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With the amount of time kids spend on the internet these days they are bound to run into websites which are unsuitable for their age. Preventing their exposure to inappropriate content on the internet can be done in many different ways. Some service providers give parents an option of filtering internet browsing while some parents stick to the old-fashioned way of laying down guidelines and timings for internet use. Several parental control applications also exist that can curb internet usage and prevent minors from accessing unsuitable websites.

How monitoring software works

Most monitoring applications function covertly without the user’s knowledge. From taking screenshots to keylogging, the applications offer different services that keep a responsible parent aware of what is going on in their child’s life. Logging both incoming and outgoing emails, instant messages and saving Web browsing history are also popular features of monitoring applications. Some sophisticated applications with top-notch services empower parents to the extent of knowing exactly what their child is doing at that moment. At predetermined intervals, the parental control app makes an audio recording of the surroundings of the PC.

Pros

The reason parents use this kind of software is the speculation that their child might be exposed to people or content that proves to be dangerous. Monitoring software keeps you informed and vigilant of your child’s activities on the internet and put a stop to them if they seem potentially unsafe.

Lately there has been a drastic increase in horror stories of children being victims to cyber crimes. Chat rooms may seem to be an innocent way of socializing but the fact remains that they are breeding grounds for cyberbullies and sexual predators and there is a high likelihood that your child can become an easy victim of these digital felons. At this point, parental control software allows parents to monitor all the conversations that their child is a part of and handle the situation with their experience and knowledge.

For single parents, software like these are very useful. Juggling between the responsibilities of good parenting and other tasks can be difficult. Monitoring software installed on the child’s PC is going to give single parents an insight into their child’s life without invading his/her privacy.
Parents are faced with several limitations as far as monitoring their kids manually is concerned. This can be a job well done by such tools.

Cons

While monitoring apps lends a helping hand to parents, there is also a possibility that when the child discovers that they are being logged, the parent-child relationship may suffer. Some malicious tools are also disguised within monitoring applications which can harm your computer.

Being protective of your child is not wrong and neither is letting them make their own decisions before the right age. The best way, however, is to stay informed and keeping a check on your child’s internet activities.

Author Bio: Jessica writes informative articles about developments in the tech bazaar. In many of her recent articles she explores how new trends in technology are affecting parenting. She can be reached at @Jcarol429

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who are considering parental control software.