I was recently able to set up a family internet filtering hotspot system called CIRCLE. It’s a pretty cool system. It has the ability to filter content with different strictness levels, set time limits and bedtimes, track usage, and lockout certain apps and software. It’s all controlled through an app on the device of the administrator. Disney has got involved and have even made some content available on the app through your purchase of CIRCLE. All in all I give this device a great review. You can listen to a full review on our podcast at BecauseFamily.org but I’ll cover a couple of points here on my blog as well.
My first impression was very good. I liked that it was small. I hid the one I set up behind the wireless router. It’s providing all the benefits without really being visible. Even if it was visible it’s pretty sleek looking anyway. The setup took about five minutes and was quite painless. I had a couple of issues but they were easy to solve. I cover those pretty well in the podcast linked above.
I did test out the filter and was very pleased. One of my favorite things about the way it filters was that there is no warning page or anything. The screen just loads blank white and you have to try something else in the address bar. Pretty subtle way to protect your kids without an embarrassing “YOU’VE BEEN CAUGHT AND CAN’T LOOK AT THIS PAGE, YOU SICKO” message showing up.
Lastly I have to mention the insights section. The administrator/parent can look at this section to see what the kids are spending time doing on the wifi and how much time they’ve spent there. My hope is that as more and more families get on the “CIRCLE train” they’ll begin to analyse how much time they’re spending online and make some adjustments. I know I did when I began to REALLY think about it.
So I say go to MEETCIRCLE.COM and check out what it can do. It’s only $99 and is a great and simple way to take the first step toward protect your family online. To learn about more steps check out BecauseFamily.org/workshops or visit BecauseFamily.org to buy our book What’s in Your Pocket?
