How to keep children safe when using the net

scousedave

Hello.
I caught my 9 year old son looking for 'Naked Ladies' on Google the other day.
Apart from being secretly happy that he is growing up I would not want him to be able to search anything explicit but don't want everything blocked via ISP. I believe some providers go a little too far in my opinion and block things like boxing as an example so when he wishes to research things for homework he needs to look at the necessary websites.
Basically, I am looking for a !!!!!! blocker or similar.
Thank you

iSaving

Hi, there are a few options. I assume you're using Windows? Which version? Who is your Internet Service Provider?

GunJack

K-9 is free, and can be set up as you wish

iSaving

K9 is a good suggestion. But requires a software download and installation on any computer you wish to be protected.

If you're hoping to protect more than 1 computer or device (PS3 etc), you can use services such as OpenDNS which has advanced web filtering options also.

DKLS

I wouldn't rely on the filters too much, My nephew showed me how he could bypass all the parental controls put in place by his mum and dad with ease.

iSaving

Most technically advanced youngsters could get around most filters or software to be honest. Software is marginally harder to get around, but if they have phones or game consoles there is no other solution.

Good practice would include using parental restrictions, while also moderating what your children are doing online.

scousedave

DKLS wrote: »

I wouldn't rely on the filters too much, My nephew showed me how he could bypass all the parental controls put in place by his mum and dad with ease.

At the moment he is not that techno savvy so I think if I put something in place I should be ok for a few years.. Something I will have to look at in much more detail as he becomes more techno literate.

scousedave

iSaving wrote: »

K9 is a good suggestion. But requires a software download and installation on any computer you wish to be protected.

If you're hoping to protect more than 1 computer or device (PS3 etc), you can use services such as OpenDNS which has advanced web filtering options also.

Sounds good as he only has access to one computer which is connected through the TV in the lounge. This way I can hopefully have a more hands on approach as to what he views,

scousedave

iSaving wrote: »

Hi, there are a few options. I assume you're using Windows? Which version? Who is your Internet Service Provider?

Using windows 8...but I connect through tethering via my phone which runs on 3 network. He cant use my phone which is pin locked so can only use the laptop.
Thanks for all of your replies

Quiet_Spark

GunJack wrote: »

K-9 is free, and can be set up as you wish

It can also be defeated by anyone with more than one working brain cell.


@ Scousedave,

Most routers allow for various levels of internet filtering, have you checked yours to see if it has that capability?

smssms

Not a full solution, but a good/simple one I heard was to have the computer in a 'public' part of the house.

Knowing someone can look over your shoulder at any moment without warning is a great content filter

Also, aren't there government websites about keeping children safe online, I bet that will cover content as well as the the nastier issues