I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.
These days, it seems like my family is spending more time than ever online... and we are not alone in that. Did you know that COVID-19 has caused a 500% increase in screen time for kids? Nearly half of the children in the US are spending more than 6 hours in front of a screen daily. Many- like my own kids- are still doing e-learning as well which means even more time in front of the screen.
While we've always tried to limit the amount of screen time in our home, I am super thankful for the technology that has allowed my kids to learn safely at home and to keep in contact with family members that we have not been able to visit as well. Technology can be a truly great thing in those ways. 
Still, it's not without it's problems!
One of the drawbacks of more time online is that there are more opportunities for children to stumble upon something that shouldn't. As much as I want my children to utilize these resources for food, it makes me all the more aware of the importance of Internet safety.
When I had the chance to try out Circle Parental Controls, I thought it sounded like a great way to keep my family safe online.
So, what exactly is Circle?
Circle is the #1 comprehensive screen time management solution with easy to use screen time management and parental controls.
First, it allows parents to manage screen
time and filter content on all their Internet-connected devices, from tablets
and smartphones to gaming consoles and smart TVs. Circle allows for management of all the devices children use to go online whether they are at home or out and about. The hardware manages all of the devices within the home, whereas the app allows it to continue on the go. As such, it is the most complete solution currently on the market. Because we go online in so many different ways, I love that it has us covered regardless. One solution for ALL of our online needs.
The Circle App is an easy to use app that allows parents to customize settings for each individual family member. These include options such as:
- Age-appropriate filters for different websites and apps (or block content all together)
- Time limits for both individual apps and categories of content
- Bedtimes that automatically disconnect devices from the Internet
- Pause/temporarily turn off Internet-connectivity for a single family member or everyone at the same time
- Focus Time to restrict access to certain sites for specific periods of the day—a perfect tool to keep distance learning or homework time on track
That's right, Circle does not JUST help keep an eye on kids activity and usage and block out inappropriate content, but truly helps to manage that time online as well. As much as I love those control features, I must admit that this time management is even better. When we first tried a Kindle tablet in our house, I loved that it allowed me to set time restrictions. Likewise, I know that Microsoft has similar options on some of their devices. Those are great...on those devices. Sadly though, those aren't the devices my children regularly use. I remember at the time thinking to myself that I wished that Apple devices had that same option... and with Circle that is essentially what we are getting, but with even more options.
I love that we can set an Internet Bedtime for each family member's device individually. With this, we don't have to worry about kids scrolling past their bedtime or getting woken up by middle of the night notifications. Let's be honest... this can be a great tool for us adults too!! (Check out some Circle’s sleep hacks for more sleep help.)
With scheduled Off Time and Pause the Internet, we can also make sure that we are not just glued to our devices all day but making time for family too. Again, these are features ideal for the WHOLE family's online time, not just the kids!
Circle also has a Location feature that can help you see the current location of a family member's device... not only great for safety, but for the forgetful kiddo too!
Another fantastic feature that really set Circle apart for me was the Rewards feature. This allows you to use technology as a reward with three options: extend time limit, late bedtime or disable off time. They are given on a daily basis, so no need to go back and change things back after the fact. My son is extremely motivated by electronics so this feature is absolutely fantastic for him! Whether it's for doing his schoolwork without complaint or for just having a great day in general, he loves earning extra time for online fun. 
Sounds fantastic, right? I thought so too, but being that I'm not horribly app savvy I worried that it would be hard to set up and maintain. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was all quite user friendly! Even my non-app savvy self could figure it out easily! At the end of the day, that is perhaps the most important thing! After all, how can it keep my family safe if I don't know how to use it?
You can learn more and connect at the links below:
meetcircle.com
facebook.com/meetyourcircle
twitter.com/meetcircle
instagram.com/meetyourcircle
Ready to start protecting your family online? Circle Home Plus is available to purchase at meetcircle.com, Amazon, Walmart.com, and BestBuy.com. The Circle App is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Circle Home Plus typically retails for $69 for a three-month subscription,
$129 for a one-year subscription, or $299 for a lifetime subscription (all
plans include the Circle Home Plus device and Circle App access). You can save 20% on your purchase of a Circle Home Plus device + 1 year app subscription or Circle Home Plus device + Lifetime app subscription at momsmeet.link/circlehomeplusshop with promo code MOMSMEET2021. (Valid until 10/15/21. One promo code use per person.)
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