If your kids get that glazed-over zombie look from too much screen time, Sky is now going to allow you step in.
A challenge that is new to this generation of parents is the issue of screen time. How much is too much? Is there an appropriate amount? And how can you keep track of what your kids should or shouldn't be watching?
It's all very confusing. But one thing that is for sure is that it's best left to the discretion of parents.
Enter stage left Sky. The Comcast owned media conglomerate announced this week a new feature to give parents greater control over how much internet their kids can use. So what is and what do you need to get this feature? Let's have a look…
What is it?
Sky's new Broadband Buddy lets you easily manage each screen in your home from an app on your phone or tablet. Think of it like a remote control for everyone's internet right on your smartphone.
With the app you can set up different profiles for each of your kids and then limit the amount of time they can spend online every day and set bedtime limits for the internet to get cut off. You can also set daily 'downtime' times when screen time isn't allowed at all.
The app also allows you to choose different filters for everyone in the family so they only see what they should. So if you have kids of different ages you can select the type of sites each is allowed view.
The app will also give you the option of pausing each profile at the touch of a button, so if one of your kids is supposed to be doing their homework for example you can easily pause their internet and make sure they finish their work before getting back to their screen.
You can also easily review your children's activity online and make sure they're not viewing something they shouldn’t be! And if they behave well then you can incentivise them with added screen time.
Sky's Broadband Buddy is now available with all Sky broadband plans at no extra cost.
What do I need to use Sky Broadband Buddy?
There are three things you will need to use Sky Broadband Buddy:
- An iPhone with iOS 11 or later, or an Android phone running Android 5.0 or later
- Your Sky iD
- A current Sky broadband package
How do I get set up?
Getting set up is simple and should only take a few minutes.
- Download the Sky Broadband Buddy app from your app store.
- Sign in to the app and accept the terms and conditions.
- Select ‘Set up parent app’ and sign in with your Sky iD. Then make a profile and add all the devices your family has on the network.
- Follow the instructions to set filters, time limits, and bedtimes.
Finally you will need to pair your Sky Broadband Hub. To do this, just select ‘Set up Broadband Hub’ inside the app, then select ‘Let's set it up’, then hit 'Continue'.
You should be done and dusted after that.
What do you think?
Is this a good way to monitor what your offspring are up to online? How much screen time is too much?
Get in touch and let us know!
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And if you're looking to sign up to a new deal with Sky, you can compare all deals available right here on bonkers.ie.
