Internet filtering for children?

**Gremlin** · 7th February 2013, 15:00

Any one used any of the software available? Any advice on which works best?

Free or paid, I presume the paid ones work better. I'm trying to think of one I've heard of before, but the only other I see regularly mentioned is Net Nanny (no experience). I've used Fox Filter before, it seemed pretty good, but a client is worried about their child playing naughty games she's invited to (no idea what, and can't really ask the child to show me either...)?? Presume it's an applet online or something, and no idea if something like Fox Filter would work, as it was more url or word based...

Reports (or able to see what's been browsed) on internet usage would be nice as well.

**Fatjim** · 7th February 2013, 15:01

Use openDNS until you find something better.

**Headbanger** · 7th February 2013, 15:19

I put the PC where I can see it.

My eyes work best.

**Edbear** · 7th February 2013, 15:26

Originally Posted by Headbanger

I put the PC where I can see it.

My eyes work best.

Definitely! Recommended to have it where it is seen by all.

**Edbear** · 7th February 2013, 15:28

Originally Posted by Gremlin

Any one used any of the software available? Any advice on which works best?

Free or paid, I presume the paid ones work better. I'm trying to think of one I've heard of before, but the only other I see regularly mentioned is Net Nanny (no experience). I've used Fox Filter before, it seemed pretty good, but a client is worried about their child playing naughty games she's invited to (no idea what, and can't really ask the child to show me either...)?? Presume it's an applet online or something, and no idea if something like Fox Filter would work, as it was more url or word based...

Reports (or able to see what's been browsed) on internet usage would be nice as well.

You should be able to check browsing history easily. When you click on Favourites there are two other tabs, one is history.

**Gremlin** · 7th February 2013, 15:31

Originally Posted by Edbear

You should be able to check browsing history easily. When you click on Favourites there are two other tabs, one is history.

Easy to delete that history, or browse without leaving a trace...

Another option is to put a proxy between the network and internet, easily done, just want to know what's recommended in software at the end user etc.

Moving the computer has been recommended already but may not be feasible.

**SMOKEU** · 7th February 2013, 15:35

Using internet content filtering software is a complete waste of time. If kids want porn, they will get it. I've never been stopped looking up porn at any educational institution by filtering software as it's so easy to bypass. There are bad parts of the internet, just like there are bad neighbourhoods in town. You're better off spending the time educating children about online safety rather than using some bullshit software which claims to prevent porn or whatever.

**Akzle** · 7th February 2013, 15:48

kids?
i install the back of my hand to the front of their C drive. occasionally they'll get a boot or reboot as required.

**Gremlin** · 7th February 2013, 15:54

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Using internet content filtering software is a complete waste of time. If kids want porn, they will get it.

I somehow suspect that won't help calm a mother...

I might try opendns on myself first, and see how easy it is to circumvent, or how it behaves.

**SMOKEU** · 7th February 2013, 15:57

Originally Posted by Gremlin

I somehow suspect that won't help calm a mother...

Giving her a false sense of security doesn't help either. At every educational institution I've been in that has content filtering in place, I've always managed to easily access porn. It doesn't take a lot of skill to do either.

**Akzle** · 7th February 2013, 16:01

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I've always managed to easily access porn. It doesn't take a lot of skill to do either.

...clearly.

i'm on for that bong, too. bike is sick. (srsly sick) so err.. come on up

**unstuck** · 7th February 2013, 16:08

Originally Posted by Akzle

kids?
i install the back of my hand to the front of their C drive. occasionally they'll get a boot or reboot as required.

Do not touch your children in anyway whatsoever, unless you have their permission to do so.

Our computer was always in the lounge when we still had kids at home, so we could keep a bit of an eye on them. We did try a couple of programs, but my son knows more about computers that the dude at the local Clive wilson computer store, so it was a waste of time really.

**ducatilover** · 7th February 2013, 16:09

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

Giving her a false sense of security doesn't help either. At every educational institution I've been in that has content filtering in place, I've always managed to easily access porn. It doesn't take a lot of skill to do either.

Why would you need pron at a school?

Silly question, sorry.

But most kids won't get past opendns will they?

**Gremlin** · 7th February 2013, 16:16

Originally Posted by ducatilover

But most kids won't get past opendns will they?

All depends how it's delivered. If it's a video on Youtube, or a post on Facebook you're asking a lot. Obviously trying to browse www.porn.com won't work, so yeah, recommending a solution when you're not actually sure how it's being accessed is tricky.

Still, playing with the DNS upstream should capture a lot, device independent and scalable. Hell, even viruses commonly mess with your DNS, it's one of the first things you have to tackle. Might have to look at a DNS re-direct if they do start getting clever.