Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sue Scheff: Plug In - Protect - Parenting - Online


First and foremost, as a parent, we want to protect our kids. Years ago we never even considered about this new concern of Internet Safety and where our kids surf online. Our protection was usually limited to our neighborhood, who are they talking on the landline phone with, and keeping their bikes safe. Today - we have cell phones, cars, laptops, IPods and so much more! What are they listening to, where are they going online, and where are they driving to and who are they meeting?! It can be overwhelming and extremely challenging for parents.

I recently discovered a new device that may help us to protect our kids online - since it offers a free 30 day trial, it seems it would be a great idea to see if this can help your protect and be aware of where your children are traveling in cyberspace.


PG Key - Plug in. Protect. Parent. Learn More: http://www.pgkey.com/


or anyone worried about the dangers kids face online.peace of mind that the children they care about are protected.

It’s so easy to use, that any parent or grandparent can just plug it in, and in seconds, have

What is PG Key and how does it protect my kids from online dangers?

Parenting experts and law enforcement have made specific recommendations to keep kids safe online.

PG Key is a new, simple to use, all in one solution that lets parents follow the best advice from the experts. It’s a key. Just plug it into a USB port of your kids or family computer and PG Key provides 3 areas of protection.


1) PG Key puts parents in control. It allows parents to control when their kids use the computer – and for how long! Remove the key and the computer can’t be used. Hours can be set on PG Key much like a cell phone.
2) PG Key engages our Safe Search content filtering. The approach of “white list” site blocking is too restrictive, and normally becomes so inconvenient and frustrating that parents disable it – PG Key Safe Search content filtering allows the freedom to search the web, but prevents most of the unwanted and dangerous content from showing up. Parents also have the ability to block certain websites from showing up.
3) PG Key creates accountability. Once kids know that their parents are no longer excluded from their “online lives” their behavior changes. That’s why the law enforcement and parenting experts recommend parental involvement as the best way to reduce on-line dangers. PG Key implements 10 parental control and notification features so that kids know they need to behave like they would in any other part of their life - where there are consequences to inappropriate behavior.

How was PG Key created?

PG Key was created by a design and development team that includes industry experts with years of experience in creating powerful yet easy to use software applications. In addition to the experienced technical members, the team also includes representatives from law enforcement (an FBI agent that specializes in cyber crimes), education (a PHD that currently serves as a district superintendent), the medical community (an MD and current member of the American Board of Pediatrics) and many others … including ordinary, non-technical, but concerned parents.

Is PG Key easy to install and use?

PG key can be installed in just a few seconds. Just plug it into any USB port and when prompted enter a secure password. That’s it! After you have installed, an instructional video will launch and give you more detailed information about how to use PG Key. The video and FAQ’s can also be accessed any time by selecting help from the taskbar.

How does PG Key block unwanted content?

We’ve all had this happen. An innocent search on a subject results in embarrassing and unwanted websites and images. Google is the undisputed industry leader when it comes to innovative and powerful internet search technology. PG Key has partnered it’s technology with Google’s very effective filtering features and created the PG Key Safe Search home page that will ensure that innocent searches don’t result in unwanted images and content. While PG Key is in - Safe Search is on.

It’s highly recommended, but not required, that you use Internet Explorer version 7 or higher. This will set the search bar at the top of the page to use the PG Key safe search settings. It’s also recommended that other toolbars are removed. If you need assistance with any of these settings, our tech support staff is standing by to help.

Does PG Key block unwanted websites?

Yes. PG Key starts by referencing a universal black list of sites that are known to host damaging spyware or other unwanted content. Parents can add sites to this list from www.pgkey.com as they see fit. These settings are available from your private user account. If your child or teen visits a site that you don’t feel is appropriate, you’ll know about it, and you can easily make sure it doesn’t happen again. More important, PG key reminds kids that you, the parent, are informed of their online activities. If they wouldn’t do it with you over their shoulder, they likely won’t do it while PG Key is in.

What does PG Key record?

PG Key records up to 60 hours of all computer activity - Web activity, chat sessions, games, homework sessions, online or off. PG Key only records when activity takes place. It will stop recording when the computer is not being used.

PG Key will record the most recent 60 hours, the oldest recording is dropped off the as the newest gets added. For an average amount of computer activity this should give you months of information.

How does PG Key keep me in the loop?

Once you’ve activated your PG Key, you can set it to notify you via e-mail or to your cell phone when key words or phrases are used by your child or teen. It will also send periodic updates with information on weekly time used and other data.

Why is a device like PG Key better than some of the software or other solutions I hear about?

PG Key’s patent pending technology is the only solution that combines the best advice from the experts into a simple device that anyone can install and use in just a few minutes. And since it’s a key, kids can’t get around it.

My teens know a lot about computers, can they get around PG Key?

PG Key relies on the AES encryption standard, the same encrypted password and security protection used by government agencies. Any attempt to disable PG Key or even look for information online will be recorded. You can add the word “pg key” to your notification list so you’ll get an e-mail or text message if they look for any way around it.

We have more than 1 computer in our house.. Do I need a 2nd PG Key?

You will need 1 key per computer in your house that needs to be protected.

What happens if my PG Key is lost or damaged?

You can override with your secure password to use the computer, then, contact our support department. If you’ve activated your PG Key and are a registered user, we will ship you a new PG Key for only $10.00 plus s/h.

How do I learn more?
Our support department will gladly answer any questions you may have. You can send an e-mail to sales@pgkey.com or call at 1- 800-301-8698. Our office hours are M-F 8 to 5pm MST.