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Definitions

Contracts with Kids discuss and set up rules for computer use.

Time Limiting limits time online.

Filtering & Blocking limits access to some sites, words, and/or images.

Block Outgoing Content prevents kids from revealing personal information online.

Browsers for Kids do not display inappropriate words or images.

Kid-Oriented Search Engines perform limited searches or screen search results.

Monitoring Tools alert adults to online activity without blocking access.

There are both pros and cons to keep in mind when using these types of tools.

Please Note: GetNetWise staff gathered this information from the companies that make these tools. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these products, nor do we endorse any products.

Other Information

How ISPs are Helping -- Many Internet and online service providers also offer safety solutions by selling or including these tools with their services and adopting "Acceptable Use Policies", or "Terms of Service Agreements".

Web Ratings Systems -- Many companies that produce Web sites voluntarily rate and label their sites, using a system knows as "PICS" (Platform for Internet Content Selection).

Internet Issues in the Community -- When children use the Internet in school or in a library, their experiences will be different than when they are at home. Libraries and schools may have different rules for Internet use than your family, because they must serve the needs of diverse children and families.

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Home / Tools for Families

Tools for Families


Your search for information about tools for families produced the results at the bottom of this page. If you are going to print out the information, wait for the page to finish loading on the screen before you start.


Your Results
1 - 10 of 12

 
SurfSafely.com
Noah's Web
Crayon Crawler
SurfontheSafeside.com (SOS)
KidGrid
The Childrens Internet
Yahooligans!
Garfield Island
Hazoo
AOL Parental Controls

The information below tells you more about the tool features, including whether or not they can be set up differently for different family members and what information is available to help you decide whether or not a tool reflects your family values. If you decide that one of these tools may be what you want, click on the underlined name (at the top of the description) to reach the tool's web site.

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What the tool does:
Browsers for Kids
Blocks Outgoing Info
Filters Other
Filters Illegal
Filters Violence
Filters Hate
Filters Sex
Limits Time
Monitors
Pre-Selected Content Service
No Preference
Technology:
News Groups/Usenet
FTP
Instant Messages
Chat Rooms
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Peer to Peer Networks
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Note: GetNetWise staff gathered this information from the companies that make these tools. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these products, nor do we endorse any products.

 

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine

By SurfSafely.com

Available since August 1999

The makers of SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine, SurfSafely.com, described their product as: Family Friendly is web directory/serach engine of PICS labeled Web sites. The contents are regulated by label ratings and are closely monitored by human editors.

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine is a product that:

  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
  • Windows 3.1
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Linux
  • OS-independent

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.surfsafely.com/

Kids' Search Engines

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine is a kids' search engine designed for All Ages. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.
  • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear.

SurfSafely.com--Family Friendly Search Engine controls access to these categories of online material: Pornography; glorification, manufacture, or procurement of illegal drugs or weaponry; profanity and abusive language; promotion of hate, violence and intolerance; online gambling; JavaScript site spamming.

April 16, 2003

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Noah's Web

Version 4.0

By Moms and Dads

Available since February 2003

The makers of Noah's Web, Moms and Dads, described their product as: software that empowers parents to keep their children safe on the Internet. Features include 1) Internet lockdown--restricts access to only pre-approved Web sites using any program; 2) Safe email; 3) Closed, filtered chat rooms and 4) Aggregated and custom content.

Noah's Web is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
  • Is a safe email/chat service.

Noah's Web is available for these platforms:

    Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

Noah's Web can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.noahsweb.com/

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). Noah's Web is both client-based and server-based. It is available for home use.

Noah's Web can control access to web pages, the use of email, and access to chat rooms.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Noah's Web,

  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will not be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With Noah's Web, you can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. Noah's Web uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)

Blocking Outgoing Information

When Noah's Web is running on your system,

  • You can not prevent your children from using email.
  • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can not prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can not prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
  • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Browsers for Kids

Noah's Web is a kids' browser designed for ages 4 to 12. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With Noah's Web,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Noah's Web uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

Kids' Search Engines

Noah's Web is a kids' search engine designed for ages 4-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Noah's Web,

  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Noah's Web uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.

Pre-Selected Content Service

Noah's Web makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
  • Through public suggestions/discussion,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user

It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

Content is made available to families via use of a proxy server and the user's installation of client-side software.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by Moms and Dads by

  • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
  • removing URLs from pre-selected content
  • Noah's Web does not rely on other commerically available products.

