Filtering Software Offers a Safety Net for Kids Online

By KAREN JONES

Dec. 28, 2000 12 AM PT

karen@kjnyc.com

Although most online content poses no threat to children, some material is completely inappropriate for younger users, so parents need to keep track of what their techno-savvy offspring are up to on the Internet.

Internet-filtering software helps ensure a safer online experience by blocking access to certain Web sites. Three major filtering programs--Cyber Patrol, Net Nanny and Cybersitter--recently released new versions with subtle differences in price and service.

The real work begins before the computer is turned on because even the best filtering tools are not foolproof. The best way to provide safe surfing for children is to set some ground rules. First, children should never give out personal information to anyone online. Second, put the computer in a family area instead of a child’s room so use can be supervised. Finally, if the computer is new to the family, learn the basics.

That said, the best all-around filtering product is Net Nanny 4.0. It supports multiple users, enables parents to customize their own list of blocked sites and charges no extra fees after the purchase.

Cyber Patrol 5.0

Cyber Patrol from SurfControl Inc. features a powerful ability to block specific Web sites from specific users--a handy tool for computers shared by the entire family. For example, parents can design a personalized version of Cyber Patrol for each family member--so Uncle Bill and Cissy can visit sites that Jody and Buffy can’t. It also allows parents to set limits on the number of hours a child can be online per day and records the amount of time spent surfing.

Cyber Patrol’s fundamental component is CyberLists--an extensive array of fully researched Web sites updated daily. The initial price of $49.95 includes a 12-month subscription to the updated lists, which can be downloaded at https://www.surfcontrol.com. Afterward, the price remains $49.95 per year.

Parents can’t view the actual sites on CyberLists, just the categories and subcategories. But they can customize their own categories and lists of allowed and blocked sites. CyberNot restricts inappropriate sites that include pornography, illegal drugs, bomb-making, hate groups and much more.

Kids List, on the other hand, offers child-friendly online categories such as schoolwork, news, hobbies and vacations. Cyber Patrol also can control access to newsgroups and chat rooms. A crucial feature called ChatGard prevents children from sending personal information such as addresses and telephone numbers online.

A free 14-day trial copy of Cyber Patrol 5.0 can be downloaded from https://www.surfcontrol.com.

Net Nanny 4.0

Net Nanny 4.0, the latest upgrade from Net Nanny Software International Inc., is full of new features aimed at making it a more user-friendly product for parents and children. The interface has been revamped for easier navigation, and, like all filtering tools, Net Nanny maintains lists of approved and blocked Web sites.

Unlike other filters, though, Net Nanny allows users to view the full Web site lists. Net Nanny’s primary filtering method includes “Can’t Go” and “Can Go” lists. These are updated regularly and are available at no extra charge after the initial purchase of $49.95 from a store or $34.95 by download at https://www.netnanny.com.

Like Cyber Patrol, Net Nanny 4.0 supports multiple household users, who can configure their own filtering systems. Also, time restrictions for online usage can be set for each user.

Net Nanny 4.0 monitors chat-room activity, blocks inappropriate words from being typed or received and protects personal information from being sent. It offers an extensive log showing where a child goes online. It also can record entire chat-room conversations.

If any inappropriate material has been viewed or discussed, parents can educate their children on proper and safe Internet activity.

Cybersitter 2000

Cybersitter, from Solid Oak Software, has the same goal as Cyber Patrol and Net Nanny. The good news for techno-shy users is that it installs very easily. Cybersitter offers users 30 filters in such categories as adult, hate, violence and drugs.

All the filters update themselves in the background while users are online, meaning you don’t have to remember to download fresh lists. Like Net Nanny, the service is free after a one-time purchase price of $39.99. However, like Cyber Patrol, the Web site lists cannot be viewed. Once parents know what sites are blocked, they can customize the program by adding or overriding. Unfortunately, there are no multiple-user features in Cybersitter, so whatever is configured for one will be the household standard--although parental override is always an option.

Cybersitter also enables parents to monitor chat-room activity and unwanted downloads as well as control access to e-mail and instant messaging. Daily activity reports can be sent to parents via e-mail.

Parents can choose to block or filter access to any Web-site categories and, as with Cyber Patrol and Net Nanny, restrict the transmission of personal information. Time limits can be placed on online usage, and an optional log of all Internet activity can be kept. A 10-day trial of Cybersitter can be downloaded at https://www.cybersitter.com.

Karen Jones is a freelance writer specializing in children’s interactive media.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

The Skinny

Cyber Patrol 5.0

Price: $49.95

Publisher: SurfControl

Web site: https://www.surfcontrol.com

The good: Customizable lists

The bad: Blocked site lists

Bottom line: Good

Net Nanny 4.0

Price: $34.95 online; $49.95 from a store