Parental Controls


First off, what is a parental control? It can be settings on your computer that restrict access to certain websites, or it can be special software. Some of these controls can be used to restrict the hours and length of time your computer can be used. It is a mind-numbing array of products, and if you have curious offspring you need to do your part.

Parents, how do you control what other members of your household do when you are not around to supervise? How do you protect not only them but your computer as well? Did you know that most responsible webmasters take the time to either list their sites with rating services like the ICRA or add special tags so that you can block their sites from those tender eyes? All of my sites are clearly labeled both on the index page where you can see them as well as in the meta tags where browsers can see them. Additionally, I have added my domains to any warning lists possible. It really is simple - minors don't have credit cards! I don't want them on my sites because they can't click through to the sponsors that keep this domain online! That, and it isn't up to me to decide what is appropriate for your offsprint.

From here on, it is your turn to take control. First off, take the time to get to know the settings built right into your web browsers (that's that thing you click on to get to the Internet, you know, what you are using right now.) It doesn't matter what operating system your computer uses, there are settings that you can control and lock everyone else out of. These are free, and can be very powerful if done right.

Here's a very good article from Microsoft about parental controls and how to set them up. Basically, the idea is you will password protect your own account and give everyone else their own accounts. You can then assign privileges to them, or restrict the hours, sites, and even files on the computer that they can access.

Another great FREE tool is the Parental Control Bar. This easy-to-install addon works with most browsers and can save a lot of grief.

What about software? There are lots of products on the market, some better than others. Number one in anyone's book has to be NetNanny/Content Watch. You can easily control access as well as do time management. Very powerful, and very reasonable. CyberPatrol is a good second choice. Lots of features, but it takes a little more skill to use. This is a good one to block applications from prying eyes. CyberSitter is another popular one.

Here are some more great links that will give you no-nonsense information:

A lot of this is common sense. When you access the Internet, you are entering a world of strangers. Some will do no harm to anyone, and others are looking for ways to steal your money, identity, or peace of mind. Before you turn anyone loose, consider a cardinal rules:

  • Learn how to fine-tune your built-in parental controls

  • Give each member of your household their own account to use when accessing the Internet

  • Talk to the younger members of your household about predators

  • Keep the computers in a public place in your home

  • Restrict the length of time, hours of the day, and sites minors can visit

  • Establish firm rules about what instant messenger services they can use, and what kind of information they can give out

  • Teach them to let you know when they come across something that makes them feel uncomfortable, be it in a chat room, an instant message, or website

  • Never ever give out personal information of any kind - phone numbers, addressess, PASSWORDS, pictures

Hopefully, this will help a few make sense of this new-fangled beast. Thank you for reading this far. Please use your backbutton to go back to the page that sent you here.