In today’s high tech society, children as young as four have some access to the Internet. That has many parents anxious about what their children might inadvertently see,\ when the parent leaves the room to check something in the kitchen or check on another child. It only takes a moment for a child to come across an objectionable image, video, or other adult information. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep kids safe on the internet and enhance their experience.
Google Safe Search
The Google browser has a “safe search” filter built into their browser. Be default, it is set at “Moderate.” The moderate setting filters out most of the sexually explicit sites. However, sites which parents may find objectionable for other reasons are not filtered out at the moderate setting. Parents can modify the Safe Search settings at the top of Google’s homepage. As an additional safety search Google allows you to “lock” your safe search settings. This prevents others for changing your settings.
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla’s Firefox browser has an add-on called Kid Mode produced by Zoodles. Kid Mode was designed for kids under 8 to play, browse and surf the internet. In addition, parents have the ability to customize each child’s internet playground to the appropriate skill and age level. Kid Mode also includes, a video mail center, an art studio, and lavishly illustrated books.
KidZui Browser
In addition to the traditional browsers there is a free kid-friendy browser that can be quickly downloaded. The browser is called KidZui. KidZui is colorful and enticing and offers kid-friendly browsing. The browser will suggest sites if they are unsure of the spelling. The good news is that the browser will never suggest or send the child to an inappropriate site. Other popular features of the Kitzui are a whole host of games for kids of every age group and kid-friendly YouTube videos.
The bottom line is that with a small amount of effort you can create a safe environment and totally awesome internet playground for your child.