April 14, 2003

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Crayon Crawler

Version 4.0

By Moms and Dads

Available since February 2003

The makers of Crayon Crawler, Moms and Dads, described their product as: software that empowers parents to keep their children safe on the Internet. Features include 1) Internet lockdown--restricts access to only pre-approved Web sites using any program; 2) Safe email; 3) Closed, filtered chat rooms and 4) Aggregated and custom content.

Crayon Crawler is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
  • Is a safe email/chat service.

Crayon Crawler is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

Crayon Crawler can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.crayoncrawler.com/

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). Crayon Crawler is both client-based and server-based. It is available for home use.

Crayon Crawler can control access to web pages, the use of email, and access to chat rooms.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Crayon Crawler,

  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will not be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With Crayon Crawler, you can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. Crayon Crawler uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)

Blocking Outgoing Information

When Crayon Crawler is running on your system,

  • You can not prevent your children from using email.
  • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can not prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can not prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
  • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Browsers for Kids

Crayon Crawler is a kids' browser designed for ages 4 to 12. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With Crayon Crawler,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Crayon Crawler uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

Kids' Search Engines

Crayon Crawler is a kids' search engine designed for ages 4-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Crayon Crawler,

  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Crayon Crawler uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.

Pre-Selected Content Service

Crayon Crawler makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
  • Through public suggestions/discussion,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user

It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

Content is made available to families via use of a proxy server and the user's installation of client-side software.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by Moms and Dads by

  • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
  • removing URLs from pre-selected content
  • Crayon Crawler does not rely on other commerically available products.

April 14, 2003

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SurfOnTheSafeside.com

By CIC Ltd.

Available since 1999

The makers of SurfOnTheSafeside.com, CIC Ltd., described their product as: SurfOntheSafeside.com gives protections from over 15 million Internet sites promoting pornography, racism, suicide and violence. One million new sites are checked every month. Members can use the Internet Service Provider of their choice, relaxed in the knowledge that their children are getting the best protection in the world.

SurfOnTheSafeside.com is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Is a Filtered Internet Serivce Provider.

SurfOnTheSafeside.com is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
  • Windows 3.1
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Linux
  • OS-independent

SurfOnTheSafeside.com requires special software: Internet Access Control

SurfOnTheSafeside.com can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.surfonthesafeside.com

Filtered Internet/Online Service Provider

To gain the benefits of SurfOnTheSafeside.com, you will need to change the company you use to connect your computer to the Internet. SurfOnTheSafeside.com is available in the following states: Nationwide

Make sure that a local telephone number is available for where you live. Neither GetNetWise.org nor CIC Ltd. can be responsible for long distance charges that result from calling long distance.

SurfOnTheSafeside.com supports these connection types: 56K (regular modem), ISDN, DSL, Cable, and Other.

SurfOnTheSafeside.com limits which web sites and what types of content you can view. You may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

SurfOnTheSafeside.com filters access to web pages, access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging, and access to Peer to Peer networks.

Browsers for Kids

SurfOnTheSafeside.com is a kids' browser designed for ages: elementary and high school students. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. SurfOnTheSafeside.com uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

Kids' Search Engines

SurfOnTheSafeside.com is a kids' search engine designed for all ages. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With SurfOnTheSafeside.com,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. SurfOnTheSafeside.com uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

May 21, 2003

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KidGrid

By R. Lee Heath

Available since 1998

The makers of KidGrid, R. Lee Heath, described their product as: KidGrid is an index of the most popular and safe established links for children. The index is organized in colorful easy-to-navigate folders and Web site links whose organization is based on the Dewer decimal library index system. Search functions are intergrated from the most popular safe-search systems for children.

KidGrid is a product that:

  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.

KidGrid is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
  • Windows 3.1
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Linux
  • OS-independent

KidGrid can not be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.kidgrid.com

Kids' Search Engines

KidGrid is a kids' search engine designed for all ages. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With KidGrid,

  • You can review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. KidGrid uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

April 8, 2003

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The Children's Internet

Version 9.0.1

By The Children's Internet, Inc.

Available since 1997

The makers of The Children's Internet, The Children's Internet, Inc., described their product as: a Secure Internet Service for children providing safe real-time access to content specifically designed for ages 3-14 with LIVE access to millions of educational and entertaining sites. Plus, secure e-mail, customizable search engine, homework help, calendar, games, original animation, surveys, Fun Facts, and more all protected by proprietary, unbreakable SafeZone Technology.

