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 | |  | Enable Parental Controls
While no software program can replace parental involvement and oversight, there will be times when you can’t be there in person. That’s where parental control software comes in. These helpful programs provide easy and convenient ways to control the images, text, songs, games and video that kids are able to access online:
- If you have a new Dell PC with Windows® 7, a rich selection of parental controls comes standard on your system, which allows you to set limits on games, determine when your children can use the PC and for how long, and control which programs they can use.
- Windows Live Family Safety adds a new layer of protection beyond the Windows 7 Parental controls. It enables you to choose who your children can communicate within Windows Live Spaces, Messenger, or Hotmail*. You can also limit Internet searches, receive detailed activity reports for each child and manage your filters anywhere you are online, using a PC or mobile phone. Plus, it’s a free download from Microsoft.
- Independent software programs can help you gain additional features to fit your individual online needs.
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Keep in mind that children growing up with computers and the Internet may quickly gain computer skills that rival or surpass your own. Educating yourself about your PC can help you keep tabs on where your kids go and what they do online.
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What Types of Content Can Be Filtered?
While the types of content filtered depend on the software you use, there are several broad categories of content that many programs can catch and exclude:
- Pornography, erotica or content on sexual topics
- Violent or graphic content
- Hateful content and bigotry
- Drug use, alcohol and gambling
- Criminality, piracy or computer hacking
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Note that no filtering software is 100% foolproof. While filtering software is improving, no program can prevent access to all sites. One solution is to set up activity reports to monitor the sites your kids visit. Review sites on the activity report, and set your content filters to restrict access to specific sites you disapprove of.
Recognizing Hateful Content
Be vigilant toward hateful content. Sites that promote bigotry, racism and hatred are often cleverly described with innocuous Web addresses. Some sites are marketed as humorous but actually contribute to an online culture where cruelty and xenophobia is accepted or even celebrated.
Adult Content and Pornography
It's no big surprise that many adolescents and teenagers are curious about sexuality. This often leads kids in this age group to seek out (and in many cases, access) pornography. Talk to your teenagers about online adult content and pornography, and direct them instead to positive sites.
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