• Listen to them guess your password.
• Pay attention to the things they “test” to see if they can gain access.
• Let them know you expect them to stumble upon junk online at some point and equip them with an escape plan.

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“…in no time at all, he was able to get on YouTube on the browser and get songs with explicit content. He also looked up the Silk Road and something else I didn’t even know existed about something to do about the dark web.

Besides being sad that he could bypass the controls for you tube I am alarmed that he knows about this stuff! I needed his help, because I’m using my ipad. And I really only look up homeschooling and crocheting.” -Lynda (A Better Way to Homeschool reader)

 

“I tried but didn’t have any success breaking through.  My children haven’t been able to break it either.” -Sandy (A Better Way to Homeschool reader)

 

We need to do our best to protect our kids. Even if it takes a few extra steps.

 

Expect to have to work at this a little.  After your teen breaks in, contact tech support again and have them help you lock down your internet MORE. Keep doing this until you know your kids are as safe as possible.

I wish there was a magic button, but it will take longer than you want it too.

Just drink a cup of tea or coffee and dedicate however long it takes to get the job done!

 

From 6 Trusted Readers

“I had no issues installing the app,” -Grace

 

“I got it set up. I did have to write the instructions down. Lol but it’s in and running. Wish me luck.” – Lynda

 

“I do like the app.  I didn’t realize how many apps my 7-year-old was downloading, she now has to bring the iPad to me before she can download.  My family hasn’t pushed the app to its full extent since we don’t use many Apple products and are typically on Kindles, I would love if this app would be available someday for nonApple products.  All in all, I am satisfied with this product, we haven’t had any glitches when surfing the browser and I like that my child is forced to ask permission.” -Sandy

 

“Ok, so I’ve spent a few days playing around with this browser. I like that it’s easy to use- it’s similarity to Safari made the transition easy. I searched a few things (like poop- because that’s a favorite word in my house. My daughter loves the poop emoji) and was blocked. I tried allowing the word in the parental controls but you have to pay to be able to do that. I searched a rap band from the 90’s known for bad language and was then directed to YouTube. From there I could search anything I wanted (until my parental controls kicked in because I got carried away). A few weeks ago, my daughter searched “Dad jokes” and came across a very inappropriate one which then led to some questions. I did the same search on WebProtect and found the same joke. So, the search was innocent enough but the browser wasn’t able to filter out all inappropriate content.” -Kristin

 

“It’s easy to use. It’s also customizable to my preferences. I highly recommend this app as an inexpensive way to oversee internet security for  kids of all ages.” -Loreene

 

“I do very much like this product. I think if it worked on Kindle or Android I’d get it on my kids’ tech immediately. I don’t know why it didn’t filter stuff on youtube as I’d like, but maybe there are settings on youtube itself. Other than that, I like it for the kids using google to do reports, find pictures for school, etc. only the good stuff showed up.” -Lynda

The biggest concern I received from a reader was about terms & conditions and privacy. I personally don’t have a problem with them. Remeber, It’s up to you to read and understand how ANY company uses your information.

If you’re a fine print reader, you can read the WebProtectMe’s conditions here at the bottom of their page.

 

 

“It’s time for the internet to be as safe as possible for our kids.”

I think this app is a great starting point for parents to begin to take control of their kids’ online experience.

 “As the web becomes an ever deeper part of your life at home, we know that the power of the Internet doesn’t come without dangers and risks. You take a chance every time you log on. WebProtectMe allows you to protect your family from viruses, phishing and other web threats With WebProtectMe, your home Internet becomes a safer place.”

Yep. I agree completely with their statement.

Parents: Never Stop Being Careful

Always be

• watching.
• stepping closer to see what they are looking on those screens.
• keeping in contact with the help desk, because things change.
• asking kids to try to break it. (The secret reason for this: it opens doors to the hard conversations. They really do want to talk about the junk lurking out there, but they’re nervous.)

 

You know your kids. You know how much they’re online today. It’s likely that they’ll be surfing the internet more and more as time goes on.

But if you’re vigilant, you’ll be

• the first one they come to when they stumble onto something they shouldn’t have seen.
• sleep better at night knowing you are doing your part to keep them safer.
• talk them through one of life’s biggest gauntlets

And sometimes, you’ll be right there to pull them out of danger.

 

Just like that day on the river.

My gut told me to go check on my son. Move a little closer.

So I followed my mama instinct and walked over.

…Just in time to fish him out before being swept down the dangerous current of that deadly river.

The internet is no different.

• Trust your gut.
• Move in closer.
• Be informed.
• Try the free version of WebProtectMe to see how it can help keep your kids safer online. It could be the “perfect fit” for your family!

Use Special Coupon:   betterway2hs   to get 40% Off Premium Package.

 

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