As will always be true, the most effective method of getting comfortable with your child's Internet access is to guide them as a parent. No other human being except you knows best what is and what isn't appropriate for them. By using your parenting skills (either one of you can teach the other), you can instill in them the values that you want them to use when selecting material in the Internet , or on television, radio, or other media. Stay in close touch. Be there when they stumble, and let go when it's time. The respect built between you and your child will function when no one is around, and you will survive software upgrades, changing web sites, and other unpredictable events.
Privacy Statement
Be sure the sites with whom you interact have a published Privacy Policy on their web site!
More Questions?
If you would like help finding good sites for kids, or you are looking for information about child protection tools, a glossary, or other resources for parents, try GetNetWise or SafeKids.com or SafeTeens.com
Parent-Controlled Filtering and Monitoring Software
Listed below some available software options for blocking, filtering, and/or monitoring Internet use. IUSD offers this list as a service to parents and intends no endorsement of these products.
Cyber Patrol allows parents to select categories of sites to be blocked, or to permit contact to pre-approved sites only. Time management and ChatGard features are also included.
Cybersitter can run in a stealth mode so your kids don't notice it's there.
Cyber Snoop monitors and logs any Web, FTP, e-mail, chat and newsgroup activity. Lists of blocked sites can be imported, viewed and edited.
Resources for Parents
Feeling overwhelmed trying to keep on top of all the potential dangers of the Internet? Listed below are some sites to help you stay abreast of the current issues. IUSD offers this list as a service to parents and intends no endorsement of these sites or products.
Cyber Patrol
Cybersitter
Cyber Snoop