EPSDT Care for Kids Newsletter

Spring 2009

How to Select the Right Monitoring Software

Monitoring software can help protect children on the Internet. Choosing the right monitoring software can be difficult as there are many available and each one works differently. Here are some things to consider.

	Ease of use: Is it easy to install and monitor? Is it easy to tell if it is not working?
	Effectiveness: Is it effectively monitoring a child’s activities?
	Recording: Does it record keystrokes, Internet surfing, chat, and file transfers?
	E-mail logging: Does it log a child’s e-mails and e-mail attachments?
	IM logging: Does it log all programs a child uses?
	Visuals: How does it show a child’s activities?
	Customization: Can it be customized to fit a family’s needs?
	Management: Can it be monitored from other computers?
	Product reviews: Reviews of monitoring software are available at Get Net Wise.

For a list of top ten monitoring software products, visit Top Ten Reviews: Monitoring Software. You may also check local electronics or computer stores, use online search engines to look for software, or check with your internet service provider for suggestions.

Remember, monitoring software is only one part of protecting a child. Education, communication, and understanding of technology are key components, as well.

Drawing of two young teens working on a computer