NOW CLOSED: MNers with at least 2 children of 'internet use age' + BT broadband needed to review Family Internet safety pack/software (worth £29.99). £15 M&S voucher, plus prize draw for extra £100 voucher

[AnnMumsnet]

BT are looking for 20 Mumsnetters who have BT Broadband and Windows based PCs to review a new Family Internet safety pack and to complete a download and setup of their inclusive software, McAfee Family Protection.

There are a number of criteria for this project - we are looking for Mumsnetters who.....

~ Have at least 2 children of 'internet use age' - this could be aged 3+, 5+ etc - they are looking for folks whose children use the internet at home
~ Would be available to take part in the project in the next week or so - we're on a tight timescale - if selected you will be sent the pack and download information on Friday 11th Feb and would be asked to add your feedback by Wednesday 16th Feb
~ Have BT Broadband and a Windows based PC

BT say: "For this exercise we are keen to understand MNers views on the content of the pack, the effectiveness of the instructions and the customer experience in obtaining the software. We also would like MNers views on default settings for the software based on what they would apply for each of their children. At this stage we have no scope to change the nature of the software itself although MNers opinion and ideas would be most welcome for future development".

The project would involve being sent (by Mumsnet) a PDF copy of the printed material as well as a promotional code to download the software free of charge on 11th Feb. You will also be sent questions by email for your feedback which we will ask you to send directly to BT (or you could send them to Mumsnet and we will forward on without your name). The feedback questions are relatively straightforward and will allow you to add your own comments. All feedback must be submitted no later than the end of the day on Friday 16th Feb.

In addition BT would welcome your participation in a telephone conference call should you wish to disucss this product with other MNers and with BT directly - the time of this will be arranged but is likely to be an evening call on 16th or 17th Feb and would be a freephone number (no obligation to take part).

After the project you would be able to continue to use the software - worth £29.99.

As a thank you for taking part everyone who emails their feedback will receive a £15 Marks and Spencer voucher (by post) and also be entered into a prize draw where one person would win a £100 M&S voucher.

If you are interested in taking part and meet the criteria above, please add your details here.

We will email those selected within the next day or so.

In addition, BT would also like to extend an open invitation to BT Broadband customers on Mumsnet who are already using the McAfee software to make comment on their ideal age group settings on their community forum page on the BT forum. They are particularly interested in developing a set of recommended settings to make setup an easier task for parents. If you are able to add a comment they'd be very grateful.

Many thanks
MNHQ

I think BT are missing the point somewhat - and an opportunity.

We are a fairly typical family, 2 IT literate adults, 3 children. None of us confine ourselves to using a Windows-PC.

We have a couple sure, along with a couple of Linux laptops/netbooks, and multiple other devices - iTouch, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Android phone, and other phones all with internet browsing capacity. Likely to be added to at some point over the next year with a Tablet (iPad/Galaxy or similar) and Kindle.

There is no way I would pay £29.99 to protect just one of the Windows laptops, as that would be pointless, and probably counterproductive as they would just move to another device which is harder to monitor.

I currently restrict access to unsuitable websites via ALL devices using functionality available on our router. This is really where companies like BT should be focusing. This functionality is fairly limited at the moment, but could and should be made much easier - giving parents a much more effective way to restrict access across all devices in their home.

MiraNova - thanks for your feedback - will definitely pass on to them.

Another Mac user who uses BT (reluctantly) for my broadband. And frankly BT ought to get their core services right before rolling anything else out IMHO

Send them this from me Ann

Can MN'ers who are BT staff take part Ann?

Hi

A fast response from BT for you:
They say "We plan to offer family protection across a range of devices. It will start with Windows PCs but soon after there will be a Mac version and one for Android (Galaxy) iPad and iPhone too. We are also looking into network based controls on a group wide level. This is not as straightforward as it might seem given the scale - we have over 4 million consumer users - the complexity of the open Internet and availability of effective network based software. It also doesn't address the issue of a child taking their Mac around to a neighbour or using an unprotected public WiFi."

"As I mention above we will have a Mac version available soon but unfortunately not for the trial."

"No problem with BT Staff responding as long as they fit the criteria."

Ann

I'm assuming those with laptops can't apply.

OADCB - those with laptops with windows are welcome to apply

Ha - as if I'd install their software on my lovely MacBook

Well it's good they're looking at other devices, but I would have my doubts how effective controls at device level are against teenagers for example. After all a quick reset to default settings and they're sorted.

I want the ability to restrict some sites from all devices all of the time, and also to allow some sites on a schedule for some devices (ie Facebook only after homework completed), and to deny all internet access from say 10pm to 7am for some devices. I don't want to have to wrest multiple devices from my teenager - I want to be able to do it from my laptop, and on the fly, which I can sort of do today with the router - but it's not granular enough.

Oops just read it properly without wine goggles on and realized it says 2 children.

never mind, thanks anyway Ann

Oh well..sorry.
Thanks to everyone who has applied so far...we'd love a few more folks with DCs aged 10+ in the mix as well

Ann, I have responded. DD is 8 but 9 in three weeks if that helps

have put my name down

Me, I have 2 age 14 and 15

Can I have the money instead of the vouchers? M&S are no good to us as there is not one anywhere near us (and I don't like them anyway).

DD is 11, if that helps.

Oh sorry, I made the same mistake as Tequila. My bribery clearly isn't going to work [shuffles off pshawing]

Didn't want the prize anyway

Just send me the prizes.
It is about time.

Emails went out yesterday to those selected - thanks to all who applied.

.

DH asked what it was. Me... "erm, I dunno ....but its free".

I look forward to finding out exactly what it is I have agreed to test.