The internet is an excellent option to enrich the children's learning experience, but it can also be a dangerous place for them. That’s the reason why parents worry about how to protect their children from the danger of the internet.
The best safeguard against online dangers is to use Net Nanny, a highly customizable parental control app that permits them to monitor their kids’ internet behaviour.
Launched in 1993, Gordon Ross had a brilliant idea to design Net Nanny after viewing a sting operation on a paedophile soliciting a child online. With this parental control software, they can restrict their children’s screen time and keep them from viewing undesirable content.
Pros
#1 - Compatible With Various Devices
A significant advantage of this app is that it can be used on various devices such as desktop operating systems like Windows and Mac, Android and iOS devices, and tablets.
As your kids have access to several websites, you will be able to track their online searches once the app is installed. You can, thus, block some unpleasant websites by adding all the URLs aside from the one on the landing page.
#2 - Screen Time Management
Another benefit of using Net Nanny is screen time management. In fact, with this parental control app, the parents are able to see how the devices are being used as well as the daily total of each child's screen time.
Hence, they can manage their daily screen time by creating schedules on when their kids are allowed to use the devices. So, it can be used as an app that helps you to stay focused or be more productive.
These parents can also restrict their children’s screen time and prevent them from viewing undesired content.
#3 - Weekly or Monthly Records of the Child’s Online Activities
With the help of this app, you can record your children’s online movement and research by creating a record of the activities. You can get weekly or monthly reports detailing the kid's screen use. With new websites being released on the internet on an everyday basis, Net Nanny is the best parental control app that offers effective content filtering.
Cons
#1 - No Free Trial
Unfortunately, no free version is available for Net Nanny, so the users must pay a subscription regardless of the pack they choose. In fact, this best parental-control solution comes with three different Family Protection packs, including a 5-pack, 10-pack, and 15-pack. Therefore, those who want to sign up for a free trial won't be able to see the advantages of firsthand experience.
#2 - No Social Media Monitoring
A major drawback of this well-known app is the lack of social media control. It is undeniable that Net Nanny is a convenient parental supervision scheme but since its creation, it hasn't featured the social media platform. As Net Nanny is a reputed app that has offered its service everywhere in the world, it should have a social media platform monitor.
Net Nanny Alternatives
#1. GamStop
When it comes to blocking access to various distracting websites including gambling sites, GamStop is a renowned name. This self-exclusion scheme has become compulsory in the British gambling industry to help players limit or ban their online gambling activities. Those who become addicted to gambling or just want to quit this activity should register at GamStop.
Using this respected software permits players to ban access to sportsbooks, gambling sites, online casinos, online lottery sites, and more. Obviously, GamStop users can easily find non-GamStop casino sites in similar places, but it allows them to reduce their activity and completely blocks UK operators. The registration process is simple because all they need is to complete a simple process by providing their personal details.
Once the registration is approved, they won’t have access to their chosen licensed gambling websites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, depending on their choice. As they will be prohibited from gambling sites, they won’t be allowed to play on these websites until the period has expired.
#2. FocusMe
Founded in 2010 by Jon Rumens, FocusMe is a reputed app to blocks distracting websites and apps without using the host's file. Rumens found himself addicted to gaming websites and social networks. This addiction had obviously affected his job and life, so he decided to get rid of his bad habits by creating FocusMe.
With this tool, users can create a schedule for their studies or workday to help them focus on their productivity. Once the installation is completed, they will be suspended from social media, gaming sites, and other distracting websites.
FocusMe is more than just a website blocker; it is also designed to block, restrict, and ration the time users spend on the websites. Working on Windows and Mac, this website monitoring solution is affordable and suitable for every user's’ pocket.
#3. Cold Turkey
Another Net Nanny alternative website and app blocker is Cold Turkey. This popular distraction blocker allows users to be banned from websites by URL, allowing them to stay away from specific web pages or full websites. A significant reason to make Cold Turkey seductive is the “Frozen Turkey” feature created to help users remotely schedule their block period from their computers.
Downloaded on Computers, Windows, and Macs, Cold Turkey has effectively helped people quit a number of websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, Wikipedia, Twitter, and other distracting platforms. Like the well-known self-exclusion tools, Cold Turkey’s registration procedure is easy because once the app is downloaded, the users will be prohibited instantly and won’t have access to their chosen websites.
This is one of the most popular website blockers, and users admire it for its simplicity. The app is dedicated to those who want to build discipline in their life and focus on their studies or work.
Conclusion
Website blockers have become unavoidable tools to help limit the time spent on distracting websites and social networks. A wide range of blocking software is released and some of them have gained popularity among the users for providing an effective service to regain control of their life.
Net Nanny is among the reputed names appreciated for providing an effective option to quit the bad habits that undoubtedly affect their productivity easily.
As social networks and distracting websites have become an integral part of our lives, parents should be vigilant and keep a close eye on the online activities of their children. Net Nanny and its alternatives are imperative options to prevent different crimes, namely cyberbullying and sexual harassment.
