Internet Lifeguard:

Lifeguard Tools for Surfing Safe

There are many filtering programs and browsers that empower parents to block the types of sites they consider to be inappropriate.

These programs work in different ways:

• Some block sites known to contain objectionable material.
• Some prevent users from entering certain types of information such as their name and address.
• Other programs keep your kids away from chat rooms or restrict their ability to send or read E-mail.

Generally the parent can configure these programs to block only the types of sites that the parent considers to be objectionable. 

Whether or not it is appropriate to use one of these programs is a personal decision.  If you do use such a program, you'll need to explain to your children why you feel it is necessary.  You should also be careful to choose a program whose criteria reflect your family's values.  Be sure to configure it so that it doesn't block sites that you want your children to be able to visit. 

It is important to realize that filtering programs cannot protect your child from all dangers on the Internet.  To begin with, no program can possibly block out every inappropriate site. What's more, it's possible, in some cases, for the programs to block sites that are appropriate.  If you use a filtering program, you should re-evaluate it periodically to make sure it's working for your family. 

Filtering programs are not a substitute for good judgment or critical thinking. With or without filters, kids and their parents need to be "net safe."

Information about various filtering programs can be found at: http://www.getnetwise.org/tools/

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