Family Zone FAQ

Will the Family Zone box slow down the internet?

No. Family Zone uses an innovative ‘fast filtering technology’ on the Home Networking service. The effect of the Family Zone filters should be imperceptible to most users. Family Zone also by default does not block or track adult users. The Box includes an Unfiltered WiFi network so adults, media devices or whatever else you choose can be easily set to bypass security entirely.

Will it block adult internet use or Netflix?

Only if you want it to. Adults are assigned an Adult Profile by default. This profile has relaxed policy settings. The box also offers an Unfiltered WiFi network which can be used to bypass the security entirely.

Can I control my kid's access to social media sites like Facebook and Snapchat?

Yes. You can choose and block the sites and apps you don’t want your kids to access. It works with most of the popular social media sites, including Instagram, KIK, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook. You can selectively choose access levels, and apply different settings for younger or older kids.

How much does it cost?

The Southern Phone Kids Safe Bundle costs only $99 per month. This includes:
- Unlimited NBN or ADSL broadband

- Unlimited local, national and calls to mobiles

- Modem & Family Zone Wi-Fi Box

- Family Zone app for 3 family members on up to 6 Devices (eg. computers, laptops, consoles, tablets, mobiles etc) outside the home

- Unlimited devices connected over WiFi

 We also highly recommend accessing the services of our recommended Cyber Experts - independent leading professionals we have partnered with who are able to create age-appropriate settings for your family and continuously ensure these are kept up to date. This costs as little as AU$2.95 per month. 

Is it complex or hard to set-up?

No. You don’t need to be a technology genius to get up and running. Generally, it’s as easy as plugging the Family Zone Box into your Southern Phone modem router. Then, you just need to get your home computers and devices onto the Family Zone WiFi network - the same as you would joining any WiFi network. If you have any trouble setting up your bundle our Australian based technical support team can help guide you through the process. Once you’re connected, you can choose recommended settings created by a Cyber Expert - professionals who keep up to date with technology, apps and online risks, so that you don’t have to!

Can it control how much time my kids spend online?

Yes. Each member of your family has a routine. This is the times of the day which are classified as sleep, school, study and play time. Internet access settings are different for each of these routine times. You can quickly change these routines to the nearest 15 minutes allowing you to tailor internet access to your family’s needs.

Will it work with technology at school?

Yes. the technology has been designed to work in harmony with school technologies. In fact, this innovative cybersecurity platform has been chosen by 180 of Australia's premier schools. 

How does it work?

The technology works in two ways. Firstly, at home, there’s the Family Zone Box that is connected to your WiFi modem. This effectively filters internet content and ensures that all devices on the network are safe and protected online. Secondly, for when kids are out-and-about on their smart devices, there’s a mobile app which is consistent with the settings they have at home. You control it all using the Family Zone portal - which is simply a website where you manage all of your devices, settings and family members.

Can kids bypass or uninstall the security on their devices?

If using the Family Zone Box at home (home networking) it’s unlikely they can unless they access your old WiFi network. So when implementing the Family Zone you should remove your child’s access to other home WiFi networks.

If out-and-about on a smart device that is being protected by the Family Zone App, and a child deletes the App they’ll be disconnected from the internet and you’ll be quickly alerted. There are more sophisticated ways kids may try to hack or violate the App or the device’s operating system. These can typically be detected and you will be notified.