how to stop son from seeing unwanted websites

TheFaqqer

My router has settings on it that you can use to restrict access to sites. It might be worth looking at the router you are getting to see if you can do something there.

I'm with the earlier poster who said "three strikes and you're out"

-TangleFoot-

thomas01155 wrote:

You could put this on his laptop http://www.download.com/Naomi/3000-2162_4-10520304.html?tag=lst-3-2

Why not provide a direct link? No need for prospective users to wade through advertising then!

Aside from that, here's another one.

Astaroth

Photome.... how old is your son?

I assume that you are aware that with AOL after he has logged in with the AOL browser etc that he can then load up any other browser (like internet explorer) and see what ever he likes unless you have also setup parental controls on that?

Also, what are you not wanting him to see? !!!!!!? violence? swearing? horror? gambling? Labour Party propaganda?

Any system based filters will have easy ways round them... I think a hands on policing/ 3 strikes type method of ensuring they dont use the net for what you dont want them to but at the same time remember that they probably can see everything you said they shouldnt when they are at friends/ school/ internet cafe

superscaper

Astaroth wrote:

Labour Party propaganda?

Surely there is no such child that twisted and evil?

thekid_2

I might suggest that you set up the PC in a room where he can't hide what he's doing on the PC from you, like the main living room.

Keep his laptop there too.

As previously mentioned most filtering software has ways round it. especially for tech savvie kids these days. there's no problem finding any content they desire.

The best thing to do is provide adequate monitoring of his internet use. That's what I do with my kids, if they want on the internet I am on it with them(or at least in the room).

I wouldn't operate a 3 strikes and you're out rule, but I'd ensure that the content they viewed appropriate.

btk

Blacksheep1979

Why don't you every time you catch him viewing something unsavoury (Labour Party Propaganda etc) chop off one of his fingers - its a painful reminder that he has done wrong and after 10 strikes he won't even be able to view the unsavoury material anywhere.

Failing that then yes there are plenty of progs out there and or keep him somewhere public whilst browsing.

I think the 3 strikes and out only pushes the problem underground and you're less likely to catch him with something that is more serious than viewing naked women/men (whatever he prefers )

Wombat

I had problems with K9 (mentioned above) on one PC in that it would not obey the rules in the "whitelist" of safe websites. The authors weren't able to solve the problem, so I would recommend We-Blocker, which I found to be excellent although you must be prepared for a speed decrease in surfing etc. while the software examines what's being viewed/downloaded.

http://www.download.com/Safe-Families-We-Blocker-Parental-Control/3000-2162_4-10562039.html

Dumyat

knowing my son is much more computer knowlegeable than me, we went with the safest option. computer in the livingroom.

buglawton

I used iProtectYou free version for a couple of years but see it's no longer free. Still had to tweak it from time to time but not bad. Once my DS had moved to online games, I had to set up the router to turn off the internet at the end of each evening - otherwise he'd still be playing at 5 a.m.

photome

Thanks for all replies, I will set his laptop up wirelessly downstairs so we are about when he is on. Then we can "police" him. I will also try one of those free programs.

Thanks again