In this article, I want to provide some solutions to one of the biggest challenges we have with technology both in and outside the home.

Our policy regarding technology with our one-to-one program has always been “Your house, your rules”, however, we know with shared parenting arrangements or working families, this can be a challenge when regulating the Internet.

There are a couple of products on the market that can help you regain control of your home Internet to keep your family safe. They range in complexity and price and in this article I’ll highlight two that have come to my attention.

Koalasafe

This product is designed for home Internet use only and is a one-off cost for the Koalasafe unit that plugs into your router and creates a standalone wireless access point. You plug it in, turn it on and then pair it with a free app you download to your phone.

At the time of writing, it comes in two varieties, a $US99 version which is designed for smaller households with less tech connected to it.  The second option, “The Dome” is a high-speed version retailing for $US150.

The website is https://koalasafe.com/ if you want to get a hold of one.

There is documentation on how to install the product on their website and while we are happy to pass on information about this great product, we cannot offer technical support. Please direct your inquiries to the Koalasafe people if you need further assistance.

Family zone

This uniquely Australian product was highly recommended at the recent Resilient Kids conference by Susan McLean, Australia’s leading cybersafety expert.

Family zone goes further than Koalasafe because it takes Internet safety beyond the home with the devices that students carry with them.

Family zone also has an ongoing cost of around $A6 per month for this service as well the opportunity to purchase a unit similar to the high-end Koalasafe one that currently retails for $A89.

For more information about their pricing tiers and a free trial, click here. You’ll also find some helpful articles around these types of topics on their website.