What is the right filter?

By Sam Garnebo

There are so many filters that are available today which make it hard to know what to get, because of the fact that there multidudes of scammers as well as predators using the internet for their own crimes. Most filters utilize two basic principles to filter internet, they are known as URLs, which judge websites content by the address, and the other is done using keywords that block searches. This article is designed to help you know what is available so you can decide the best one for you.

Learn the methods

The average internet filtering software contains a list of URLs and keywords that are recommended as appropriate for children. For example, many programs come included with ?safe lists? of URLs representing websites that do not contain adult content or inappropriate material and are considered safe for viewing.

The keyword method uses a list of words that have been associated with material unacceptible for children. These lists normally have words that relate to material that is either offensive or sexually explicit.

The major issue with this type of filtering program is that it can be easily manipulated. Believe it or not, porn dealers and other less-than-reputable webmasters are well aware of filters and frequently update their content so that it passes through the filters with ease.

Children are Smarter Than We Think

You may understand that the intenet is full of dangerous things and people, but do you understand that most children are able to counteract your filter from the inside? If you can change the settings on a filter for good then your child might be able to do it for bad. Rules were NOT made to be brokenyet most do.

You would be surprised at the number of 10 year olds that are more proficient on the computer than their parents. This is why it is important to explain to your child why they shouldn?t be viewing inappropriate material and establish some consequences for doing so. Internet filters are very effective, but they shouldn?t be the only method of safeguarding your children. Communication is always the key.

Good features to have

Parents who allow their child to be online with out being their to supervise them need a filter. Don't just install the filter on one computer but rather on any the child can use, if you want the filter to be successful. There are various filters that have been designed specifically for children.

A Keyword filter is not effective unlees you have a security feature that allows only you and not your child to alter it. Get the filter that lets you alter the keyword list to the specific needs of your children as they grow. Even though your child may be more capable with computers than you, there are still filters available that give parents the edge over their children.

You can find many cheap to expensive programs with which to filter your internet and that they are widely available. As a parent, your child's safety is very important, so don't overlook the lurking dangers your children could face online, simply take control.

Many more dangers exist that this article has not even approached which aim directly for unknowing children. The fight to keep your children safe online is a real one, make sure you are doing all you can to win.

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