I'm a father of two girls aged 8 and 10. I also happen to teach computer programming and have written a program to solve the issues raised here. I've called it Mifrenz and you can download a free copy form http://mifrenz.com/
The current beta version uses POP to download email from any POP server (currently tested with GMail). The parent then creates a white list for their child and can also approve new contacts that their children request. The idea is to keep the administration as low as possible for the parent. Only the parent has the GMail password, the child never sees the GMail interface - they only see the Mifrenz interface which has been made as simple as possible for children to use. It also has a 'Joke' facility to encourage children to create and share jokes.
My two girls have been successfully using Mifrenz for about two years.
I'm currently working on an IMAP version that will allow children to access their email from multiple locations - it seems there are a lot of children who spend time at two separate homes.....
I'd be very keen to hear feedback if you decide to have ago.
Regards
Tim
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I'm a father of two girls aged 8 and 10. I also happen to teach computer programming and have written a program to solve the issues raised here. I've called it Mifrenz and you can download a free copy form http://mifrenz.com/ The current beta version uses POP to download email from any POP server (currently tested with GMail). The parent then creates a white list for their child and can also approve new contacts that their children request. The idea is to keep the administration as low as possible for the parent. Only the parent has the GMail password, the child never sees the GMail interface - they only see the Mifrenz interface which has been made as simple as possible for children to use. It also has a 'Joke' facility to encourage children to create and share jokes. My two girls have been successfully using Mifrenz for about two years. I'm currently working on an IMAP version that will allow children to access their email from multiple locations - it seems there are a lot of children who spend time at two separate homes..... I'd be very keen to hear feedback if you decide to have ago. Regards Tim