As parents of online school students, it's important to ensure that our children stay safe online and focused on their studies. While many tools and strategies are available to help us do this, monitoring software can provide an efficient and comprehensive solution. With the right monitoring software, you can track your student's internet usage and gain a better understanding of how they spend their time online. This article will explain the benefits of using monitoring software to track your student's internet browsing and what to look for in quality software.

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Why Use a Monitoring Software?

Monitoring software is a useful tool for tracking student internet use. It can provide real-time data on the websites your student is visiting, as well as the amount of time spent on each site. This information can then be used to identify any websites on which your student is spending too much or too little time, as well as websites that they should not be visiting altogether. This can also be useful for students who are experiencing cyberbullying and need parental interventions to avoid social media.

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What Do You Need to Set It Up?

In order for monitoring software to be effective, there are certain technical requirements that must be met. These include adequate bandwidth speed and computer compatibility with the software. It is also important to make sure that all necessary security measures are in place in order to protect data privacy and prevent any unauthorized access to their activity logs.

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Talk About It

Before implementing the software, it’s important to ensure that students are properly informed about its use and understand how they will be monitored while they are online. Establishing clear expectations and guidelines for the use of the software can help create an effective learning environment that allows students to feel safe and secure while using it.

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Monitoring Software Options

Popular monitoring tools include the following:

• Apple Screen Time - Available on Apple products, Screen Time provides data such as how much time is spent on different websites.
• Microsoft Family Safety - Free, only with Edge, each child needs a Microsoft account
• Google Family Link - Free, best for Android users
• Qustodio - A paid tool that allows parents to “filter websites, set time limits, block apps, get reports, and more.” Cross platform
• Covenant Eyes - This tool helps people to live free from sexually explicit content. Covenant Eyes is available for all Android, iOS, Apple, and Windows devices. Learn more at https://www.covenanteyes.com.
• Bark - A dashboard that monitors text messages, YouTube, emails, and other social networks for potential safety concerns. Bark is available for computers and iOS, Android, and Amazon devices. 
• Gryphon router - Monitors internet traffic on devices on your home network.

Please note that Enlightium Academy is not affiliated with these tools.

With its ability to provide real-time data about online browsing habits and access to inappropriate content, monitoring software can help foster an environment where students can learn without fear of harm or distraction from outside sources. By following proper implementation practices and understanding the technical requirements needed for successful implementation, parents can rest assured knowing that their children are receiving a quality education in a safe and secure online environment.

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Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

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