By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – There is now a new mobile application that allows parents to switch off children’s cellphones or iPads or tablets remotely, when it is time for dinner.
The application is not too harsh as it shows the children how much time they have for dinner and then locks the phone, barring them to text, make phone calls or simply be active on the phone, during dinner time. Parents can also use the app to control the time the child spends on the phone, as well as the applications loaded on the phone. “I’ve noticed that my children find technology to be addictive at times, playing games or watching videos on their tablets or phones, and are easily distracted by their devices at dinner time and bed time. This gave me the idea for DinnerTime, as I wanted to create something that could help my children focus on other activities, and we could enjoy quality time together,” said the co-founder of the application Richard Sah.
The DinnerTime app allows a parent to remotely lock and unlock up to two children’s Android phones or tablets. Parents can set dinner time so the devices will automatically lock up during the meal time. The more advanced DinnerTime Plus app allows time limits to be set on devices, usage reporting, and even the ability to disallow certain apps. “The DinnerTime app includes a countdown clock so the children are aware of when the device will be available again. So it’s a bit like ‘yard time’ in prison. Will it be easier than simply telling your child to put down the gadget and sit at the table? It’s out right now so if you give it a try let us know. For years people have been saying that technology is making us anti-social – this is something we hope to change,” said Young Song, CEO of ZeroDesktop, who launched the application.