Kids and the Internet

Last updated on June 26, 1996

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Censorship issues aside, you may want control over what your children see and hear on the Internet. By now, you've probably already heard or read of some of the horror stories about kids getting hurt through the Internet. Remember that they are the exception, not the rule. The vast bulk of information available on the Internet is perfectly wholesome and educational. Try Uncle Bob's Kids' Page for some outstanding examples.

Most Internet service providers do not restrict user access to the nastier spots on the Net in any way. Nor will they take responsibility for what happens if one of your kids stumbles into one. It is not reasonable for you to expect them to do so. Parents teach, govern behavior, mold beliefs and build character in their children, not the Internet. There is really little there that can harm them, anyway, if they have been well-prepared. You might even consider looking for some mildly offensive site like -

• The Booger Page

  or

• Hooters Magazine - The Girls of Hooters

  or

• The Jihad To Destroy Barney on the Worldwide Web

- for example, and discuss what it is you find offensive about them with your kids.

There are commercially available filters that you can buy and install on your PC that will automatically prevent access to the nastier places on the Net. Some allow you to configure the filter parameters for obscene or offensive materials.

Here are a few Internet filters:

• CyberPatrol

• CyberSitter

• SurfWatch

• NetNanny

And stop by at this page - Child Safety on the Information Highway by Lawrence J. Magid. An excellent resource for parents.

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