Limit the Dangers by Using a Web Filter

What is a Web Filter?

A web filter is a program that decides whether a website should be allowed through your internet connection based on the rules that have been set up by the account holder.

Why use a Web Filter?

A web filter allows the account user to select categories they wish to be blocked when using their internet connection.  Normally, a web filtering program will allow you to specifically list websites that you would like to block or websites that you are happy to allow even though it falls into a general category you have requested to be blocked.  For Example:  If you select the category ‘Social Media’ to be blocked, you may list a specific website such as   www.facebook.com to be allowed.

What kind of websites would I want to filter?

Most web filtering programs have a list of categories that you can look through and select to block.  Popular categories to block with children in the home would be:

• Adult Only Content
• Social Media
• Violence
• Discrimination
• Online Gaming

It is important to remember that web filtering is a tool to assist parents with moderating what their families view online.  They are not 100% fool-proof and adult supervision is always recommended.   

Available Web Filter Programs

There are a number of free but effective Web Filtering programs available.  They do not require you to install software directly onto your computer.  I personally use and recommend the free OpenDNS* program.  They also offer a paid version called Family Shield.

Some other web filtering programs that are worth looking at are:

• K9 Web Protection
• Norton Family

Make sure that you consider the features offered by each product before setting up an account.  

Setting up tools to limit the dangers to our kids on the internet can be daunting.  If you would like further information or to organise a consultation with The Tech Mum then please click here.

*This is my personal recommendation and I have not been paid to advertise this product.