EyeTimer Reviewer's Comments

EyeTimer is a parental control system that utilizes a feature called a TimeBudget System. This time budgeting system can control computer time as well as television or game system hours, with the purchase of an EyeTimer switch.

Feature Set:  

EyeTimer’s goal is to help parents and children regulate screen time, whether the computer or television screen. Once a TimeBudget System is set up, the child is required to log in and activate their account that regulates computer time as well as access to up to 64 time–controlled outlets. Parents can hook up an outlet monitor that can regulate power to any device, such as a television, game system or portable charger; however, this device must be purchased separately at $29.95/ea.

In terms of computer use, it has two modes, computer mode and study mode. Therefore, if a child is limited to two hours per week for computer time, they can enter study mode to do homework without deducting from their overall time. However, during study mode all internet and program activity is logged, so parents can ensure computer time is used appropriately. The program also has a pause mode, so kids can pause their time clock if they need to leave the room for a minute.

The outlet monitor tracks time similar to the computer except that it restricts power if the child reaches their time limit. In order to prevent tampering with this device, parents can add a tamper–proof tape strip or they give design ideas on their website on how to build a tamper–proof lock box for the device. Additionally, the access to the program is controlled, so kids would have a hard time hacking in and changing the settings.

Generally, this program monitors a total time per device so children can regulate when and how long they choose to use their time. EyeTimer also has a Time Bonuses and Penalties feature which allows parents to adjust a child’s current TimeBudget and a Bedtime feature, which allows parents to block out certain hours from use (like late at night).

Ease of Use:  

We thought the program was easy to use, except we did get a bit annoyed with the frequent entering and reentering of passwords as the administrator. It would be nice if while in the administrator mode you could access all of the accounts through one password.

Ease of Installation/Setup:  

Initially we had some problems installing this program because we had some confusion over entering the correct family name password and given key code. However, once we figured that out, everything ran smoothly.

Technical Support/Help:  

EyeTimer offers a telephone number and email address for access to their technical support team. We had some questions, so we emailed them and received a response in less than 24 hours.

Time Control Effectiveness:  

Although the time limits worked well, we had some problems with access. For example, our child user accounts could not access the internet and we could not figure out how to allow them permission. We ended up contacting customer support to try to learn how to allow internet time.

Summary:  

EyeTimer is a basic monitoring program; we especially liked their optional device restrictor that can limit TV and video game time.

Although the program is simple to use, we did run into a few problems and it would have been nice if there were enough inter program help to answer our questions.