Securiteen FAQ

Most home computers and laptops running Microsoft Windows, Apple iPhones and iPads, and Android smartphones and tablets. In addition we often work with routers provided by internet service providers such as those made by TP Link and Netgear etc.

The initial consultation usually takes about an hour, and is conducted in your home. We like this stage of the process to be informal and relaxed, and where possible we try not to be bound by a time limit. The fee for the consultation is the same regardless of how long the session takes.

For the initial consultation we find it is best for this to be limited to parents and Securiteen staff, although we're happy for children to be present if circumstances dictate. Whether or not you choose to engage Securiteen to help implement the recommended measures, or implement them yourself, it is important that children are involved at that stage, and understand what is expected of them going forward.

While no solution can guarantee 100% effectiveness, most of our strategies and solutions work successfully for the majority of families. We provide robust measures designed to address common challenges, and our experience shows that these approaches are highly effective. However, children can be inventive, so it's important for parents to be aware of potential ways they might try to bypass the measures. As part of our service, we offer guidance on how to monitor and address these situations, ensuring that you remain informed and prepared.

Our initial consultation is $99, and our hourly rate for any work we do as part of the implementation service is $75 per hour. Any hardware that is required will be billed at cost plus a margin of 15%, and any software or subscriptions that are required from 3rd-party suppliers will be billed directly to the customer at cost.

Based on our experience, achieving optimal device usage often necessitates a combination of methods. For instance, while a home router's internet access control can manage in-home usage, it will not restrict mobile devices connected to 4G/5G networks outside the home. In some cases, a straightforward home internet solution or specific restrictions on a few devices may suffice to meet the parents' needs. Each situation is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure the most effective solution for your family's requirements.

Current Screen Time Guidelines for Children

  1. From birth to 2 years: no screen time for children younger than two years
  2. From ages 2 to 5: no more than one hour per day
  3. From ages 5 to 17: no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day (not including schoolwork)

Current Usage Statistics

(as of 2023)

Screen Time (Average) by Age

49m

0-2 Years

2h 30m

2-4 Years

3h

5-8 Years

6h

8-10 Years

9h

11-14 Years

7h 30m

15-18 Years

Signs Your Child Might Benefit From a Healthier Screen Time Balance

While technology can be a wonderful tool, it's important to be mindful of how it impacts our children’s well-being. Below are some signs that your child may need a bit more balance when it comes to screen use:

  • Reduced interest in other activities
  • Increased frustration or irritability
  • Changes in mood or behaviour
  • Difficulty sleeping or irregular sleep patterns
  • Less time spent with family or friends
  • Signs of stress, anxiety, or low energy
  • Increased sensitivity or defensiveness when asked about device use
  • Weight changes or lack of physical activity
  • Challenges with focus or schoolwork

If you notice any of these, we’re here to help.  Securiteen offers guidance and solutions to support a healthier relationship with technology.

Be a Role Model for Device Usage

(provided by raisingchildren.net.au)

  1. Try to use screens for creative activities like drawing, wellbeing (meditation) or health (fitness tracking).
  2. If you get a text message or social media notification while you’re talking to someone, especially your child, wait until the conversation is finished before you check it.
  3. Switch off the TV at family mealtimes.
  4. Share screen time with your child. Playing a game, watching a show or making a playlist together lets you turn screen time into family time.
  5. Set aside some technology-free time each day, so you can be ‘in the moment’ with your child. This could be when your child gets home from school or you get home from work, during family mealtimes, when you’re watching your child play sport, when you’re at the park with your child and so on.
  6. Take breaks and move around regularly when you’re using screens. And use your device at eye level for good posture.

Children often emulate their parents' technology usage. By setting high standards and demonstrating good habits, parents play a crucial role in establishing the right expectations for their children.


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