One issue that must be decided by concerned parents desiring to protect their children on the net from potentially harmful content is the method of protection. Some prefer content that is filtered by their ISP, preventing possibly harmful information from reaching their computers. Others prefer having software installed on their computers that filter material as it is loaded, and which the parent can control. Many parents intentionally do not use filtered service or parental control software, but instead prefer to either monitor their kids’ access, or teach their children proper online behavior and safety. Some believe that children should not have internet access in private places, such as in the child’s bedroom, and that access should only be in an “open” place such as a living room or den. As usual, there is no “one best” solution. To many, there may also be no better solution then education, awareness and common sense.

Some of the most popular software programs are available (linked) for download at www.eonet.net/netwatch.htm. The local “Tucows” mirror site at tucows.exp.net/parent95.html lists 20 Windows parental control programs that are available for download. The Tucows link for Macintosh computers lists two Mac specific programs. According to sales rankings, the most popular retail software programs are Surf Watch (www.surfwatch.com), Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com), Cyber Sitter (www.cybersitter.com), Cyber Patrol (www.microsys.com), and N2H2 (www.n2h2.com). The sales figures do not necessarily reflect sales to home users, as most of the software is available in versions for schools, libraries, and businesses, as well as for home use.

Many of the software products, such as those listed on Tucows, have trial versions available for download, or are “try before you buy” shareware products. There are several factors to consider before purchasing filtering software. Some of these factors are initial cost, monthly or annual fees, availability of updates, quality and types of control, and program flexibility and security. A few programs are inexpensive or “free”, but have monthly charges that can be substantial over time. Others, once purchased, offer updates and upgrades for life. Some allow for the parents to set password restricted levels of control for different ages of children as well as unrestricted access for the adults in the family. Some provide for political, social, and religious filtering, while others filter primarily for sexual content. Many restrict the use of popular chat utilities such as IRC, ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, and Microsoft Messenger, while others allow limited and controlled access. Some filter adult content in email. Any parent who utilizes such software on their home computers needs to know explicitly what the software (or filtering service) allows to pass through, and what is blocked.

While there are many controversies about filtered internet service and software in public places, such as libraries and schools, there are also issues about such filtering in the home. A common argument, now made somewhat moot by recent software updates, is the restriction of access for innocent or legitimate terms, such as “breast cancer” or recipes for “chicken breast”. Some software filters sites containing illnesses and diseases, such as AIDS, or STDs. Legitimate local community service organizations, such as the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center may find that their very helpful websites are unavailable to many utilizing filters because of the terms “rape” and “suicide” in the title. Controversial topics commonly in the news, such as “abortion”, and news about pedophile religious leaders may not be available. Other political, historical, and social issues may be inaccessible, unless the parent relaxes the limitations provided by the software. In some cases, school assignments may be made more difficult as useful sites are blocked.

Another well-documented situation is that filtering software often gives the parent a false sense of security, and is used instead of parental involvement and communication with their children. Many of today’s kids are far more computer literate than their parents are. There are many anecdotal cases of parents installing quality filtering software, and feeling that they are protecting their children from the evils of the net, only to have their computer knowledgeable kids deactivating the software.

In most cases, the net today is a necessary utility for educational purposes; totally refusing net access is often counterproductive, and detrimental to legitimate education. It is also the responsibility of parents to educate their minor children in proper net safety, and utilize whatever tools are necessary to feel safe, and make their kids net-safe. There is also no good substitute for a concerned and informed parent.

For more information on the Tulsa Computer Society click here