I jumped at the chance to review the PICStick. As a parent of children aged between 14 and seven, their safety on the internet is a perennial cause of concern.
The PICStick software enables parents to check what websites have been accessed via a log; to view violations (attempts to access “banned” websites); to read the content of instant messaging conversations and to check who is conversing with your child through such sites. The device also claims to prevent any personal information from leaving your computer, for example, if your child tries to convey their home address via MSN.
The software comes via a USB stick and there is an accompanying leaflet with clear, straightforward instructions. It is possible to select the degree of security level required and to customise settings for the internet; applications and programmes; chat and email.
My initial enthusiasm for the product waned, however, as soon as I read the instructions. In order to activate the PICStick, you must switch off your anti-virus software. Having been plagued by computer viruses in the past there was no way I was prepared to do this. As far as I was concerned, this product was a non-starter.
Other minor niggles include the fact that you have to do manual checks for software updates (something that I am notoriously bad at doing!) and technical support is provided by a premium line number at a cost of £1.50 per minute.
This product also raises some fundamental issues about education, trust and respect for your child’s privacy. Many internet service providers automatically offer parental controls to prevent your child from accessing inappropriate websites and to block inappropriate images via pop-ups. It is also easy to check what websites have been accessed by checking the temporary internet files folder, should you wish to do so.
Therefore, the key selling point for this product is the ability to read the content of your child’s instant messaging communications: to me this is no different to snooping in someone’s diary.
My preferred approach to keeping my children safe is to ensure that they are aware of the risks; to keep the computer in a place where I can openly keep an eye on what they are doing and to engage with them about their on-line activities.
PICStick costs £42.51 plus P&P from www.picstick.com