Parental Controls – Using Internet Filter Software to Stay Safe
You are likely already aware that Internet filters, also known as parental controls or parental control software, are used to help protect children from the dangers they can be exposed to online. You also can no longer avoid hearing in the news about tragedies resulting from online encounters or illegal content being made available to anyone with an Internet connection. This is not because of a lack of awareness or because parents do not think it is important. So what is the reason that most parents have not yet installed what is a low cost, easy way to help protect their families?
 So what if they see a Playboy bunny!
Donâ??t be naïve. This is not about accidentally seeing a topless woman in a mainstream, legal pornography magazine. While only a few years ago, Parental Control software may have been used only by the most conservative of parents who were concerned about their children being exposed to any nudity and other inappropriate content, today, there is much more than that to be concerned about online. Anyone with an Internet connection and a digital camera can upload text, images and video to the Internet today and unlike television, there is no official body that can control what gets online. There is complete chaos and an increasing amount of offensive, potentially harmful content available. â??I walked in on my 10 year and caught him watching porn on YouTube,â? commented one father. â??I did not even know that itâ??s legal or possible to show x-rated videos on YouTube!â?
Porn is only one of the problems
For some people, the Internet almost became synonymous with pornography. And many are not aware of the multitude of dangers that exist online. Your kids are Internet savvy, probably much more so than you. They donâ??t just browse through websites. They play, download, meet new people, etc. Each interaction online can be problematic. Most teens think that if they can download the latest movies and music, it must be ok. As a parent, you need to realize that you could end up with a lawsuit on your hands from a major movie studio or recording studio! Parental controls allow you to control what can be downloaded onto your computer. Furthermore, you need to be concerned about files with viruses and Trojan horses. Kids donâ??t things about the ramifications of a computer virus, they want free music now.
Another helpful feature of good parental controls is a time control mechanism. This is a feature that allows you to preset an exact schedule of time allowed online. The Internet will automatically disconnect according to the schedule you set, giving you better management over the amount of time your kids are online and when your kids are online. Â
But my children are responsible
Even responsible kids need your guidance on the Internet. The most important thing you can do when it comes to online safety is to teach your kids to be responsible for the way they behave online. But unfortunately, there are some things they can not be responsible or prepared for. In chat, instant messaging and social networking, there are no rules. As responsible as any child or teen may be, anyone can be manipulated into releasing personal details or trusting a stranger who should not be trusted. Parental Controls can help mitigate those risks. You can block the use of problematic programs, limit time on programs or even block certain types of details from being released (address, telephone, etc.). There are always more sophisticated ways being though of to trick us â?? stealing online identities, creating fake web sites that look like sites we use and trust, emails that trick us into revealing information without thinking . . .
The best protection is to take precautions. For a minimal investment, you can get a good Internet filter and help keep your family safe. Itâ??s an effort worth making.
WebWhile” target=”_blank”>www.webwhile.com”>WebWhile is an Israel based Internet marketing consultant firm with a special orientation to achieving results. For information about how we help companies reach their online goals using SEO, online campaigns, guerilla marketing, online business development and more, visit us online.
Tags: Controls, Filter, Internet, Parental, Safe, Software, Stay, Using