Are Parental Controls Provided by my ISP?

Computer parental controls include browser settings, third party software such as Net Nanny, and operating system settings and programs. Internet Service providers do not usually provide additional parental control software for subscriber computers. Even if your ISP does provide parental control software, additional security precautions should be taken.

The most important parental control device is the parent. Use the following tips for parental monitoring of children:

• Place any computers used by children in a public place in the house, such as a hall way, family room, or office area. If the computer is in the child's room, require the door to be open and place the computer monitor in a location where it can be seen from the doorway.
• Create a limited access account on the computer for the child. If your child is already set as the administrative user on the computer, create a new administrator account for parental use, then change the child's account to limited access. Administrators can install programs and perform other actions that can damage or open up the computer to security issues.
• If the computer has Windows Vista, a special set of parental controls  are provided with the operating system.
• Talk to a representative at the child's school about additional security precautions that can be taken at home.
• Actively monitor the child while they are on the Internet. Set limits on what types of sites and programs are acceptable and off limits.

Software packages, such as Net Nanny or i-SAFE can provide the user with online  parental control tools. Click on the links above to learn more about these software products.

Microsoft's article on safeguarding children on the Internet

Parental Controls for Mac OS X users

Microsoft Vista's Parental Control Features Explained (microsoft.com)

www.2smrt4u.com a child/teen Internet safety website by the US Postal Inspection Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

NOTE: All of the links and software provided on this page are provided as a courtesy to our customers. We do not recommend any particular software for a particular purpose unless expressly stated. We will not provide support for these products. Support requirements are met solely by the software vendor and we assumes no responsibility for any issues that may arise through the use of any of the products listed here.