Protect Your Kids Online With Filtering Software

Nearly 90-percent of children ages 8 to 16 have seen inappropriate images or other content on the Internet. Many children stumble upon it as a result of conducting research for homework. With disturbing numbers of child predators, inappropriate websites and other harmful online risks, protecting your children’s online activity is a must.

In my opinion, the most important rule for protecting children online is communication: discuss what your child is doing online and why; set rules and establish expectations; talk frequently about appropriate online behavior and role model safe internet habits for your child to emulate.

In addition to establishing rules and communicating to keep kids safe online, you can supplement your child’s online safety by using child protection software, which offers internet filtering, social media monitoring and other parental controls that work to establish appropriate online behavior and protection children from inappropriate content.

There are many types of child protection software available, but whichever you choose should offer these benefits:

1. Blocks “Mature” Games. There is a plethora of free online games and all it takes is a quick search to find games to play. Select filtering software that scans online games for its ESRB ratings, which is like movies ratings but for computer games. If the game isn’t kid-friendly based on its rating, the game can be blocked automatically by the software.

2. Filters Facebook and Other Social Media Sites. If a parent is concerned about his child’s online “friends,” be sure to purchase software that is able to filter Facebook and report on the child’s friends, shares what pictures and videos are being viewed, and records Facebook Instant Message conversations.

3. Prevents Proxy Sites From Working. Content filters work by making a “blacklist” of sites that cannot be visited online. If one tries to type in a blacklisted website address, the page will not open. However, one way to circumvent this is through the use of a proxy server. Proxy Server web addresses are usually content neutral, so users can go there without flagging the blacklist system. Once in, your child can navigate to their original blacklisted site. Provide additional protection for your child by selecting software that blocks both proxy server entries and the inappropriate website itself.

4. Keeps Parents Informed. If your child is trying to gain access to material or websites that have been blocked, a parent may want to be notified. Many filtering software apps will send an e-mail notification to the parents. The notification can serve as an opportunity for parents and children to discuss appropriate online behavior and expectations.

While the Internet offers a host of educational materials, games and social connections, it can also pose a risk to children. Communicating frequently about expectations for Internet usage will help establish safe surfing habits, but it is also a good idea to provide additional protection for children by using filtering software to minimize exposure to inappropriate material online. For recommendations on specific software, contact Gaeltek at info@gaeltek.com.