Online security for kids - free, for the moment!

Peter Dinham
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 16:13

Business IT - Technology

Symantec has launched what it calls its new ‘family safety service’, offering Internet security software free-of-charge to parents wanting to protect their kids from online dangers including online predators and cyberbullies.

The security firm says it’s offering OnlineFamily.Norton for free until the first of January next year.   Symantec says the actual value of the service is US$60 for a one year subscription, but it’s making it available at no charge and can be downloaded at http://onlinefamily.norton.com.

Group president of Symantec’s consumer business unit, Janice Chaffin, said today that online safety should be a top priority for every parent, but, she stressed, ”it can be a daunting task if they don’t have the resources they need to get started.”

“That’s why we’re offering OnlineFamily.Norton to families for free this year,” says Chaffin, and she claims it “is truly unique because it was designed to foster more communication between parents and kids, which is essential for creating rules together and keeping safe.”

And, Chaffin says that a recent Norton online living family survey, four that today’s parents rate Internet dangers higher on their list of concerns than drugs.
 
According to Chaffin, the survey found that 56 percent of parents are concerned their kids may come across Internet dangers, which could include online predators and cyberbullies, versus drug-related threats (44 percent).
 
“Traditional parental control products are not enough to protect kids online and address parents’ concerns,” Chaffin added, which is why, she says, Symantec has launched the new family safety service that takes a different approach to protecting kids online.

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