Computer Security: Internet Content Filters
Parents that care about their children understand the need for internet content filters. Finding a good filter, however, is often far more difficult than it would appear to be on the surface. Most internet content filters simply do not live up to the expectations they set. There are good filters out there, but it sometimes takes a while to find them.
Filters prevent access to websites in one of two ways. The first method a filter will use is the banned website list method. A filter will store a list of inappropriate URLs and prevent children from accessing those sites through any internet browser. The drawback to this method is that new sites are uploaded to the Internet every day. There is no way a filter can add every new objectionable site to its watch list the moment the site is created.
A second method used is the banned keywords method. Keyword watch lists prevent children from searching certain terms. The problem with keyword watch lists is that they can sometimes over-filter and prevent children from searching legitimate topics. They are also incapable of weeding out inappropriate images.
So What Filter Should You Use?
The best solution for parents is to use an internet filter that combines the two methods. More important than a good filter, however, is good parenting. Parents should talk to their children about inappropriate content they may see on the Internet and what they should do when they find it. It is also a good idea to keep the computer in the family room so that everyone can see what is being displayed on the computer screen.