Blog entry May 2011

We recently received news in the Mobicip Forum that the App Store ratings are not accurate. For example, Bing is rated as 4+ and anyone can download and search.  This needs to be changed ASAP so that kids are not allowed to use this for open searches.  One of our customers recently created a Facebook page called "Protect Kids From the App Store" to promote safe browsing and downloading from the App Store.

Please read comments below from the forum thread:
Posted by Guest on Wed, 05/25/2011 - 09:22:  "Unfortunately, Bing is back to being rated 4+.  And worse, Bing is just the tip of the iceberg.  I would estimate that about 50% of the apps available on the App Store have an unfiltered embedded browser.  I have contacted Apple about the problem, and they say that they will work on a solution, but they are moving incredibly slowly.  I'm hoping that we can get enough people to put pressure on them (and maybe put them in the media spotlight a little), that they will make a concrete change in their policy.

To that end, I've started a Facebook Page called "Protect Kids From the App Store".  I've included a list of other apps that allow unfiltered access to the Internet (along with the number of links to get there).  If you would like to help, then please spread the word on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-Kids-From-the-App-Store/137201153016417

Thanks for the help."

The Mobicip forum guest is absolutely right.  While Apple has corrected the ratings for most other browser apps (like Opera, Privately, etc.)  Bing and Google continue to be incorrectly rated at 4+.  It will certainly help if parents like you contact Apple and voice your concern.  Also, thank you for taking action and creating the "Protect Kids From the App Store" facebook page.

At Mobicip, we are very lucky to serve quality customers. They are a great support team, they notify us when they need help and they let us know when they are satisfied and happy. We are grateful to have an open communication with our customers and supporters. Our number one goal is to provide safe and protected mobile learning and browsing. Thank you Sandy Plains Elementary School Principal Harry Walker, The Daily Digi and WickedLocal.com! Please review and visit their sites below:

"It (Mobicip) might be the answer for schools like ours who are struggling with the idea of letting our kids take their IPods home at night.  I'm not as worried about devices being damaged as I am about kids being exposed to inappropriate content.  Until we address how to help kids self-filter on the Internet, this might be the next best thing.  Check it out: http://www.mobicip.com"
- I Teach Therefore IPod

"Mobicip is an app that I use on all i-devices (iPod Touch, iPhones, iPads) that has parental control settings and you can also view histories.  I know there are similar apps for other mobile devices, but don’t know their names.  It lets filter YouTube as well.  The app is free but you do have to sign up for a paid account for it to work.  It becomes the default internet browser on those apps after you deactivate Safari. I’ve been really glad to have it on our devices and know that my kids are safe in their surfing."
- The Daily Digi

"You can also install an app like Mobicip on your child’s iTouch or iPhone, which replaces the Safari browser with a more child-friendly one and provides reports for monitoring your child’s Internet-related activities."
- WickedLocal.com/Cohasset

Daniel Nations from About.com Guide published a great article about iPad Apps.  Thank you Daniel for listing Mobicip Safe Browser on your list. Please visit About.com to read "Best of the iPad App Showcase."

In the article, Daniel mentions "Safe Browser. For any parent who worries about what their child is viewing on the Internet, there is the Safe Browser from Mobicip. With high praise from the New York Times and CNET, the Safe Browser allows you to filter your child's web browsing."

Please visit About.com to read the complete article, http://ipad.about.com/b/2011/05/09/best-of-the-ipad-app-showcase.htm
 

FoxNews.com recently published a great article in their SciTech section called "App Reviews for the Modern Digital Mom".  Visit FoxNews.com to watch the two-minute clip and read about "The role of the modern mom."

You can read a section of the article below, however, please visit FoxNews.com to read the complete article: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/05/05/apps-modern-digital-mom/

"The role of the modern mom can seem like a constant juggling act managing the chaos of family life on a daily basis. As a digital mom, the only thing you need in your hand to balance is your smartphone-- hooked up with a few apps to help simplify your life. Here’s a fistful of apps to help you coordinate and protect your family.

Safe Browser
Think safety first. Are your kids always clicking around on your iphone or ipad? As protector, you can guard them against inappropriate content online with the Safe Browser App—offering parental controls for your device."

Please visit FoxNews.com to read the complete article: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/05/05/apps-modern-digital-mom/
 

Thank you Laptop Magazine for another great article.  Parents and Educators will appreciate your recommendations and tips. Please read a section of the article below and the complete article: "How To Set Parental Controls and Block Content on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch on blog.laptopmag.com.

"One of the big concerns about kids using mobile devices is that it’s not always easy to monitor Internet access unless you’re literally looking over their shoulder. Preventing this is easy (just turn off Safari), but if you want your children to be able to access safe content, consider an alternate browser. There are several such browsers listed in the iTunes store, but most have mixed or very low reviews from users. The best of the bunch appears to be Safe Browser by Mobicip."

Please visit blog.laptopmag.com to read the complete article!