Blocking software allows the parents to block "bad" sites from reaching their kids and many also allow parents to designate "good" sites and only grant access to sites on the "good" sites list. Software packages with blocking capabilities usually have a list of predetermined "bad" sites and may charge a monthly service fee to get the updated lists. If you go this route, be sure to pick a package that also gives you the ability to add to or customize the "bad" site list. There is also blocking software that prevents children from sharing personal information (address,phone number)with someone over the internet. This can be helpful when your children start using chat rooms to protect them from sharing personal information with online predators.

Filtering software works off of a list of keywords (i.e. sex) to block sites. Because it is very difficult for even the best software programs to keep up with the multitude of sites being added everyday, filtering works as a backup to the blocking function to prevent any "bad" sights sneaking through to the kids. The keywords are pre-set in the software and like the blocking option be sure to choose a software package that allows parents to customize the keyword list.

Monitoring and tracking software is a tool that allows parents to keep track of everything the kids are doing on line including reading emails, instant messages, seeing which websites have been visited, and how long the kids have been on-line. Some software packages even allow parents to control at which times of day and for how long kids can be on the computer. This can be helpful for parents who work outside the home and whose kids are home alone after school. It is important to note that these monitoring and tracking tools (if purchased in a stand alone package) don't prevent kids from visiting certain sites, they just tell parents where they have been and for how long.

Kid Search Engines Also available to parents are search engines designed specifically for kids. The search engines only access "safe" websites and materials. These search engines are okay, but only until your kids learn how to type in a new address in the address bar. There is nothing built into these search engines to prevent them from doing this.

Kid Browsers Kid browsers are web browsers designed for children to use in place of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. They are very kid friendly and filter out unacceptable sites. A couple of good ones I have found are the Children's Internet and KidRocket.org. Children's Internet charges $9.95 per month whereas KidRocket.org though more limited is available through a donation of your choice. Kid browsers are geared more toward younger kids (ages 3 – 10) and older kids may find this type of browsers "babyish".

Resources for Parents

You should visit CommonSenseMedia.org. They are an independent organization that reviews and rates websites, TV shows, video games, movies, books, and songs for appropriateness for kids. They also allow parents and kids to provide reviews as well. It is a good resource if you want to hear what other people have to say about a website your child is visiting.

Our Solution

After all my research, we have decided that for now to just set up a few rules and monitor her on-line activities ourselves by reviewing the history in her browser address bar and checking the emails she receives and sends. As she gets older and her web surfing and internet activities (instant messaging and chat rooms) more sophisticated, we will have to consider more, but for now we think this is enough.

For additional information on specific software recommendations and ISP controls, visit us at www.familieswithpurpose.com/internetcontrols.html

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