The Children's Internet is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

The Children's Internet is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

The Children's Internet can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.thechildrensinternet.com

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). The Children's Internet is server-based. It is available for home use.

The Children's Internet can control access to web pages, the use of email, access to chat rooms, access to instant messaging, access to Peer to Peer networks, access to other Internet capabilities (message boards, advertisements).

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With The Children's Internet,

  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With The Children's Internet, you can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. The Children's Internet uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords
  • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear

Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. The Children's Internet offers these categories: sexually explicit material; graphically violent material; material advocating hate groups and their messages; material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb-making, hacking, or underage drinking and gambling; material containing inappropriate language; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by our board of educators; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by parents.

Blocking Outgoing Information

When The Children's Internet is running on your system,

  • You cannot prevent your children from using email.
  • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
  • You cannot edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Browsers for Kids

The Children's Internet is a kids' browser designed for ages 3-14. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With The Children's Internet,

  • You cannot review the list of keywords.
  • You cannot review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. The Children's Internet uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.
  • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear.

Some kids' browsers allow you to control access in a number of different categories. The Children's Internet offers these categories: sexually explicit material; graphically violent material; material advocating hate groups and their messages; material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb-making, hacking, or underage drinking and gambling; material containing inappropriate language; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by our board of educators; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by parents.

Kids' Search Engines

The Children's Internet is a kids' search engine designed for ages 3-14. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With The Children's Internet,

  • You cannot review the list of keywords.
  • You cannot review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. The Children's Internet uses the following:

  • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.
  • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear.
  • Some other technology.

The Children's Internet controls access to these categories of online material: sexually explicit material; graphically violent material; material advocating hate groups and their messages; material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb-making, hacking, or underage drinking and gambling; material containing inappropriate language; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by our board of educators; material in other categories deemed inappropriate by parents.

Monitoring

The Children's Internet is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With it installed on your system, you can review your children's email, the web sites your children have visited.

The program will operate without the child's knowledge.

The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

Pre-Selected Content Service

The Children's Internet makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
  • Independent consultants,
  • Through public suggestions/discussion,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user

It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

Content is made available to families via use of a proxy server, direct dial-up or other direct connection, user's installation of client-side software.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by The Children's Internet, Inc. by

  • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
  • removing URLs from pre-selected content
  • submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
  • submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed
  • The Children's Internet does not rely on other commerically available products.

May 1, 2006

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Yahooligans!

By Yahoo! Inc.

Available since 1996

The makers of Yahooligans!, Yahoo! Inc., described their product as: a browsable, searchable directory of hand-screened Internet sites for kids 7-12. Site also includes other content features including games, sports, news, animals, science and dinosaurs, a reference area, and more.

Yahooligans! is a product that:

  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

Yahooligans! is available for these platforms:

  • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
  • Windows 3.1
  • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows NT, Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Linux
  • OS-independent

Yahooligans! can not be password protected. It does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.yahooligans.com/

Kids' Search Engines

Yahooligans! is a kids' search engine designed for ages 7-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Yahooligans!,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Yahooligans! uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

Pre-Selected Content Service

Yahooligans! makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider

It is technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

Content is made available to families via normal access over the web.

Users may control the pre-selected content provided by Yahoo! Inc. by

  • submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
  • submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed

Yahooligans! does not rely on other commerically available products.

April 29, 2003

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Garfield Island

Version 4.0

By Moms and Dads

Available since February 2003

The makers of Garfield Island, Moms and Dads, described their product as: software that empowers parents to keep their children safe on the Internet. Features include 1) Internet lockdown--restricts access to only pre-approved Web sites using any program; 2) Safe email; 3) Closed, filtered chat rooms and 4) Aggregated and custom content.

Garfield Island is a product that:

  • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
  • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
  • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
  • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
  • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
  • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
  • Prevents selected personal information from being transmitted from your computer.
  • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.
  • Is a safe email/chat service.

Garfield Island is available for these platforms:

  • Windows 98, Windows ME
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP

Garfield Island can be password protected and does support multiple users.

For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.garfieldisland.com

Filtering

There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). Garfield Island is both client-based and server-based. It is available for home use.

Garfield Island can control access to web pages, the use of email, and access to chat rooms.

Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With Garfield Island,

  • You will be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
  • You will not be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
  • You will not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With Garfield Island, you can review the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. Garfield Island uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)

Blocking Outgoing Information

When Garfield Island is running on your system,

  • You can not prevent your children from using email.
  • You can permit your children to send email only to a pre-approved list of recipients.
  • You can not prevent your children from using chat rooms online.
  • You can not prevent your children from using ICQ or other forms of instant messaging.
  • You can edit out the transmission of specific kinds of information, like your address, telephone number, or credit card number.

Browsers for Kids

Garfield Island is a kids' browser designed for ages 4 to 12. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With Garfield Island,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Garfield Island uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites

Kids' Search Engines

Garfield Island is a kids' search engine designed for ages 4 to 12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Garfield Island,

  • You can review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.
  • You can not review the list of keywords.
  • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).

There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Garfield Island uses the following:

  • the web page address (URL)
  • Human review of web sites
  • A list of keywords.

Pre-Selected Content Service

Garfield Island makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

  • Tool provider personnel,
  • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
  • Through public suggestions/discussion,
  • Specifically chosen by the end user
  • It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

    Content is made available to families via use of a proxy server or the user's installation of client-side software.

    Users may control the pre-selected content provided by Moms and Dads by

    • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
    • removing URLs from pre-selected content

    Garfield Island does not rely on other commerically available products.

    April 14, 2003

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    Hazoo

    By Kidsnet, Inc.

    Available since 2002

    The makers of Hazoo, Kidsnet, Inc., described their product as: Hazoo is the search engine of the Kidsnet database. All of the Web sites in the database have been reviewed by Kidsnet reviewers (trained, certified, Kidsnet content review specialists) and the level of sex and nudity, language, and violence has been put into the Kidsnet system.

    Hazoo is a product that:

    • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.

    Hazoo is available for these platforms:

    • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000
    • Windows XP

    Hazoo can not be password protected and does not support multiple users.

    For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site: http://www.hazoo.com

    Kids' Search Engines

    Hazoo is a kids' search engine designed for ages [Engine_6-16]. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With Hazoo,

    • You can not review the list of keywords.
    • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
    • You can not review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. Hazoo uses the following:

    • PICS ratings (an independent rating system)
    • the web page address (URL)
    • Human review of web sites

    Hazoo controls access to these categories of online material: language, nudity and sex, violence, classifieds/auctions, drug/alcohol/tobacco, entertainment, fraud/cheating/illegal activities, gambling, games, gay/lesbian, hate speech/intolerance/discrimination, higher education/college/universities, intimate apparel, mysticism/astrology, news, personals/dating/romance, personal Web sites, politics, religion, sex education preteen, sex education teen/advanced, shopping, sports, suicide, weapon promotion or sale, and material that may disturb or set a bad example for young children.

    April 7, 2003

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    AOL

    Version 9.0 Optimized

    By AOL

    Available since July 2003

    The makers of AOL, AOL, described their product as: AOL's Parental Controls empower parents to filter, review, and customize their children's Web access, control how much time they spend online, approve friends and relatives to exchange email and Instant Messages with their children, and block or allow access to software downloads, newsgroups, and AOL Premium Services.

    AOL is a product that:

    • Limits the total number of hours or the time of day that your children may be online.
    • Prevents the display of most sexually explicit material.
    • Prevents the display of most graphically violent material.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating hate groups and their messages.
    • Prevents the display of most material advocating illegal activity, such as drug use, bomb making, or underage drinking and gambling.
    • Prevents the display of other categories of material.
    • Is an Internet browser specially designed for younger users.
    • Is a search engine containing only age-appropriate content.
    • Monitors the use of your computer or the access your children have to the Internet.
    • Is a Filtered Internet Service Provider.
    • Is a Pre-selected Content Service.

    AOL is available for these platforms:

    • Macintosh OS 9, Macintosh OS X
    • Windows 3.1
    • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME
    • Windows NT, Windows 2000
    • Windows XP
    • OS-independent

    AOL can be password protected. It does support multiple users.

    For more information about this tool, including how to purchase or use it, visit its web site:
    For AOL Members: http://parentalcontrols.aol.com
    For Everyone: http://www.aol.com/info/parentcontrol.html

    Filtered Internet/Online Service Provider

    To gain the benefits of AOL, you will need to change the company you use to connect your computer to the Internet. AOL is available in the following states: Nationwide

    Make sure that a local telephone number is available for where you live. Neither GetNetWise.org nor AOL can be responsible for long distance charges that result from calling long distance.

