How can we protect children from the dangers of the Internet while, at the same time, allow them to take advantage of the wealth of resources available to them?
I’m looking for ways to prevent (protect) children from being exposed to inappropriate material that is not only easily found but, in some cases, finds them. I’m primarily talking about the pornographic sites, but let’s also consider dangerous chat rooms, email considerations, hate and violence sites, or whatever else comes to mind. I’m primarily seeking solutions for the home, but exposure at school, libraries, etc., is certainly an issue as well.
This is open to all considerations including, but not limited to:
Hardware: Stand-alone computer anda networked computer, router configured and proxy server configured.
Software: What to use, how to use it, what to avoid (AOL, for example, in my opinion)
Browser: A company called Heartsoft has developed an Internet Browser for children, Internet Safari, but it’s primarily aimed at younger children (12 and under). Does anyone have opinions on that product or similar products that may be suitable for all ages?
Configuration issues: What to use and how to use it.
Other Considerations: What considerations did I fail to mention?
There are no right or wrong answers. Please leave your thoughts and suggestions regardless of how minor or insignificant it may seem. Likewise, if you have a lot to contribute, be as thorough anddetailed as possible. Do you have links to Web sites that address similar issues?
I plan to leave this question open for a while to accumulate as many options, opinions and considerations as possible. In my opinion, this is a very important subject for parents and educators to consider. And, as IT professionals, we are perhaps the best and most reliable source of information they have.
Maxwell_T_Edison@yahoo.com