Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't web sites have built-in ratings like movies?

Voluntary rating systems exist for web sites. See www.icra.org for example. However, it is up to each web site to submit to such rating systems, and many such programs are self-rating (meaning the person who created the site decides on the rating). Since the Internet is a wide-open and free network, it cannot be guaranteed that every site will be rated. The idea of blocking all web sites except for properly self-rated ones would deny access to many legitimate sites. The solution used by Parental Controls is to identify and categorize web sites itself.

My child spends a lot of time on the Internet; should I worry?

The Web is an exciting place full of information, games, and opportunities to communicate. It is natural for a child who is interested in what the Internet has to offer to start spending more time on the computer. Many parents of young children these days grew up with many more television channels for example, and it was sometimes tempting to sit in front of the TV all day long.

However, when recreational Internet usage begins to push aside other life-enriching experiences, such as joining school clubs, playing sports, or hanging out with friends, you should talk to your child about setting limits. It is much better to negotiate an agreement with the child instead of setting absolute rules, as your child is much more likely to abide by them.

Of course, if your child ignores the agreed-upon rules, a problem may be developing, and you may have to step in and be strict about it. Many parental control programs allow you to specify when the Internet can be accessed, for example. Such restrictions may help your child focus on homework after school if the temptation to chat with friends is too great.

Do parental control programs block everything?

No parental control system is foolproof. It is equally important to educate your children about online safety and monitor what your child is viewing. See Surfing Safely for tips.

Do parental control programs protect my computer from viruses or spyware?

No. Parental control is used to block web sites you deem inappropriate and to control online access for programs. They do not block viruses or spyware.

To enhance your computer's security, you should install the following:

Virus protection software
Spyware protection software
Firewall software, to prevent others from trying to access or take over your computer

To safeguard against your privacy and enhance your browsing experience, you should also install:

Fraud protection software, to avoid falling for phishing scams
Keyword detection software, to avoid submitting your personal information over the Internet without your knowledge
Pop-up blocking software, so that you don't get inundated with pop-ups when you visit web sites.