Types of Websites to Include in Your Internet Filter
Internet filtering tools have become a "must have" in your PC if you are going to keep your child safe online. If you are a parent, you know that inappropriate material and potentially dangerous websites are available in excess on the Internet. Just as you would protect your child from dangers and predators on the street, you need to protect your child on the Internet. Let's take a look at some of the types of websites you should be including in your Internet filter and parental controls.
Website Content to Include in Your Internet Filter
Violence: There are websites that promote violence and hate crimes and some of these websites provide instructions on how to commit the perfect crime. Some of these sites also teach young people that an act of violence is okay and will allow your child to interact with others that have committed acts of violence.
Weapon Sites: There is a wide variety of websites that encourage the use of weapons and provide information on how to obtain them. Additionally there are websites that provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a bomb or perform acts of cyber-terrorism.
Pornography: Although it is almost impossible to block every piece of pornographic material online, a good Internet filter will block websites that promote pornographic material. Keep in mind that pornography can still appear through pop-ups and unsolicited email in free email accounts, but adding websites with this type of content to your filter will reduce the chances of your child visiting an inappropriate site.
Instant Messaging: Instant Messaging is a primary tool that online predators use to eavesdrop on conversations and disguise themselves as someone they are not. You can filter out Instant Messaging programs altogether or monitor how your child is using IM for communication.
Websites That Encourage Drug Use: There is a host of sites on the Internet that will explain how to obtain drugs and provide instructions on how to use drugs once they are in your child's hands.
Specific Game Sites: Many of the online games contain objectionable and violent content and are offered free just for the asking. In addition, many of these websites have an online chat feature where predators can disguise themselves as a child by talking about game rules and strategies with other children on the site.
Social Networking Websites: Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are loaded with online predators. If you do not want to completely block your child from socializing with their friends, at least talk to them about the importance of keeping their page private.
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