Babysitting software.

nutts_77

As its coming up to Christmas, and a new pc is in the pipeline, I need advice on "babysitting" software as 9 year old wants to use the internet. I don't want her to have unsupervised access. And would be grateful if anyone can recommend some suitable software.

Nevyn

Limit what sites she is allowed to acces either with resticted book marks or by limiting acess at the router.

JC 2K3

What would a 9 year old want to use the internet for?

And anyway, why not just physically supervise her while she's using it rather than bothering with software?

dame

You could also password protect the internet connection so that the child needs you to be present to allow them go online.

I'd agree that direct supervision would be best. Like JC_2K3 said; what does a 9 year old want the internet for? Could you put the computer in a common room so that you can look at it as you walk by, see them from wherever you're sitting etc? Maybe you could insist that it's only used for looking up educational sites (possibly seems too Draconian?) or that if they are Googling, that you will be there to see which links would be most relevant (as in so that you know a search for anything to do with their own age group will not attract them into any potentially dodgy chatrooms). Even older friends/relations Bebo sites could be unsuitable for a 9 year old to see.

Some sort of filter to block out anything adult would be helpful too though. We haven't reached that stage yet so I've never looked for that stuff and wouldn't know what to suggest in that line.

Deliverance

This is a freeware filter available to parents:

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/pfilter.html

This is easy and free but to a point of testing by myself I have managed to break it to view still porn images. But I am a bit of an expert so it maybe a good start point to restrict access to your younger more inexperienced user. Plus besides this as a first defence you can always check the history to see what crap your kid is exposed to. Besides that again I would always have some kind of supervision on what they are exposed to as a matter of course.

Gauge

If it has Vista I think it comes with Parental Controls. Also things like time limits, only being allowed on at certain times of day, etc.

professore

JC 2K3 wrote: »

What would a 9 year old want to use the internet for?

And anyway, why not just physically supervise her while she's using it rather than bothering with software?

You obviously haven't met any kids in a LOOOOONG time.

Carrigart Exile

nutts_77 wrote: »

As its coming up to Christmas, and a new pc is in the pipeline, I need advice on "babysitting" software as 9 year old wants to use the internet. I don't want her to have unsupervised access. And would be grateful if anyone can recommend some suitable software.

most new PCs come with preloaded 'childcare' software

run_Forrest_run

there are hundreds of parental software packages out there, some are free but I find it pays to spend a bit and get a good one but also these packages are no substitute for parental supervision so:

1. Sit with your child while they are online (you might learn a thing or two )
2. Always keep the computer in a public area like the kitchen or sitting room.

Jaden

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

2. Always keep the computer in a public area like the kitchen or sitting room.

This is by far the most important piece of advice you can get on this matter. The importance of having the computer somewhere with "traffic" cannot be overstated.

JC 2K3

professore wrote: »

You obviously haven't met any kids in a LOOOOONG time.

Kids may be into technology more these days and want to play video games etc. , but internet use is a whole different thing altogether. Give me some examples of things the average 9 year old would want to do online.

flyz

JC 2K3 wrote: »

Kids may be into technology more these days and want to play video games etc. , but internet use is a whole different thing altogether. Give me some examples of things the average 9 year old would want to do online.

Well the 9 year old may want to write emails to his/her grandparents, cousins , aunties or uncles.
Or even talk to them using a webcam possibly.

Also there are a lot of free flash games that kids can play online these days too. I would think getting the kid to play these would be cheaper than forking out for a new games console.

JC 2K3

flyz wrote: »

Well the 9 year old may want to write emails to his/her grandparents, cousins , aunties or uncles.
Or even talk to them using a webcam possibly.

True in some cases, I guess.

flyz wrote: »

Also there are a lot of free flash games that kids can play online these days too. I would think getting the kid to play these would be cheaper than forking out for a new games console.

Lol, BIG difference between flash games and actual games. A 9 year old isn't going to settle for crappy 2d games when their friends all have Xbox 360s.

flyz

JC 2K3 wrote: »

Lol, BIG difference between flash games and actual games. A 9 year old isn't going to settle for crappy 2d games when their friends all have Xbox 360s.

True in some cases, I guess.

However, I'm sure 'crappy 2d games' would be better than no games at all in the eyes of some 9 year old kids.

tk123

professore wrote: »

You obviously haven't met any kids in a LOOOOONG time.

lol i was about to say the same thing. My nephew used to ask to 'go on Rice Krispies Internet' when he was 3/4

Cal

The best free filter software I have found is.

K9 Web Protection
It is so easy to use too. You do have to register but I have never been sent spam by them.
Cal.