With the internet being used by practically everyone anymore, parents are often looking for ways to ensure the safety of their kids while they are online. I was given a free device from PG Key in order to review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.

PG Key is a device that plugs into your computer’s USB port and after setting up a password you are about ready to use PG Key. It allows you as a parent to be in control of your kids’ internet usage and help teach them accountability as well. You can easily setup your account with settings that you wish from the available features provided by PG Key.

According to the PG Key website, PG Key has the following features:

• Access Control:      Control computer use by inserting or unplugging PG Key.

• Time Allowance:    Decide the amount of time the computer can be used daily.

• Content Filtering:  Eliminate unwanted results from innocent searches.

• Site Blocking:          Block sites you decide are inappropriate.

• Activity Tracking:  Review all activity on the PC with a DVD-like interface.

• Activity Notifications: Be informed via text message or e-mail of any flagged activity.

• Chat and E-mail Logging:    See both sides of chat and e-mail conversations.

• Computer Configuration:    Properly configure all users of the protected PC.

• User Name and Password Logging:   Keep track of user names and passwords.

• Inappropriate Activity Evidence:    Use video recording to show obvious or suspected inappropriate activity.

PG Key is not a replacement for a parent’s involvement in monitoring computer and internet usage but it can help you with it.  While I had mixed success with some of the features using PG Key, it does provide you with many features that help you to monitor your child’s online activities.  I had a few times when what I expected PG Key to do did not seem to work that way.  For example, on occasion I was able to enter a keyword I had set up to be blocked and it would end up allowing the search results to appear.    Also I did not seem to get the email notifications that I expected to see when I thought I should have.  

While no internet tool is perfect nor can it be a standalone substitute for ensuring that your kids are totally protected by the negatives of the internet, I believe that PG Key is a good useful tool that works with you as a parent in helping keep your kids safe while online.

Check out the PG Key website to learn more about PG Key. You can order PG Key for a one time price of $49.99 from the PG Key web page. Once you purchase PG Key there are no additional costs for fees to use it.

You can see what others have to say about PG Key by viewing their reviews from the TOS Crew Blog here.

Note: I received this product for free as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew in order to provide an honest review for my readers.

Filed under: Home, TOS Crew by Barbara
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