In today’s world of non-stop connectivity, many parents are struggling with how best to support and deal with their children’s online schooling, while at the same time working remotely from home, and effectively managing everyone’s screen time. It feels, at times, like an impossible task.
Comcast recently partnered with Kansas City Mom Collective to hold a lively, engaging conversation on these critical challenges, especially during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly a dozen social influencers participated in the 90-minute virtual discussion, which included an interactive demonstration of the Xfinity app that includes access to Xfinity xFi, which gives customers, with a Xfinity xFi Gateway, visibility into all the devices that are connected to their home WiFi network, and allows them to organize, monitor and personalize their experience, as well as set up parental controls to automate scree time rules in the home.
As connectivity has become the center of the digital home, Comcast is sharing some useful tips on the best ways to help your child make the most of the online world, while also keeping them safe while surfing the web. Xfinity’s xFi is redefining what people can expect from broadband with an internet experience that combines gigabit speeds, the best WiFi coverage, and an easy-to-use digital dashboard for managing screen time in the home.
Nearly all the moms who attended the presentation realized they are the first generation who are tasked to manage screen time for their kids; there is no blueprint. Learning about Xfinity xFi, and how it helps moms better manage their entire household internet use, and keep children safe, was an eye opener. Lizzie, a Kansas City Mom Collective team member, and a Comcast customer was surprised by all that Xfinity xFi had to offer.
“Unbeknownst to me I had an extremely handy way to manage screen time in our home through my Xfinity service. I should have connected to this loooooong ago! No more sneaking devised into their rooms after lights out. And the kids had a sleepover Friday, and I added their friend’s device on the app as a guest so I could turn that off too!”
Lizzie also discussed how xFinity xFi is helping manage content for her children, “Xfinity xFi gives you visibility into all the devices connected in your home Wi-Fi network. Now we can organize, monitor, and set up parental controls to automate screen time rules in the house and it literally took us five minutes to set up. I’m very pleased and feel a bit more in control now.”
Kansas City Mom Collective contributor, Claire, shared that after the event she was grateful for the guardrails and monitoring the Xfinity xFi platform offers from Comcast. “We can put our children’s device on a schedule through the Xfinity app so they can’t be online in the middle of the night. We can also see what other apps they’re using the most and set limits.”
After learning about the Xfinity xFi safety features, Claire said she realizes more than ever the importance of modeling healthy screen habits, and that they are a work in progress. “As parents concerned about screen time, I was thrilled to learn how we can “pause” internet access on select devices, set a schedule for access, and see usage amounts. All with xFinity xFi from our phones!” Claire added, “While our kids are young, we want to set clear parameters and expectations so the road ahead (phones, social media, etc.) is less daunting for all of us.”
Megan, another Kansas City Mom Collective Contributor, was impressed by the way each mom who attended the event had the same feelings of helplessness and frustration when it comes to navigating screen time usage. “The best thing I heard within this discussion, and something I so needed to hear, was that no matter what, we, as moms, are navigating a new territory of parenting that no one has ever navigated before. Never. Ever. Ever. No one,” Megan added, “We are teaching, working, living, adapting, and doing the absolute best we can. No one has been through what we’re all going through right now. So, despite what your family rules look like, just know you are doing an incredible job! “
If you are an Xfinity Internet subscriber with an Xfinity xFi Gateway, you can access the xFi experience at no additional cost through the Xfinity app or the xFi website. To learn more about Xfinity xFi and screen time safety options, please click here. Or please visit the Xfinity store at Olathe Station at 15305 W 119th St. or the Independence Xfinity store at 18701 East 39th St.