Sentry Parental Controls is a group of content-control software that logs, notifies and blocks Internet content that may be unsuitable for children. The software is owned by SearchHelp Inc. (OTCBB: SHLP).[1] The company conducts survey research of parental concerns over Internet use.[2][3] In 2008 its software packages comprised Sentry At Home and Sentry Remote. Sentry Predator Locator was discontinued in December 2007.[2]
In common with other software of this type, it provides parental controls for the safer use of web browsers, instant messaging, file transfers and other applications through a web-based control panel and updates on the child's computer with real-time protection. The parent can log into this control panel from any computer with the option to allow or block certain words, phrases, URLs and categories of inappropriate content.
The software was endorsed by American football player Drew Bledsoe in January 2008 as part of the "Parenting With Dignity" program.[4] Sentry Parental Controls - UK was launched on April 8, 2008. Coleen Nolan from Loose Women virally launched the software[5] and it was soon mentioned as a "Must Have" by The Daily Telegraph.[6] The company became a member of the Internet Watch Foundation in September 2008.[7] As of October 2008, it was in use by 30,000 parents in the US.[8]