Technological Tools

Many tools are available to control where children go online, and what they do there. This section looks at some options for your home computer as well as server-based tools offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Before looking at these tools, it's important to understand their limitations. Filters and blockers can be helpful but there are disadvantages to relying on technology to protect children while on the Net. Filters often fail to block inappropriate content, and sometimes block useful information.

When your children are still young, these tools can complement - not replace - parental supervision and involvement. As your kids become older, they need to develop safe and responsible online behaviour. Parents and teachers are best able to teach kids how to stay safe online.

That said, options available to parents include computer-based tools and server-based services.

Computer-based tools
Server-based services
Resources for choosing the right tool

Computer-based tools

These software programs are loaded onto your home computer, and configured for your needs. With your supervision, they can help create a safer "surfing" environment for your children - whether they are using the Web, chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail, file-sharing programs or a combination.

Browsers

The browser Internet Explorer (IE) uses a system called "Content Advisor" to filter inappropriate content. Parents can create lists of approved Web sites and ones that should be blocked. "Content Advisor" also works with Internet rating systems to filter out inappropriate material by allowing users to set levels for language, nudity, sex and violence. (Many Web sites voluntarily rate their content through an Internet rating system, the most common being the Internet Content Ratings Association (ICRA) system.)

Internet Explorer also allows you to set the system to block all unrated sites.

To find out how to activate and use this system, select "Tools" on your toolbar and click on "Internet Options." Click on "Content" and "Enable" to view your settings.

Kid-friendly browsers

Kid-friendly browsers enable parents to choose which sites their kids can visit on the Net - and in some cases, even which programs they can access on the computer. Most browsers for kids allow safe access to e-mail, chat rooms, bulletin boards and instant messaging. Prices for these browsers vary: some are free; some require a one-time purchase price; and others charge a monthly subscription fee.

For information on available kid-friendly browsers, see the GetNetWise Web site.

Filtering and blocking software

Parents can choose from a variety of filtering and blocking software to help them control Internet content, access and activities. Some of the most commonly offered functions are:

• Blocking inappropriate content
  Software filters look for a number of things when blocking content: key words, originating server, a site's URL, even the amount of skin in the images on the page.
  
  It is best to have a tool that uses a variety of techniques to block content rather than just key words - technologies cannot discriminate between unsuitable sites and innocent ones. For example, many popular filters block Dykes Medical Library because the word "dyke" is slang for lesbian.
  
  Filtering software is often ineffective with file-sharing or downloading programs. File-sharing networks are used to trade pornography because users can download directly from individual computers rather than having to go through a central server. Check to see if the filter you use works with file-sharing programs - some now do. Also, some file-sharing programs offer built-in filtering that you can set to block sexually explicit material.
  
  For a list of filters that work with file-sharing programs, visit the GetNetWise Web site.
  
  
• Blocking or controlling access to various activities (e.g. using chat rooms, e-mail, newsgroups and instant messaging)
  Parents can choose to block access to all areas, or allow access only to certain monitored environments.
  
  
• Monitoring computer use or Internet access
  Many tools allow parents to track what kids do online, such as what sites are visited, and which activities (e.g. games) are engaged in, and for how long. As your kids get older it is preferable to have open communication about their Internet use and clear rules about appropriate online behaviour rather than using technology to invade their privacy.
  
  
• Preventing the transmission of personal information
  You can program some software to recognize personal data, so if your child tries to type in personal information, all that appears is a row of X's or asterisks (*'s).

Tips:

Consider the following points when choosing a filtering tool for your computer:

• Does it have the features you want? Does it offer the right type of protection for your family?
  
  
• Will the software work with your computer? Consider the platform (Windows, Mac) and the space available on your hard drive, as well as how easy it is to install.
  
  
• Is the filtering tool compatible with your ISP's system?
  
  
• Is the software a one-time expense, or will it require subscriptions and ongoing updating fees?
  
  
• Which criteria determine what sites or content are blocked? Make sure these match your values.
  
  
• Does the manufacturer make its list of blocked sites available to the public?

Server-based services

Server-based tools, which reside on computers or the ISP's servers, offer parents considerable security. Some of these tools allow users to control where their kids can go on the Internet, and what they can do there. Others provide access to environments that simulate the Internet, with features such as e-mail, chat rooms and Web sites - but do not allow kids access to the real Internet.

ISP parental controls

Many ISPs - companies that provide access to the Internet and its services (e-mail, newsgroups, chat rooms, World Wide Web) - now offer parental controls. Check with your ISP to find out if it offers filtered Internet access. Ask what criteria it uses to block sites.

Closed online services for kids

A closed online service offers Internet environments (e-mail, newsgroups, chat rooms, Web sites) while never allowing users to actually be on the Internet. It is like a gated community, giving paid subscribers a private version of the Internet - with real Web sites "mirrored" on a closed server. These services give parents complete control over their children's online experiences and activities.

Resources for choosing the right tool

Internet Service Providers

Your ISP can be a valuable resource for controlling your kids' Internet access. Ask what options it offers.

Computer shops

Most computer stores carry blocking and filtering software. Ask staff to explain the differences between various types of software, and to give you some installation tips.

Web sites

• Consumer Search: This site compiles filtering software reviews from various sources, including Consumer Reports, PC Magazine and Smart Computing.
  
  
• GetNetWise: This U.S.-based site has a comprehensive database of information on filtering, blocking and monitoring products and kid-friendly browsers.