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The Importance of Parental Control Software
by David S. McKone
Protecting children is the responsibility of every parent, and it's vital for them to keep up with the ever changing threats faced by children as they navigate the Internet.
Perhaps the most important tool to help with this is Parental Control software. This works by blocking access to web sites deemed to have content that may be unsuitable for children. When purchasing such filtering software, it is essential to make sure that the product can be fully customized. It is important to be able to modify the software not only to suit the age of the child, but to also selectively allow or block access to various web sites.
The importance of flexibility
Sometimes the web filtering software will block access to legitimate sites. Sites dealing with breast cancer, for example, may be inaccessible in an attempt to block sexually explicit material. It is important, therefore, that the software be flexible enough to allow access to legitimate sites whilst still blocking the inappropriate ones.
In addition to blocking inappropriate and adult oriented web sites, however, there are a number of other Parental Control considerations. One of the biggest threats faced by children on the Internet comes from the various chat rooms that populate the Internet. Whilst child friendly chat rooms and web sites can be a great way for children to explore the wider world, unfortunately they are also a gathering place for pedophiles and other criminals. It is vital, therefore, for all parents to keep track of what their children are doing online, and to talk to them about what is and what is not appropriate behavior on the Internet.
There are a number of excellent products that allow parents to monitor where their children go online. Some of these keep a log of all the web sites the child visits each day, and emails the parent a list of them. Other monitoring software goes even further to protect the child on the Internet, by recording transcripts of all instant messaging and chat room communications as well.
Which products are best?
Which product is the best form of Parental Control depends on the age of the child and the concerns of the parent. Parents who are concerned about inappropriate Internet activity on the part of their children should first discuss the issue honestly and openly. Sometimes an open and honest dialogue, especially with an older child or teenager, is the best way to get the desired results. A child who is comfortable enough to come to their parent with any concern will be at less risk than a child who is afraid of the repercussions.
It's also a good idea to keep the family computer in an open location, and not in the child's bedroom. Just as it's difficult to monitor what television programs children watch on their bedroom TVs, so it's very hard to tell where they are surfing on the PC if it's in their room. Keeping the PC in the living room or other common area where all family members can see it when they pass by, will help eliminate the temptation for children to use the Internet inappropriately.
It's not easy to protect children on the Internet, but Parental Control software is now an integral part of every parent's job. It takes a combination of technological savvy, common sense and open communication to keep kids safe from the bad stuff that lurks online.
About the Author
David McKone has been involved with network security for several years, providing secure networks for both small businesses and large corporate clients. Sign up for my free newsletter and receive my special report "Computer Security" absolutely free at http://www.securingyourcomputer.com