What are parental controls for computer?

***If you haven't read the article on Broadband & Routers please read it first then read How to secure your Wireless Router.***

There are many great things about the internet for kids to enjoy, but also many dangers. Seemingly harmless things like video sharing sites like youtube, and Social Networking site like Facebook can have some can be fun and informative at times. These sites are also full of hidden dangers. Youtube is full of soft porn and young girls and boys being suggestive and dangerous. Facebook and Myspace can be great ways to connect with friends but it is also full of predators(You can learn more about these under the social networking tab at the top of this page). Depending on the age of your child and the circumstances of your household you will want to use some type of parental controls for your computer. 

There are many ways to limit what your child can do on a computer. Which one is right for you we hope we can help you make that decision. The first and most important thing we feel a parent or guardian must do is communicate with your child. There are ways around every parental control but if you are involved with your child then you may see the warnings or sense the danger before something bad may happen.

***Only allow internet access on a computer that is visible to you. Do not let kids have unmonitored access to the internet in there rooms that's like inviting child molesters over for sleep overs.***

If you haven't reviewed our article Tips for Responsible Internet Usage under our Basics section please do so there are some very simple and practical tips that everyone can use. 

Internet filtering programs are what most people usually think of when you talk about parental controls for computers. There are some great programs out there and we have included a list of those under the Software Based Parental Controls section.

The software that's available for computers to filter, block, monitor, and limit access per time restrictions is enormous. The software option is great if you have one PC in the house directly connected to the internet, but if you have wireless router and multiple computers as well as devices like the WII, PSP, and Nintendo DS (see the article other internet ready devices) then you may want to look at the Hardware Based Parental Controls section.

There are times when both strategies are necessary though. If you have kids of different ages with their own computers then you may want to employ different strategies for the different children. Some software programs allow you to set different levels of filtering depending on the age and trust level of the child. Each child would have their own login and can do different things on the computer. You may have laptops with wireless access and need a wireless router thus opening up the internet to other devices that are internet ready (read section on securing your wireless network) We have two sections for you to check out. The Software Based Parental Controls page will help you learn more about some of the programs that are available, and if you are interested in protecting a whole house hold of computers the check out the Hardware Based Parental Controls.