Blocking Software
Though they are no substitute for parental supervision, blocking programs like Net Nanny, Surfwatch and CyberSitter can help keep your kids away from the raunchiest sites. (Surfwatch can be downloaded at
surfwatch.com). Also worth examining is MediaLive's Surf Monkey, a browser for kids that filters as kids surf. But be warned: these programs can wreak havoc with your system software and may pass judgments you don't agree with (e.g., barring info on c
ontraception). Another option is Cyber Snoop, which creates a tamper-proof list of the sites your kids surf.
Ratings
So you're a concerned parent and you want to know which video games contain scenes of graphic violence. Trouble is, so do many kids, but for the opposite reason. For some of them, violence rules. That's why game ratings imposed by the Recreational Software Advisory Council are mocked by gamers; RSAC's website-ratings system hasn't fared much better. Other systems simply deem certain games "teen" or "mature" -- but as most families know, maturi
ty is graded on a sliding scale.
Net Tricks
The easiest way to snoop on your kids' surfing is to check the History file in Internet Explorer or cache in Netscape Navigator (type about:global in the address field). Beware: both files can be tampered with easily.
If you're an America Online family, consider using AOL's excellent parental controls, and periodically check your kids user profiles.
Don't give your children access to credit cards, and check your statements for bills from Adult Check or customerservice@ntcor.com. Both are common porn-site clearance agencies.