    AOL supports these connection types: 56K (regular modem), ISDN, DSL, and Cable.

    AOL limits which web sites and what types of content you can view. You may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With AOL,

    • You can not review the list of keywords.
    • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
    • You can not review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

    AOL restricts access to these categories of online material: pornography, gambling, hate, weapons, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco.

    AOL filters access to web pages, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to newsgroups (Usenet), and access to Peer to Peer networks.

    Time Limiting

    When AOL is installed on your computer to limit the time spent on the computer or on the Internet,

    • A warning will flash on the screen when the user's time is almost up.
    • The program will limit the total amount of time spent online.
    • You can set the program to only allow Internet access during certain periods of time.

    AOL limits Internet use of all kinds.

    Filtering

    There are many different types of filtering products. To begin with, some products are installed on your own computer at home (client-side), while others are installed on the larger computers at your Internet service provider (server-side). AOL is client-based and server-based. It is available for home use.

    AOL can control access to web pages, the movement of files in and out of your computer (FTP), access to newsgroups (Usenet), and access to Peer to Peer networks.

    Different filtering tools set up their standards of what material should or should not be filtered in different ways. With AOL,

    • The company alone will decide what material will be filtered.
    • You will not be able to choose from pre-set categories what material you want to be filtered.
    • You will be able to permanently edit the company's list of material to be filtered.
    • You will be able to completely override the company's list of material to be filtered.
    • You will not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, using the company's list as a starter.
    • You will not be able to develop your own list of material to be filtered, starting from scratch.

    You may also want to review the lists of keywords or web pages, or the criteria that the tool company uses to arrive at those lists. With AOL, you cannot review the list of keywords, the list of filtered URL's (web page addresses), nor the company's criteria for filtering a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them is perfect. AOL uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)
    • Human review of web sites
    • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear

    Some filtering tools allow you to control access in a number of different categories. AOL offers these categories: Internet Access Controls prevent kids from surfing outside the AOL service. Inside AOL, kids are blocked from pornography, gambling, hate, weapons, violence, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

    Browsers for Kids

    AOL is a kids' browser designed for ages 6-12. By definition, kids' browsers make determinations of what content is appropriate for kids.

    You may wish to review the ways in which it makes those decisions. With AOL,

    • You can not review the list of keywords.
    • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
    • You can not review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. AOL uses the following:

    • the web page address (URL)
    • Human review of web sites
    • A list of keywords combined with an analysis of the context in which they appear.

    Some kids' browsers allow you to control access in a number of different categories. AOL offers these categories: pornography, gambling, hate, weapons, violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco.

    Kids' Search Engines

    AOL is a kids' search engine designed for ages 6-12. It limits search results to sites deemed appropriate for kids. you may wish to review the ways in which such decisions are made. With AOL,

    • You can not review the list of keywords.
    • You can not review the list of blocked URL's (web page addresses).
    • You can not review the company's criteria for blocking a web page.

    There are several technologies for determining which sites should be blocked and which should be permitted. Each of them has important strengths, but none of them are perfect. AOL uses the following:

    • Human review of web sites

    AOL controls access to these categories of online material: allows only selected kid-friendly Web sites.

    Monitoring

    AOL is designed to help you keep an eye on what your computer is being used for, even when you can't be there in person. With AOL Guardian activated, you can review your children's Buddy List and the Web sites your children have visited, and see whether or not your children have been emailing or using instant messaging.

    The program will not operate without the child's knowledge.

    The program can be used alongside a filtering or blocking tool.

    The program can be set up to warn children when they attempt to access inappropriate material.

    Pre-Selected Content Service

    AOL makes only pre-approved content available. The content is selected by:

    • Computer with human oversight,
    • Tool provider personnel,
    • Proprietary content developed by tool provider,
    • Through public suggestions/discussion,
    • Specifically chosen by the end user

    It is not technically possible to leave the service's approved content area.

    Content is made available to families via normal access over the web and user's installation of client-side software.

    Users may control the pre-selected content provided by AOL by

    • adding their own URLs to pre-selected content
    • removing URLs from pre-selected content
    • submiting URLs for addition to pre-selected content
    • submiting requests for pre-existing content selections to be removed
    • creating their own list of selected content, overriding the provided list

    AOL does not rely on other commerically available products.

    July 21, 2003

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