Time Management on the Web
One of the most difficult challenges wh
ile on the Internet is the ability to keep track of time. Cyberspace is so dynamic and engaging, with limitless opportunities through one hyperlink after another. It's easy to lose track of time, and particularly hard to stay focused. Anyone who's been on the Web has experienced a simple search which led to numerous digressions. Various activities in Cyberspace, such as Facebook, video channels and game sites, are notorious as time consumers. Indeed, many studies demonstrate how these "virtual worlds" cut an individual off from his/her immediate environment and lead to a loss of sense of time. In addition, the interface with the Web creates brain stimulations which lead to more Web interaction, often to the point of addiction where time is nonexistent.
Setting Time Limits is Essential in Dealing with the Web
It's important to accustom children from an early age to keep track of time on the Web so that they will appreciate the value of time as they grow up. Time control prevents loitering, addiction, loss of contact with reality, attention deficit disorder, and damage to health as outlined in our article on the Effects of Screen Time on Health. Children using a computer indefinitely may develop dependence on the computer and experience a decrease in physical activity, in social encounters and family interaction, and a drop in academic achievement and in self-esteem. Many fights between children revolve around screen time, and often parents are tempted to solve the problem by buying a personal computer for each child, which only further increases screen dependence and the amount of time it is used.
It is ironic that technology was heralded as a timesaver, yet it has actually kept us busier more than ever given the need to constantly remain connected and updated, and given the perpetual "device noise" of beeps, pings and rings transmitted around us. Wise time management allows to better exploit the benefits of the Internet and multimedia, and is an important element in maintaining a healthy balance of activities.
Using Technology for Time Management
Setting Up an Account for Kids
Time management software is available in three forms: software that limits the time of computer use per user; software that limits the time of Internet browsing per user; and software that limits both. Once an appropriate software is selected (see list, below), open a personal time management account for each child and determine the appropriate settings for the child. Make sure that a parent logs the child on, with a password only known by the parent. The child's account is therefore managed via the Manager's (or parent's) account. Review all the features of any software in order to decide which is more suitable for your needs.
| Link | Notes | Software Name | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|
| www.surfingintime.com |
Allows for flexible time limitation of computer use. Hebrew interface |
Surfing in Time |  |
| www.kidswatch.com | Quality software in English. Allows for flexible time limitation of computer use and of Internet. Do not rely on filtering options; they don't filter Hebrew language. |
Kidswatch | |
| Allows limitation of days and times for computer or Internet use. | Windows – Parental Controls |  |
|
| www.surfingintime.com |
Allows for flexible time limitation of computer use. Hebrew interface |
Surfing in Time | |
| www.kidswatch.com |
Quality software in English. |
Kidswatch | |
|
Allows limitation of days and times for computer or Internet use. Allows for more flexible limits, for example, surfing for a number of hours within a range of time |
Windows – Parental Controls |  |
|
| www.kidswatch.com | Quality software in English. Allows for flexible time limitation of computer use and of Internet. Do not rely on filtering options; they don't filter Hebrew language. |
Kidswatch | |
Limiting Surfing Time Via the Internet Provider
It is possible to limit and schedule time browsing via your Internet Provider, sich as with the Neto Timer feature offered by the Internet Rimon company.
פסק זמן- "Time's Up" - is a free parental control software developed in Israel which limits browsing time allotted on a daily or weekly basis, including time of a session. The software runs on a computer that has one user. The proram can be downloaded for free at: http://www.levavot.org.il/lev-avot/.
Most filtering software also allow the scheduling of limited browsing sessions, but they are not sufficiently reliable.
Smartphones Operating on the Android Operating System
It is difficult to set limits on the use of a Smartphone, a device for personal use. If your children possess a Smartphone, engage them in a conversation about the many functions of the Smartphone and the importance of limiting the time of its use. (See our broader article on the use of Smartphones and Tablets.) Set an example as a parent, and do not use your Smartphone at the expense of children's time or with your spouse. One can install applications on Android Smartphones that display a separate screen with features and icons suitable for children.
Tablets Operating on the Android Operating System
Tablets are designed primarily for content consumption, and are very convenient for watching movies and gaming. The higher quality Tablets are highly experiential, possess a large screen, and can accommodate many applications. Tablets connects via wireless (WiFi) Internet. The easy use of a Tablet makes for easy loss of time.
It is recommended to to install applications that allow the construction of a child-appropriate Tablet account. One can design a screen page containing only icons of functions needed by the child. For youth, it is recommended to schedule time limits for use of the device, and for younger ages, keep the Tablet in the possession of the parents when not in use. Do not leave a child alone with a Tablet and an open Internet connection. As with a regular home computer, assign a rotation and time limits so that the children can use the Tablet.
Recommended applications for Smartphones and Tablets: Kids Place, and Kido'z
IPhones, iPods and iPads
Solutions for Apple devices are more limited because Apple's Operating System is a closed source code. Apple does not allow one application to control another application, or to control its Operating System.
Possible solutions:
1. Use the Parental Control system of the device's operating system, which allows you to lock and control the contents that come installed in device's browser and the app store. If a parent has applications on a device that s/he does not want a child to activate, they cannot be removed with a parental password.
2. It is possible to add a time management application called "Game Time Limits for Parents." The application allows you to set times allowed for device use, and at the end of the designated time, a loud alert sounds until a parent password deactivates it.