Parental Controls: Web Tools, Time Monitors, and More
NOTE: The best effectiveness against Spyware is to use two or three different anti-spyware applications and to stop using Internet Explorer, which is the most attacked piece of software in the Windows operating system. Instead, download and install better browsers Firefox or Chrome.
Parental Controls
MacOS:
Windows:
Firefox:
Firefox is one of the very best, most secure web browsers and has hundreds of plug-ins that increase functionality. Here are several relating to content filtering and privacy:
Chrome:
Chrome does not have parental controls built into its browser. (Though reports say they are working on it for the next release.) You will want to use add ons or third party filters. A few Chrome add ons are:
AOL:
Web Filters and Safe Browsers
In addition to parental control settings mentioned above, the following software can be used to monitor and/or limit computer use.
Time Monitors
"Kid Safe" Email Providers
- Village School recommends that you set up a separate Mac account for each child.
- Setting up parental controls on your Mac (from Apple)
- Setting up parental controls on your Mac (from MacTuts+)
Windows:
- Video Tutorial - Setting up Parental Controls for Windows 7
- Video Tutorial - Setting up Accounts and Parental Controls for Windows 8
- Parental Controls in Windows 8 (from CNET)
Firefox:
Firefox is one of the very best, most secure web browsers and has hundreds of plug-ins that increase functionality. Here are several relating to content filtering and privacy:
- FoxFilter is a personal content filter that helps prevent stumbling onto inappropriate content and block access to specific content and Web sites. Recently called "THE Parental Control for Firefox"! FoxFilter is a personal content filter that helps block adult themes and other inappropriate content. All filtering features are free! Premium features (with no ads) available with small support fee.
- Blocksi is web URL and content filtering application adding professional web filtering functionality to the Firefox browser. Supports 79 Web Categories and database with 76 million rated web sites, and more then 20+ billion rated Web pages. For home users can be used as parental control protecting children from adult theme web sites.
- ProCon Latte is a free content filter for the Firefox browser. It can filter any kind of material (pornography, gambling, hacking, cracking, etc...), it can also block all traffic, making sure that only desired websites (set in the Whitelist) can be accessed, and includes a profanity filter. ProCon also has password protection in order to keep *others* from changing the settings.
Chrome:
Chrome does not have parental controls built into its browser. (Though reports say they are working on it for the next release.) You will want to use add ons or third party filters. A few Chrome add ons are:
AOL:
Web Filters and Safe Browsers
In addition to parental control settings mentioned above, the following software can be used to monitor and/or limit computer use.
- Kidzui is the leading developer of award-winning Internet browsers for kids. With the KidZui browser, children can have a blast, feed their curiosity, and gain a sense of independence while parents relax knowing their children are safe online.
- NetNanny for Windows, Mac, Android devices and iOS devices has received many recent awards
- Safe Eyes for MacOS and Windows has received many accolades. Lots of features to select from.
- K9 Web Protection for MacOS, Windows, and mobile devices
- KidsWatch Professional (Time & Filter), Time Management, and Stealth
- Family Protector for MacOS
- CyberPatrol for Windows
- Family Guardian for Windows
Time Monitors
- Mac - time monitors are built into parental controls
- KidsWatch Time Management
- PC Time Limit (Windows OS only)
"Kid Safe" Email Providers
Cell Phones and Mobile Devices
Filters and Safe Browsers for Mobile Devices:
- Safe Eyes Mobile from InternetSafety.com
- Mobicip Safe Browser
- NetNanny for Android devices and iOS devices
- iNet Safety Bubble
Choosing the best fit for your family: Reviews & Tools
- Internet Filter Reviews - Top 10 Reviews
- Parental Time Control Software Reviews - Top 10 Reviews
- Parental Software Comparisons & Reviews - Top 10 Reviews
- Parental Controls & Monitoring - PC Mag
- GetNetWise Tools for Families - A comprehensive database of tools available to families to help keep their kids safe online.