Has anyone had any experience of mobiflock?

[KWatson]

I've been asked to look into mobiflock by my HeadTeacher and wondered if anyone else has come across this product in relation to safeguarding?

 

http://www.mobiflock.com

Edited April 28, 2014 by KWatson

[synaesthesia]

We had a leaflet thrust upon us a couple of weeks ago. We laughed at how improbable it was that it would a) work b) have any effect whatsoever and c) how on earth it would or could be managed. *PERSONAL* devices with this sort of software on.

[KWatson]

Thanks for the quick response. Was thinking similar thoughts. I could see it being used by a "concerned" parent but not really enforceable on a school campus!

[X-13]

From the looks of it, they're trying to get the school to make parents buy into it...

 

Really doesn't look legit.

[GordonChristiansen]

Hi. It's Mobiflock here. I understand your cynicism but I assure you the product works, that we are "legit" and we have schools using it right now. The rules work similarly to the ones you will have on your school wifi (web filtering etc) except they operate on the child's own device, hence the need for the parent to manage the relationship with us. Our software operates on wifi and 3G so protecting children regardless of the network environment. If you want to find out more PM me. Thanks, Gordon

[synaesthesia]

I think the bulk of the issue is a simple one; if anyone thinks that a) parents have full control of their child's device b) the child won't get around it c) the child will simply remove it, they are absolutely kidding themselves. It's a nice idea, but anyone that wants to be outside of that control absolutely will do. With that in mind, it makes the whole practice rather pointless. Control and monitoring isn't always the answer to BYOD.

[GordonChristiansen]

I agree "control" is not the answer. However believing something will never work, or that there isn't a perfect solution, is never a reason not to try and do what is best. For example, with our service if the child tries to remove it the parent is notified. It's then up to the parent to decide what they do next. There's a 7 day free trial on our website so you can play if you wish...

[GordonChristiansen]

Hi. If you would like me to explain more / refer you to some trial sites let me know. We are a young company so just starting to make our way. We are "legit" and the software does work. :-) Cheers, Gordon

[Andrew_C]

Shame it doesn't work on Blackberries...

 

No, we didn't give my wife's girls such inappropriate devices; their father did.

[edutech4schools]

I use this on my kids (aged 4 and 7) devices. Zoodles: A safe Kid Mode® for every device

[GordonChristiansen]

Hi. Mobiflock does work on Blackberry. Can't comment about the parenting...

[Andrew_C]

Hi. Mobiflock does work on Blackberry. Can't comment about the parenting...

Your web-site says it doesn't have full functionality.

 

Web blocking works slightly differently on BlackBerry devices than it does on Android and Nokia devices. Unfortunately at present we are unable to offer web filtering and blocking by category, but we can allow you to block all web access from the BlackBerry device.

 

I can do that, but it causes all sorts of whining. At present they have telephones, rather than "smart phones" and it will stay that way. Their father said he's set up blocks on them. I tested this "block". First search term - "YouP**n" - straight in. I've disabled Blackberry messenger and all web access.