Libby Young finds ways of censoring websites
For all its educational merit, the Internet has a darker side that scares parents and teachers alike. Pornography is not the only problem: there are hundreds of hate-mongering sites out there.
The good news is that there are filtering utilities available that can block access to unwanted sites. Bear in mind that use of these programs has raised concerns as they bar much innocuous material. For instance sites such as Amnesty International are often gonged out, along with helpful information on diseases such as breast cancer.
Net Nanny is one of the best-known filtering programs. It uses a list of bad words and phrases, as well as pre-selected Web addresses to decide what’s acceptable and what’s not.
http://www.netnanny.com
The Basic Artificial Intelligence Routine most has won rave reviews for its network that analyses both text and images ensuring that most unwanted material doesn’t make it through.
http://www.exotrope.com/
The SOS KidProof system has an added benefit to its filtering purpose. As well as protecting young minds from prurient Internet content, it protects the computer from little hands. It restricts access to crucial parts of the operating system so that the computer will continue to work no matter how inquisitive the young user is.
http://www.enovasoftware.com
Remember that even the best filtering software offers no guarantees that objectionable material won’t get through.
The Safekids.com website provides tips, on how to make children’s online experience fun and productive.
Please visit ConnectSafely.org
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, May 2001.