Internet Monitoring Software and eSafety Software

The about your child section highlights common risks for boys and girls in different age ranges.

But few parents want to pull the plug on the Internet. They can see the educational benefits of access to vast quantities of knowledge – and IT skills – being so valuable when it comes to homework in particular.

These parents also understand that it’s important for their children to be themselves as they grow up, develop interests, become sociable with the right friends and understand the world around them.

CyberSentinel makes this possible … within a safer environment controlled by you.

CyberSentinel helps to create a nag-free zone, making your house a happier place. You set the guidelines and then CyberSentinel springs into action. There’s not a problem unless your child crosses the line.

So how does CyberSentinel work in detail? Here’s a step-by-step guide for you …

STEP 1: WIN HEARTS & MINDS!
It’s possible to run CyberSentinel in invisible mode (so your children never know it’s on). But we recommend that it’s much better to have an open chat with them about what CyberSentinel does and how it will help:

Agree with them what’s acceptable and not acceptable online (see about your child for possible dangers) so they understand the risks.
Get them to take our e-safety test to see how much they really know (you can take the test too).
Tell them you want them to enjoy being online. And you’ll only intervene if there’s a problem – so you won’t be nagging them about being on the Internet.
You can have different levels of protection for each child in your family.

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD & TRY FOR FREE
You can download CyberSentinel here and try it for free for up to 30 days (no credit card required):

When you register, we only need your email address – no names and house numbers, etc.
CyberSentinel is parent-friendly. We know you’re busy, so CyberSentinel is easy to install.
You only need to buy the software if you want to continue using it.

STEP 3: SET THE GUIDELINES
CyberSentinel is customised by you … because you know your child better than anyone else. Think back to that chat you had with your child – and change the settings accordingly in just a few mouse clicks.

You choose which kinds of web sites are blocked, which danger words are included and if any time limits should be set on how long your children are online.
These settings are controlled using a password that only you must know!
You also create an ‘acceptable use’ policy. Your child sees this each time they go online (unless you are using invisible mode) and must say ‘yes’ for the Internet to work.
(You can make sure CyberSentinel only monitors your children – not you or any other adults in the house).

STEP 4: RELAX & ONLY RESPOND IF NECESSARY
Want to know what your children have been doing? With CyberSentinel it’s simple – with up-to-the-moment (real time) reports. These are available online and you can view them on a control panel (called a ‘dashboard’) from any PC, even if you’re away from the home, at work or visiting friends for the evening.

Find out when your children have been online – and how long at which web sites (they cannot visit web sites blocked by you).
View screen captures (like a photo of the PC screen) of any moments when key ‘danger words’ appeared on web sites, chat conversations or anywhere else.
Spot trends in their lives – good habits or ones where you want to intervene.

CyberSentinel will also send you a weekly summary by email, which is ideal if you don’t get time to keep checking.

Also, CyberSentinel will send you a more urgent email (or text message) if it has taken lots of screen captures in a short space of time – as an early warning if there’s a potential problem for you to check.

STEP 5: MAKE CHANGES WHEN YOU WANT
After a few days, weeks or months you may want to change the CyberSentinel settings. For example, your child may be getting older and wiser about Internet safety – so you can relax things. Alternatively, you may be worried about something and need to raise the barriers slightly.

You can add/remove web sites to the list of those being blocked
You can change the times of day – and for how long - they can go online
You add to the list of danger keywords. For example, you could even add your child’s email address, their phone number or your credit card.
If you’re really concerned, you can also record both sides of any chat conversations.

STEP 6: IF YOU NEED MORE HELP
Sometimes technology isn’t enough. It’ll never provide 100% protection from every threat – and should always be used alongside help, support and advice for children and young people.

As their parent or guardian, you’re the best one to help them. But sometimes problems can be overwhelming, especially if they arrive at difficult, pressured times in life.

Fortunately, there are agencies that can help provide extra help for you. See our help for you section and you’ll find more information about CyberSentinel, plus links to charities and organisations with specialist expertise in supporting you and your child through difficult times.

More questions? Read our FAQs for answers to most common questions.

Try CyberSentinel for free (no credit card required) or get free advice

Internet Security and e-Safety

Using CyberSentinel