Parenting today isn’t easy, especially where technology is concerned. It seems that as soon as we put protections into place another threat to our children pops up. Or, after all we’ve done to protect them, they just don not get onboard with the program and mis-use technology. They can even become obsessed or addicted to it. When that happens, you need to secure your kids’ devices.
Fortunately there is a great way to do that: LOCK ‘EM AWAY.
I recently discovered several devices on Amazon that should help you secure your kids’ devices. They are the ySKY lock boxes with electronic timers. ySky currently has three lock boxes available:
- Locker 01: Smart Phone Timer Lock Box
- Locker 02: Timer Lock Box for Tablets/Phones
- Locker 03: Smart Phone Lock Box with Timer (smaller than Locker 01)
Let’s take a look at how these secure your kids’ devices!
LOCKER 01 for Smart Phones
Features
Locker 01 is a plastic assembly that holds a single smart phone. You can charge the phone while locked up through the holes in the bottom using either USB-C or Apple Lightning cables. A full charge takes about 4 hours. This allows the lock box to function for 30 days.
The lock controls allow the user to lock a phone up for up to 100 hours, or a little over 4 days. The time is set using two sets up simple up/down buttons. One set if for hours and the other set is for minutes. Once you push the LOCK button it will begin a 10-second countdown until it locks. This allows you to have second thoughts, or remember something you forgot, when you secure your kids’ devices in it.
Uses
From my experimentation with this lock box there are two uses that stand out:
- Securing your kids’ devices with a partial lock down. This is accomplished by putting the phone in the case with the face up. This way you can partially use the phone through the holes in the cover. The lower hole, shaped like an upside-down “T”, allows you to answer the phone if needed while the upper two holes provide limited access.
- Putting the phone in a full lock down by placing it in the box face down.
In either case, you can plus in a charging cable or use earphones connected through the hole in the case. The phone can also be used for emergency calling via the earphones of SIRI/HEY GOOGLE. The box cover is clear enough to clearly see the screen.
LOCKER 02 for Tablets or Multiple Phones
Features
Locker 02 is similar to Locker 01 except that it is big enough to hold most tablets or multiple phones. The body of the box has holes allow charging a tablet of up to three phones while they are locked up. Unlike Locker 01 it can only be charged using a USB-C cable. A full charge takes about 2.5 hours. The battery is much larger than Locker 01, allowing the lock box to function for 80 days and to stand by for 140 days. It can hold up to an 11-inch iPad®. There are holes in the case on two sides for charging cables.
The lock controls are the same and allow the user to lock up a tablet, multiple phones, or other items for up to 100 hours. Locker 02 uses the same button system as Locker 01. Once you push the LOCK button it also will begin a 10-second countdown until it locks allowing you to have second thought, or remember something you forgot.
Access holes in the cover allow access only to the lower part of up to three phones in order to answer/reject calls. The cover, unlike Locker 01, is frosted, preventing the screens from being clearly seen. This might prevent arguments of multiple children have phones in the box.
Uses
From my experimentation with this lock box there a number of ways you can use this lock box. Here are a couple.
- Securing your kids’ devices, be they tablets or phones. with it’s greater capacity you can use it for locking away multiple children’s devices. It is thicker than LOCKER 01 and can hold phones on top of the tablet, depending on the thickness of the tablet. With the frosted cover there is no need to place the devices face down.
- Due to it’s increased size you can also use it to lock up other items such as wallets, small books/magazines, vaping/smoking materials, candy, and such. What? Why all those materials that children shouldn’t use at all? Keep reading!
LOCKER 03 for Smart Phones
(Note: Locker 03 was not purchased & tested. The review is based on the product’s web site and it’s similarities with Lockers 01 & 02)
Features
Locker 03 is similar to Locker 01 but is much smaller and sleeker. It can handle phones up to 6.7 inches, diagonally, with case. It cannot handle phones that fold or that have bulky cases. Like Locker 01 it can be charged using either a USB-C or Apple Lightning cables. It has an improved battery that reaches full charge in 2hours. This allows the lock box to function for 50 days.
The lock controls allow the user to lock a phone up for up to 100 hours, or a little over 4 days. The time is set using two sets up simple up/down buttons. One set if for hours and the other set is for minutes. Once you push the LOCK button it will begin a 10-second countdown until it locks. This allows you to have second thoughts, or remember something you forgot, when you secure your kids’ devices in it.
Uses
The uses are the same as for Locker 01. The difference is that the sleeker design and smaller size might work better when traveling. Provided, of course, your child’s devices fits. Be sure to measure before buying.
Adult Uses for Lock Boxes
My discussion for Locker 02 mentioned items and materials that children should not be using. Instead, locking these items away would be good for adults. Here are a number of ways lock boxes are useful in the adult world to help adults better manage time, or overcome bad habits.
- Like for children, adults can use these boxes to get offline for a while without the temptation of the phone/tablet.
- You can lock away credit cards to restrict their use.
- You can lock away keys or wallets to keep you at home if you have time or money management issues.
One young man I know, who is off in another city getting very intense training for a new job, bought a lock box to use to counter the temptations to play on his Nintendo Switch during the week. He lets the switch out on Saturdays as a reward. This “young man” is in his 30’s and understands temptations!
- Lock phones away overnight to help get better sleep. (Remember, you CAN answer them while locked up).
- Lock phones/devices away to improve relationships with spouses and children.
- Lock cigarettes/vaping devices away as part of a smoking cessation effort.
- Watching too much TV? Lock up the remote!
- Locking up snacks for a while.
Conclusions
These types of lock boxes are another worthwhile tool for families to use to manage their technology use, as well as in other aspects of life. As always, you need to well research whatever lock boxes you wish to use before purchasing them to secure your kids’ devices.
Here are links on Amazon for these and a couple of similar devices that were not reviewed:
Locker 01
Locker 02
Locker 03
Mindsight Timed Lock Box (Fits Nintendo Switch and other handheld game devices)
Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container
You can always just do a search for “timed lock box” on Amazon, Etsy, or other sites, online. There is a HUGE selection to choose from.
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