COMPUTER TOOL FOR PARENTS DISPENSES PLAY TIME
Electronic devices help to make our lives better. As adults, we've hopefully learned how to manage the time we spend on these devices. But to many children, the computer is seen primarily as a form of entertainment rather than a productivity tool. Some devices such as the Xbox and PlayStation are clearly for entertainment only. DVD players and the TV, while mostly used for pleasure do have some redeeming values when it comes to public access broadcasts and educational videos. As parents, it can be tough trying to set limitations on all of these gizmos. Keeping track of which child can use what device and for how long can become an unmanageable task. Fortunately, there's an electronic system that can help you get a handle on a lot of it.
 The EyeTimer is an electronic system that lets parents set limits on the time their children spend on electronic entertainment. Consisting of a transmitter, receiver units and software, the EyeTimer lets parents set up weekly "Time Budgets" as a guideline for kids to manage their own time. With the EyeTimer system in place, the parents dole out how much time a child has to spend on a device within a given period. The children can decide for themselves on how they wish to spend that time.
Initially, you install the EyeTimer software on your windows-based computer. If all you're concerned about is regulating the usage of the computer, you don't need anything else. The software lets you set individual computer usage Time Budgets for each child. The software locks and unlocks the computer based upon the Time Budgets set by the parents. When you are ready to expand the system, attach an EyeTimer transmitter to the computer. Each device you wish to control requires a receiver unit into which you plug the device and then plug into the wall socket. The EyeTimer will send a radio signal to the appropriate receiver that switches the power to that device on and off.
So let's say for example that you want little Johnny to watch TV for one hour a day or 5 hours per week. When he wants to watch TV, Johnny signs on to EyeTimer. If he is within his allotted time, the EyeTimer will send a signal to the TV receiver and Johnny can watch his favorite show. When the time is up, off goes the TV. This scenario applies to the Xbox, DVD player and just about any other electronic device requires AC power.
A special "Study Mode" feature lets children access word processing and other school related applications on your PC without docking their entertainment Time Budgets. A special log file keeps track of which applications were being used and at what time, just in case little Johnny decided to play a few games of Diablo instead of finishing that homework report.
I know what you're thinking: Can't the kids just unplug the device from the receiver and plug it directly into the wall? They can, but then they would break the included anti-tamper security tape that binds the power cord to the receiver. Uh oh, little Johnny's in trouble now.
Is the EyeTimer an effective means of controlling how much time your children spend with these electronic marvels? According to EyeTimer 's maker Clarion Solutions, it lets you be a parent and not a watchdog, it teaches responsibility, prevents marathon TV sessions and puts an end to arguments since it is the children who are now placed in the position of managing their own play time. And while it's been my experience that nothing is completely foolproof, the EyeTimer may be a good start to finding a workable solution.
The EyeTimer software sells for $39.95. The First EyeTimer Switch Pack includes one transmitter and one EyeTimer switch. Each additional EyeTimer Switch is $49.95. Value Packs are available. See the web site for more details.
www.eyetimer.com |
