First stop, ideally way before you kid gets computer savvy, is good parental control software.

Basically, this type of software is a filter, which allows you to restrict access to, or time spent on, the internet. And the better the software programme, the more flexibility it will give you over the filter options.

First up, the parental software will allow you to block any access to pornography. This can be achieved by a single filter.

You can then nominate other categories from a list which can be automatically filtered, or you can provide the software with a number of keywords, or actual web-site addresses. These two last facilities allow you to be quite specific about what you don’t want your kids to view.

Another option is to block access to a file-sharing programme, or an instant messaging service, but still leave the user free to surf the net using an accepted web browser.

A popular option is to limit the time, or control the exact period of access, to the Internet. This is especially useful if you feel your offspring are spending too long on the surfing whilst they should actually be doing their homework, or chores. And what’s better, you can set the programme to specify the periods when Internet access can be allowed, or denied.

And what might worry the kids most of all, is a good parental control software programme will actually create a log of attempts to surf, what sites have been visited (both successfully and not) and check the content of instant messaging services.

Filtering can also be usually set from user to user, so a number of parameters can be set for different individuals. So with five kids all at different ages, conditions can be set for what each child can access and how much time they are allowed on their computer.

In short, the parental control software is a very powerful tool for keeping skids safe.

Popular makes are NetNanny, Content Protect and CYBERsitter.

Parental Control Software – Recap

• filter which allows control of access to and time spent on internet;
• pick categories to deny access;
• controls access time;
• creates logs of attempts to access sites;
• many popular makes.