OT: A program to limit children\'s computer time
 

I've been asked to find a program (for Windows XP) which can limit children's computer usage time. However there is one requirement to the program: the time counter should stop when a child logs out using "change user" (i.e. uses the Fast User Switching). That way if s/he leaves the computer the timer can be stopped without closing all open applications.

Any suggestions? The program can be commercial.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer time
 

Not to be insulting in any way, but "children" should be supervised on computers. Not necessarily continuously. Any adult should be able to limit the child's time and oversee usage, content, etc.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Exactly.
Rather than a software program for the kids, perhaps you're really looking for a social program for the parents.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Get your free trial right here:

Download


Personally, I would use another method......but then they are not my kids.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

My solution is that my kids may not use the computer unless I log them in. Before I do I use my firewall to block all but a few sites that they are allowed to visit. Draconian? Yes, but that is my job as thier father! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Good for both of you.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

I supervise my kids when they are online. This means standing over their shoulder most of the time but it is more effective than any software I have found to date. Besides this approach has three major benefits a program does not. It lets me spend more time with them, interact, and learn about there interests.

When I can’t be over them I just remove the antenna and presto! No internet connection; then they only have the software I have bought for them. This may sound harsh but consider this. Even though they are kids they are still people and everyone needs that “me” time. They may not be able to connect to the internet but they are getting space away from dad.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

That does depend on the kid, too. At the very least, the computer should be easily accessable - No computers or tv in their rooms.

My parents opinion, but it makes sense to me.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

I considered that but did not feel comfortable with it. In fact I even tried it for about six months and could not get over the feeling I was removing a basic part of what is today’s social life. I do not agree with “everything that is on TV”; however, I do not agree with “everything that is on life”. I would prefer they find out here at home on TV and ask me to explain than to find out in life where I may not be around to help guide them. See where I am coming from?

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

I'm not sure you guys are on the same page...

Narf seems to be suggesting that the TVs and Computers should be in the living room, or similar.
IE: Not in the kids' room, but somewhere more public.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

That’s what I thought he was saying. I took the TV and computer out of the one kid’s room. We have three but to maintain some control we limit it to only one room with both the TV and computer.

I put them both back in after about a six month trial period as mentioned in the prior post.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Ah.
So its just internet on the one PC in the living room then?

That probably makes it a LOT easier to keep the other PCs clean from spyware and viruses and junk.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Hmmm………………

With my kids, I though that the PC - TV issue was part of something bigger. Maturing and learning responsibility, adapting to living within the reasonable rules of society. And being trusted to mind these rules without totalitarian supervision.

TV time was directly coupled to grades, as were driving and dating later on. Penalties were spelled out and then set in stone. With the PC, they were given rules and its acceptable use was explained in great detail. Then they were put on the honor system. I used the logs to spot check their on time and check the content of their web browsing. Web access was a little different back then, and much safer for kids. We used Prodigy for a portal, and they had some content filtering tools. Back then, all I had was a little NT server and really didn’t have a lot of fine control. But today, with a little 2K or FreeBSD server, I could control what they saw, when they saw it and filter mail going in and out. I’ll never forget the weekend I put the first firewall up at home. My youngest came in and wanted to know why her chat client wouldn’t work. So I said I would fix it. I consoled into the fire wall then vnc’d into her system to see what port it was running over. When she saw her desktop come up she quickly decided that she really didn’t need the chat anymore.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Umm no, the internet is on the one PC in the kids bedroom there is no PC in the living room. The computer I use (the one I am on now) is downstairs with a wireless network connecting theirs to the internet. The hub is here with me; in fact I can rest my hand on it as I type. So when I can’t monitor them I take the antenna out of the back of their computer and the walls/floor that separate the hub and their computer physically do the rest.

As for the TV they have a 29” flat in the room, my TV the 43” plasma is in the living room. We use it as the Bose system is best for movies etc. I do control their TV some with the parental lockout feature and I didn’t put a converter on it so they only get the basic channels.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

I agree, which is why I gave them back the single TV and PC.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Makes lots of sense.

It is very nice to hear about smart people.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

Thanks for the link Thermodyne.

Guys, I agree your thoughts about the program but, well, they aren't my kids after all.

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

I wouldn’t go as far as to say smart; however, thank you for the compliment. I know you where directing that at all parents but I am addressing it for me. Personally smart seems strong as this is still a learning process, always learning and adjusting. At one time I honestly thought what I learned from the oldest I could apply to the next two; but (and there always seems to be a but), that was back in the beginning days and since then I have realized that each and every one of these wonders of life we call children are individuals from the first day they are born! Don’t get me wrong I am not saying nothing applies from one to the next. To be clearer I am saying that the basics apply but the fine details need to be worked out from one child to the next.

Ah, so SJ I think I may have just confused you. If you have kids of your own you will know just what I am saying. If you don’t have children yet than don’t let me or anyone else say something to give you second thought. Kids are the greatest challenge in the world but with such a huge challenge comes incredible reward on so many levels there is simply no possible way I can express it all in words!

Re: OT: A program to limit children\'s computer tim
 

The same solution doesn't work on every problem, but hey, you got things to work.
And that's good enough for me.