The Internet has been science’s gift to parents since it was invented. From sticking on a quick episode of Peppa while you get the dinner going, to the various apps and games our kiddos can use to entertain themselves- the Internet is our very best (virtual) friend. However, the Internet can bring challenges when it comes to parenting. We all know the dangers of too much screen time, and we fear what our little ones might find if they are given free rein of the web.
According to Deloitte’s 2017 Mobile Consumer Survey, 60% of parents believe their children use their phone too much. Research by Action for Children UK showed that parents also consider screen-time one of the most difficult things to control in their children’s lives. As parents, we often wish there was a way to limit and monitor our kid’s online excursions. An Internet babysitter who could look after our little ones as they play virtually…
Lucky for us, Sky has created this very thing. Sky Broadband Buddy is a smart and easy-to-use app that gives parents the ultimate level of control over their family’s internet usage. Sky Broadband Buddy takes parental controls to the next level with its market leading features. Here are 5 fantastic reasons why the Sky Broadband Buddy is ideal for parents everywhere.
1. It lets you pause the Internet
One of the most amazing features of this handy little app, is that it gives us parents the ability to pause internet access at the tap of a button. Instead of unplugging the Internet (a frequently used threat in many houses) you can simply pause it until a designated screen-time or until they have finished their homework- think of the battles you will be able to avoid! You can also hit that pause button for those moments that matter, allowing you to gain some extra family time together.
2. You can set time limits on your family’s Internet access
Along with the pause function, you can set time limits and a bedtime so your family has no access to the Internet during the night. You can also set a total amount of usage per day, after which point access is turned off. Avoid those arguments over screen time by setting times of day for homework or bedtime, when you can impose a blanket ban on Internet access.
3. You can set filters on what your family can and cannot access
The app gives you the power to designate age-range content filters for each family member, such as PG, 13, 18, or no filter at all. You can also monitor your kids’ usage at home and when they’re using mobile Internet on their phones outside the home. You can view all of the sites they visited and see other online activity via the history section of the app. You can also limit the amount of time your kids spend on specific apps.
4. You can affectively use screen time as a reward for good behaviour.
According to research, screen time is seen as a tradable currency at home, and the ability to reward and punish at the touch of a button is highly valued. The Broadband Buddy app lets you reward good behaviour with time online. For example, if by some miracle, your kids finish their homework on time, you can give them an extra 15 minutes on their favourite sites or to play games.
5. You can now rest assured your little ones are safe
As well as keeping them safe on the web, the app allows you to track your kids’ location. As long as their phone is on and location services are on, you’ll be able to see where they are at all times. We all trust Sky’s reputation for having the best broadband service. It is now a comfort to know that they prioritise the safety of our family whilst using this service.
The Sky Broadband Buddy app works across iOS and Android devices and all mobile phone networks. You can easily connect your devices to Sky Broadband Buddy via a list of hub-connected devices or via a QR code on handsets and tablets.
And the best bit? Sky Broadband Buddy is available at no extra cost to Sky Broadband customers! Click here to find out more about this genius app!
