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The Internet is a most valuable communication system for obtaining
information, sending mail, and chatting with others with similar
interests. However, there are risks with using the Internet. Some
parents may wish to consider Internet filtering software as a method
of reducing the risks of their children being exposed to undesirable
material on the Internet.
This topic covers:
Use and limitations of Internet filtering software
There are a number of Internet filtering tools that parents can
use. However, such tools are not infallible, and must be supplemented
by parental vigilance. This is most easily achieved when children
use a web-connected computer in the family room, and not in their
private space. The three most commonly used varieties of Internet
filtering software are filters, labels and safe zones.
Filters
What are filters
- software programs that can be put on your own computer, or can
be made available through your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
What do they do
- block access to web sites, based either on a list of banned
sites, or on keywords or phrases.
- can stop search engines from searching for unsuitable topics
- may block access to newsgroups, chatrooms and email
- some can be set to control how much time your child spends on-line
- some offer the ability to shut down if certain sites are accessed.
How do they work
Some methods used by filtering software are:
- a "black list"-keeps a list of blocked sites and
allows access to all other sites
- a "white list"-keeps a list of sites that it is OK
to view
- category blocking-groups sites into categories, and allows access
or blocks according to the category (pornography, violence etc)
- graphics filters-block images, often relate to skin tones
- application blocking-allows or prevents access to specific applications
such as chat rooms etc
- word and phrase blocking-prevents specific words or phrases
being viewed
Labels
These tools attach labels to Internet sites. Your browser can
be set to read the labels and block access to certain web sites.
However, most web sites are unlabelled.
Safe zones
These are secure networks suitable for younger children, and are
separate from the rest of the Internet. Some filter tools have the option of a safe zone, which limits users to a list of 'good sites'. These are called ‘white list’ filters.
Tips for parents in choosing filters
The NetAlert site has a comparison table to help parents choose the most appropriate filter for their child. Parents may consider the following guidelines:
- for preschool children, consider using safe zones and other
good sites that you select
- for children under 7 years, use a filtering tool that blocks
access to newsgroups and chat rooms
- for older children, consider tools that filter access to chat
rooms, and prevent them giving out personal information
- new Internet users should consider choosing easy to install
tools that provide automatic free updates on lists of blocked
sites
- examine what sort of material the tool covers and the options
allowed for you to adjust what is blocked
- consider how often lists of blocked sites are updated and whether
updates are free and automatic
Where to get filtering software
Your Internet Service Provider is obliged to make some filtering
software available to you as part of the Internet
Industry Code of Practice
Free internet content filters are available from the Australian government NetAlert website
A range of filters are also listed on the Choice web site
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